A SERS study of self-assembled (4-methylmercapto)benzaldehyde thin films

A Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) study on self-assembled mercapto-aldehyde derivative—4-(methylmercapto)benzaldehyde (SBZA)—is reported. This molecule was adsorbed onto silver surface, previously roughened to give SERS effect. The spectroscopic characterization of the adsorbed layer has shown a complete chemisorption of each molecule along with the presence of free aldehydic functionality. It is a group able to interact in several different reactions. In this connection, we have also discussed a condensation reaction between the aldehyde group of SBZA, adsorbed onto silver, with pyrrole. These dipyrroil derivatives immobilized in thin films have been recently found to be active coatings in chemical recognition of alcohol vapours.