Researchers Control Chemical Reactions One Molecule at a Time

I have no idea, but it looks cool!
Researchers at the University of California have successful used a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to manipulate a single molecule of benzenethiol, anchoring it to a metal electrode. This success has got the nanoheads (or are they nanoites?) all excited, as it suggests a stepping stone (or molecule in this case) to future nanoscale assembly of 'molectronic' devices. The experiment validates the prediction made by L.P. Hammett [PDF] in 1937, that the strength of different acids can be transferred to the activation of individual molecules on metal surfaces. Using a STM, the researchers transferred electrons to the benzenethiol molecule via electrical pulses. This modified the chemical makeup of the molecule, allowing them to bond to the metal electrode. A similar process can be used to assemble individual molecules into molecular electronics instead of relying on silicon. For more on this topic, check out:
  • Translation and rotation of a haloaromatic thiol [PDF]
  • Sulfur Atoms as Tethers for Selective Attachment of Aromatic Molecules to Silicon [PDF]
  • Monitoring Surface Chemical Reactions and Interactions on Thin Films and Ordered Interfaces
    • [PDF]
  • Molecular Electronics - Current Status and Future Prospects [PDF]
    • [Thanks for the link Darren.]

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