Molecular superlattices induced by alkyl substitutions in self-assembled triphenylene monolayers.

The configuration of the superlattices, formed from liquid-crystalline molecules on a graphite surface, are controllable through their alkyl substituents. This control may be attributed to the interplay of molecular steric interaction and the 2 D crystallization of alkyl chains. Two such lattices, as observed by STM, are shown in the accompanying graphic (C12- and (inset) C14-substituted molecules).