Self-Assembled Monolayers Based on Pd-Containing Organometallic Thiols: Preparation and Structural Characterization

Multilayers and self-assembled monolayers of on-purpose-prepared organometallic thiolates, trans-[Pd(PBu3)2(SCOCH3)2], trans-[(C6H5CC)Pd(PBu3)2(SCOCH3)], and trans,trans-[(CH3COS)Pd(PBu3)2(CC−C6H4−C6H4−CC)(PBu3)2Pd(SCOCH3)] were deposited onto gold surfaces. High-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure measurements allowed us to assess the anchoring of the organometallic thiols onto gold substrates; the interaction occurring at the interface; and their molecular orientation on the surface with tilt angles of about 30°−40°, depending on the investigated molecule. The molecule packing density/coverage was also assessed.