Electrostatic Asymmetry-Assisted Polarization Enables Tertiary Amine Anchoring in Single-Molecule Junctions

Abstract

While single-molecule junction performance depends on the molecule–electrode interface, the limited range of anchoring groups restricts integration of many functional motifs. Here we show that electrostatic asymmetry enables field-induced polarization that activates tertiary amines as anchors, allowing robust junction formation and revealing the essential role of aryl substitution.