The creation and characterization of metal isocyanide oligomers tethered to conductive surfaces

The fundamental goal of this research was to test the hypothesis that single molecules are capable of conducting charge and/or transferring information via charge polarization over relatively long distances---that is---behave as molecular wires. The creation of molecular wires holds the promise of revolutionizing electronics and information technology.;The approach to this research was intended to be systematic, beginning with the study of oligomers which are postulated to be the best candidates for such a study: [(CNArNC)W(diphos)2(CNArNC)]n, Ar = C6H4. These oligomers contain electron-rich metal centers bridged with diisocyano aromatic ligands, creating a pi-network along the entire oligomer chain. Furthermore, they are surrounded with insulating organophosphine ligands, which protect them from ambient oxygen and intermolecular charge transfer. This research is based on the working hypothesis that these oligomers have the necessary components to behave as molecular-level conductors. The work described in this dissertation will report substantial progress toward a complete test of this hypothesis.;Prior to conductivity studies, it is essential to know the exact nature of these potential molecular conductors on conductive surfaces, including analytical proof that the species we have designed actually exists. In order to do this, ATR/FTIR spectroscopy as well as computational chemistry was used to design and elucidate the structure of these molecules on a conducting thin-film metal surface. The bridging diisocyano ligands have a very characteristic stretching frequency in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. They also give distinct stretching frequencies when bound to metal surfaces or organometallic complexes. This sensitivity was exploited to determine the nature of the oligomer to be tested for conductivity. The research described in this dissertation is centered on the creation/manufacture and characterization of these potential molecular wires.