Synthesis, characterization, and electronic transport properties of o-carborane-bridged thiophene derivatives

Here, α- or β-thiophene-substituted derivatives bridged by an o-carborane group were synthesized. Scanning tunneling microscope break junction techniques have revealed that the thiophene anchoring groups form a single-molecule junction with an Au electrode. Flicker noise analysis suggests the existence of through-space transmission pathways between the thiophene units. Furthermore, the electronic coupling of the β-thiophene substituted molecule with the electrode is found to be more stable, resulting in a 70 % increase in conductance compared to the α-isomer counterpart.These findings offer valuable insights for the design and development of o-carborane-based molecules, underscoring the significance of molecular backbones and substitution patterns on their electrical transport properties. © 2024