Synthesis of compounds presenting three and four anthracene units as potential connectors to mediate infinite lateral growth at the air/water interface.

We report the synthesis of molecular sheets based on the photochemically initiated dimerization of monomers with lateral anthracene units. The film thickness and composition were investigated by ellipsometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The mechanical stability of the film was sufficient to span it over 45x45 microm-sized holes. Several model reactions were performed to illustrate the underlying chemistry and to assist in analysis. The reported experiments are considered first steps towards the ultimate goal of the rational synthesis of laterally "infinite", one-monomer-unit-thick molecular sheets with a long-range positional order and a periodic covalent-bonding pattern. Such sheets are referred to as 2D polymers and are considered a prime goal of chemical synthesis with intriguing applications.