On-surface stereoconvergent synthesis, dimerization and hybridization of organocopper complexes

Despite the vital role of stereoconvergent synthesis in modern chemistry, the on-surface stereoconvergent synthesis of organometallic complexes involving transformation among several stereoisomers to one specific form has been few reported. By combination of high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) imaging/manipulation and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we have displayed the stereoconvergent synthesis of organocopper complexes via the Cu-alkene interaction and further dimerization into H-shaped motifs, in which two cis-forms and one trans-form are involved, and the specific adsorption configuration of one cis-form is revealed to be the key for such a synthesis. Furthermore, the generality of the dimerization of organocopper complexes has also been verified by codeposition of two similar molecular precursors, and the hybridized K-shaped motifs (made up of two kinds of organocopper complexes) have been successfully achieved. These findings may provide atomic-scale insights into the synthesis of specific stereoisomers in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biochemistry and organometallic chemistry.