The lecture focuses on the state-of-the-art, preparation, formation, characterization, structure and application of SAMs (= Self-Assembled Monolayers, = surfaces consisting of a single layer of molecules on a substrate) formed from alkane- and arene-functionalized thiols as well as organometallic/metal-organic thiols mainly on gold surfaces. It emphasizes on advantages made in this area over the past 10 years.

Generally, each of the molecules forming an SAM consisting of a headgroup, which attaches to the substrate, a tail group, which defines the identity of the interface between the SAM and the surrounding environment, and a chain-like spacer, which connects these two groups and drives the self-assembly. Within this general architecture, different moieties can be combined. A representative SAM consisting of redox-active organometallic terminal groups is shown above.