On-Surface Coupling Reactions with Extrinsic Catalysts

Abstract

On-surface coupling reactions have opened a novel route toward synthesizing various organic nanostructures on surfaces. In this chapter, we discuss the catalytic effects of Cu and Pd deposits in the on-surface Ullmann coupling and Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions. The stepwise reaction paths, intermediates, and activation energies are deliberated at a single molecular level using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Such studies offer mechanistic insights into the on-surface coupling reactions catalyzed by extrinsic metals.