Functionalized Self‐Assembled Monolayers Containing Preformed Binding Sites

This is a review of recent work on the design, preparation, and characterization of thiolate‐on‐gold self‐assembled monolayers containing preformed binding sites. The use of these monolayer systems as molecular sensors in the vapor and solution phases is considered. General analytical properties of these systems are also covered. Recent reports by several groups are discussed, with particular emphasis on the author's own research work in the area.