Toward Two-Dimensional Supramolecular Control of Hydrogen-Bonded Arrays:  The Case of Isophthalic Acids

The two-dimensional pattern formation of hydrogen bonding isophthalic acid derivatives at the liquid/solid interface has been investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy. By varying the location and nature of alkyl substituents on the aromatic core in combination with the intrinsic hydrogen bonding properties of the isophthalic acid units, the two-dimensional supramolecular ordering has been controlled, leading to several different motifs.