Compatibility of ω-Functionality in the Electrochemically Directed Self-Assembly of Monolayers on Gold from Alkyl Thiosulfates

Self-assembled monolayers were formed on gold electrochemically from ω-functionalized alkyl thiosulfates (Bunte salts). The resulting SAMs were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact-angle goniometry, and ellipsometry. A range of terminal functionality was examined, including CH3, perfluoroalkyl, CO2H, CO2CH3, CONH2, CH2OH, and vinyl groups. Side-reactions involving some of these functional groups were consistent with intermediates proposed in our earlier publications and begin to define the scope of this method for building chemical structures at interfaces.