Rotation-libration in a hierarchic supramolecular rotor-stator system: arrhenius activation and retardation by local interaction

Chem Commun (Camb). 2007 Apr 7:(13):1349-51. doi: 10.1039/b700909g. Epub 2007 Feb 27.

Abstract

Fourfold symmetric zinc-octaethylporphyrin (OEP) has been incorporated in the holes of the hexagonal molecular network generated by thermal dehydrogenation of 4,9-diaminoperylene-quinone-3,10-diimine (DPDI) on a Cu(111) surface and displayed hindered rotation; the reorganization between the potential minima, a rotation-libration, which is characterized by an activation energy of ED=0.17+/-0.03 eV, has been monitored in the STM tunnelling currents as a bi-state "switching".