Self-assembled two-dimensional ordered arrays of tripod-type molecules on graphite

Tripod-type molecules with long alkyl chains, 1,1,1-tris(4-alkoxyphenyl)ethanes with octadecyloxy or docosyloxy chains, self-assemble into two-dimensional crystallites on drop-casting onto the surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. In the two-dimensional crystalline domain, the molecules are organized in a mortise-and-tenon motif, as revealed by scanning tunneling microscopy. The time evolution of the crystallite formation has been followed by the dynamic force mode atomic force microscopy. The tripods may be used as a basis for the extension of a two-dimensional order into three-dimensional molecular architectures.