Multichannel Molecular Switch with a Surface-Confined Electroactive Radical Exhibiting Tunable Wetting Properties

A multichannel surface molecular switch based on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold of a novel polychlorotriphenylmethyl radical has been fabricated. These SAMs are electrically commutable between two stable redox states that reveal distinct magnetic, optical, and wetting properties that can be employed as read-out mechanisms. The high stability and reversibility of systems like the one reported here further supports the vision of using molecules in the electronic devices of the future.