On the Formation of Ordered Two-Dimensional Molecular Assemblies

The concept of commensurability of intraassembly planes is developed and its importance in the formation of stable two-dimensional molecular assemblies is discussed. It is argued that it is not enough to examine the matching of cross-sectional areas of different molecular parts (S_m). Thus, it is important to consider the crystallographic mismatch of intraassembly atomic planes when designing molecular materials based on Langmuir-Blodgett or self-assembled monolayers. Finally, it is argued that even with S_m match and a given epitaxy, we still have the bond between these molecular parts to worry about.