Spiro‐Conjugated π–σ–π Architectures Enable Single‐Molecule Insulators via Destructive Quantum Interference
Abstract
Controlling molecular conductance beyond highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) interference is essential for advancing single-molecule electronics. Here we employ π-σ-π frameworks-linear diphenylmethane and orthogonal 9,9'-spirobifluorene-to investigate destructive quantum interference (DQI) governed by orbitals on the same side. Four model molecules (DM22-MT, DM44-MT, SF33-MT, SF44-MT) were designed with site-specific -SMe anchoring groups and examined by scanning tunneling microscope-break junction (STM-BJ) measurements and theoretical simulations. All exhibit intrinsically low conductance, consistent with destructive quantum interference (DQI) effect. Importantly, site-dependent effects in spiro systems disrupt spiro-conjugation and alter anchor-electrode coupling, leading to counterintuitive conductance trends. This study provides the first experimental evidence for bilateral DQI in π-σ-π systems and establishes a molecular design strategy for insulating and functionalized single-molecule devices.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Molecular Junctions and Nanostructures
Organic Electronics and Photovoltaics
Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Angewandte Chemie International Edition
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 65
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- e23778–e23778
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN