Light-induced structural transformation in self-assembled monolayer of 4-(amyloxy)cinnamic acid investigated with scanning tunneling microscopy.

UV light irradiation effect on the structural transformation in a self-assembled monolayer of 4-(amyloxy)cinnamic acid (AOCA) on Au(111) has been investigated by using electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (ECSTM), cyclic voltammetry, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. A well-defined 4-(amyloxy)cinnamic acid adlayer with a (4 x 11) symmetry was first prepared on Au(111). After UV-light irradiation onto the adlayer, a new adlayer is observed with different molecular arrangement and a symmetry of (5 x 8). On the basis of the results from high-resolution STM image and photochemical reaction, a dimerizaion of AOCA molecules in the adlayer with structural transformation is concluded. Schematic models have been proposed for the unirradiated and irradiated adlayers, respectively. The direct evidence at molecular level about photodimerization of cinnamic acid on metal substrate is presented.