New organic ligands applicable to the design of nanotechnological devices

Abstract

Molecular spintronic devices (MSDs) not only work by controlling electrical charge (as conventional electronic devices do), but also by controlling spins, which is another intrinsic property of electrons. In this way, novel functions in magnetic sensing and information storage can be achieved. The magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) design is characteristic of the so-called multilayer edge molecular electronic devices (MEMEDs), which are a type of MSD. This design is based on passing electrons through two ferromagnetic electrodes separated by a thin insulating layer, closing the electronic circuit with a molecular ligand that is connected at each end to each electrode. In this work, we study the synthesis of new candidate molecules to perform this function in MSDs. Our goal is a symmetric molecule with an imino-phenolic centre and a chain at each end with an electron donor group as a terminal functional group. It can be synthesized from simple commercially available reagents such as aliphatic and aromatic diols or bromoalcohols, following a variety of routes. Although the final synthetic target has not been achieved in the present work, it has been possible to reach advanced intermediates in the synthetic pathway, and it is hoped to be able to complete it in the near future.