In-plane enyne metathesis and subsequent Diels-Alder reactions on self-assembled monolayers

Abstract

We report in-plane enyne metathesis and subsequent Diels-Alder reactions on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) terminating in vinyl and acetylenyl groups on gold. After the formation of SAMs of vinyl and acetylenyl group-containing dithiols on gold, in-plane enyne metathesis of the vinyl and acetylenyl groups, leading to the formation of 1,3-diene, was achieved on the SAMs, and Diels-Alder reactions were then successfully performed with tetracyanoethylene, maleic anhydride, and maleimide. The reactions were confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry. In-plane enyne metathesis developed herein would offer a versatile platform for the functionalization of surfaces with mild reaction conditions and a high compatibility in functional groups.