Two-Dimensional Supramolecular Self-Assembly of Stilbene Derivatives with Ester Groups: Molecular Symmetry and Alkoxy Substitution Effect

In this paper, four stilbene derivatives substituted with ester groups were synthesized and their two-dimensional (2D) self-assembled behaviors were investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) on the highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface. The four target molecules are different in the symmetrical properties and the length of substituted alkoxy chains which extremely influence the self-assembly of these molecules on graphite surface. As a result, we obtained four kinds of nanostructures including chiral supramolecular networks and linear lamellae, as probed at a single molecule level.