Insertion of a functionalised single molecule magnet into preformed self-assembled monolayers

A new method to graft Mn12 magnetic clusters to surface has been investigated. Starting from the preparation of a simple monolayer of aromatic sulfur based molecules organised on gold surface, a Mn12 functionalised with similar moieties is included into the bidimensional lattice. This new derivative has been fully characterised in its bulk structural and magnetic features and grafted into two types of preformed self-assembled monolayer on gold and characterised by means of scanning tunneling microscopy. A dependence of the morphology of such adsorbates on the starting monolayer, in terms of the homogeneity of the deposit and isolation of single SMMs has been found and discussed. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.