STM observations of the first polymerization steps between hexahydroxy-tri-phenylene and benzene-di-boronic acid molecules

To understand the first polymerization steps between benzene-diboronic acid (BDBA) and hexahydroxy-triphenylene (HHTP) molecules, the peculiar self assemblies of HHTP molecules on an Ag(111) surface have been investigated in terms of substrate temperature during evaporation. Interaction of these different molecular structures with BDBA moieties has been researched. The results show that polymer tecton is based on an oligomer composed of one BDBA surrounded by two HHTPs, its shape being independent of the surrounding HHTP network. The geometry and functionality of this tecton determines the shape of the final structures obtained after covalent bonding.