Spiro‐Conjugated π–σ–π Architectures Enable Single‐Molecule Insulators via Destructive Quantum Interference

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Authors: Zhe‐Hong Yu, Chengjia Jing, Yang‐Kun Qu, Mingliang Zhang, Shi‐Jie Ge, Cheng Zhong, Ruihong Liu, Yaping Zang, Zuo‐Quan Jiang
Cited by: 2
References: 53

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