Comparison of molecular conductance between planar and twisted 4-phenylpyridines by means of two-dimensional phase separation of tetraphenylporphyrin templates at a liquid-HOPG interface.

Tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) rhodium chlorides coordinated by planar and twisted 4-phenylpyridine derivatives were synthesized. An STM image was taken by a 2-D phase separation technique and the conductance was evaluated. Difference in apparent height between these phenylpyridines reflects the conductance ratio of ligands.