Dehydrogenative Homocoupling of Alkyl Chains on Cu(110)

Abstract

Through the interplay of high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy imaging and density functional theory calculations, the stepwise dehydrogenative homocoupling of alkyl chains on Cu(110) is demonstrated, proceeding from the intact chain, via the dehydrogenative intermediates, to the formation of the divers final coupling products.

Keywords: C−H activation; dehydrogenation; density functional theory; scanning tunneling microscopy; surface chemistry.