Supermolecular Periodic Structures in Monolayers

Abstract

Supermolecular periodic structures (such as that shown in the Figure) have been obtained by preparing Langmuir–Blodgett films of amphiphilic molecules with two vicinal hydroxyl groups attached to the hydrophobic chain. The periodicity is adjustable, and the ordered region can be extended to over one hundred micrometers. The undulations are suggested to be due to structural changes in defect arrays upon compression.