Direct measurement and modulation of single-molecule coordinative bonding forces in a transition metal complex
Journal article, 2013
Coordination chemistry has been a consistently active branch of chemistry since Werner’s seminal theory of coordination compounds inaugurated in 1893, with the central focus on transition metal complexes. However, control and measurement of metal–ligand interactions at the single-molecule level remain a daunting challenge. Here we demonstrate an interdisciplinary and systematic approach that enables measurement and modulation of the coordinative bonding forces in a transition metal complex. Terpyridine is derived with a thiol linker, facilitating covalent attachment of this ligand on both gold substrate surfaces and gold-coated atomic force microscopy tips. The coordination and bond breaking between terpyridine and osmium are followed in situ by electrochemically controlled atomic force microscopy at the single-molecule level. The redox state of the central metal atom is found to have a significant impact on the metal–ligand interactions. The present approach represents a major advancement in unravelling the nature of metal–ligand interactions and could have broad implications in coordination chemistry.
Author
Xian Hao
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Nan Zhu
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Tina Gschneidtner
Chalmers, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Polymer Technology
Elvar Ö. Jönsson
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Jingdong Zhang
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Kasper Moth-Poulsen
Chalmers, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Polymer Technology
Hongda Wang
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Kristian S. Thygesen
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
K. W. Jacobsen
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Jens Ulstrup
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Qijin Chi
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Nature Communications
2041-1723 (ISSN) 20411723 (eISSN)
Vol. 4 2121Subject Categories
Inorganic Chemistry
Nano Technology
DOI
10.1038/ncomms3121