Noncovalent Immobilization of C₆₀ on Gold Surfaces by SAMs of Cyclotriveratrylene Derivatives

Abstract

Two cyclotriveratrylene (CTV) derivatives, one containing a thioctic ester (1) and the other with thioether groups (2), were synthesized. UV−vis titration of C60 with these two CTV derivatives confirmed the host−guest interaction between C60 and the CTV derivatives. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 1 and 2 were formed on gold surfaces and were characterized by CV blocking experiments, impedance spectroscopy, and electrochemical reductive desorption. Noncovalent immobilization of C60 on gold surfaces was obtained with SAMs of the two CTV derivatives. SAMs of 1 can bind C60 after they are formed or during formation. However, SAMs of 2 can only incorporate C60 if they are formed from a solution containing both 2 and C60.