Ultrathin organic layers on silicon surfaces

Ultrathin organic layers of organic molecules can be produced on the Silico n(001) surface using surface analogs of well-known cycloaddition reactions from organic chemistry. Molecules containing one or more unsaturated C=C ca n readily bond to the surface at room temperature. Since these reactions fo rm two bonds between the molecule and the surface, the attached molecules a re also oriented. More complex molecules containing conjugated pi-electron systems such as styrene can also be bonded to the surface with high selecti vity for specific bonds. This manuscript reviews recent progress in forming ultrathin organic layers on silicon, and the current understand of the rel evant reaction mechanisms.