Association and differences between on-surface chemistry and solution chemistry

Abstract

As an emerging discipline in the intersection of chemistry and physics, on-surface chemistry has been at the forefront of surface science since its inception. On-surface chemistry has obvious differences from classical solution chemistry although they are closely related. Many reactions in solution become applicable in on-surface reactions under ultra-high vacuum conditions without the involvement of solvents. Furthermore, with the aid of surface confinement effects, a series of highly accurate, highly selective chemical reactions that are difficult to achieve in traditional solution reactions can be accomplished, which shows attractive potential for functional macromolecule design, synthetic chemistry, and new material fabrication. In this review, we present some representative on-surface reactions. By comparing the differences in reaction paths and products with traditional solution reactions, the characteristics of on-surface chemistry are epitomized. In addtion, we make a brief outlook for the opportunities and challenges of this novel synthetic tool facing in the future.