Ultrathin organic layers on silicon surfaces

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