Interfacial chemistry: Gold's enigmatic surface

Publication information:

Madix R, Friend C. Interfacial chemistry: Gold’s enigmatic surface. Nature. 2011;479:482–483.

Abstract

Gold is not as inert as was believed—it can promote molecular synthesis. A study uses scanning tunnelling microscopy to catch gold in the act as it guides the formation of one- dimensional polymers from saturated hydrocarbons.