Encoding Molecular‐Wire Formation within Nanoscale Sockets

Wire straits: Three-component molecular wires were constructed in situ by first assembling a monolayer of a bifunctional arene on the electrode surfaces, such that only one end of the molecule (thiol) reacts with the electrode. Then, a second molecule was used to chemically bridge the gap between the termini of the films. Coordination chemistry in this context provides a versatile method to reversibly form molecular-scale wires (see picture). EDTA=ethylenediaminetetraacetate.