Controlling selectivity in the Ullmann reaction on Cu(111).

Using a surface science approach, the selectivity in the Ullmann cross-coupling of aryl halides on Cu(111) has been understood and controlled. The binding strength of the reactants and repulsion between them dictates which organometallic intermediates form, and hence the product distribution. Cross coupling can be maximized at low reactant concentrations.

Chiral nanoscale pores created during the surface explosion of tartaric acid on Cu(111).

The autocatalytic decomposition of tartaric acid on Cu(111) exhibits unique kinetics, which are linked to a hexagonal surface structure adopted at high coverage. The chirality imposed on the surface by tartaric acid throughout the explosion process is presented, and the hexagonal structure shows promise as a chiral template for enantiospecific surface chemistry.

Influence of step faceting on the enantiospecific decomposition of aspartic acid on chiral Cu surfaces vicinal to Cu{111}.

On surfaces vicinal to Cu{111}, l-aspartic acid (l-Asp) adsorption causes steps to facet enantiospecifically into {310}R and {320}S steps. l-Asp has its highest heat of adsortion on surfaces that naturally expose the {310}R or {320}S steps but decomposes preferentially on the {310}R steps.