The adsorption of complex molecules on surfaces has recently been the subject of intensive investigation, both because of the molecules intrinsic properties, and for prospective applications (e.g. molecular electronics, nanosensors) [1,2]. In general, molecular ordering on surfaces is controlled by a delicate balance between intermolecular forces and molecule substrate interactions. Under suitable conditions, these interactions can be tuned by appropriate choice of substrate material and symmetry. Several studies have indicated that, upon molecular adsorption, surfaces do not behave as static templates, but may rearrange dramatically to accommodate different molecular species [3,4]. By means of high resolution, fast scanning scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) we recently gained unprecedented new insight into a number of fundamental processes such as molecular diffusion [5], bonding of adsorbates on surfaces and molecular self assembly [5,6]. In addition to the normal imaging mode, the STM tip can also be employed to manipulate single atoms and molecules in a bottom up fashion, collectively or one at a time. In this way, molecule induced surface restructuring processes can be revealed directly and nanostructures can be engineered with atomic precision to study surface quantum phenomena of fundamental interest. Here I will present a short review of recent work, in which several features of the complex interaction between large organic molecules and metal surfaces were revealed. The focus is on experiments performed using STM and other complementary surface sensitive techniques.

1. F. Rosei et al., Prog. Surf. Sci. 71, 95 (2003).
2. F. Rosei, R. Rosei, Surf. Science 500, 395 (2002)
3. F. Rosei et al., Science 296, 328 (2002).
4. R. Otero, F. Rosei et al., Nanoletters 4, 75 (2004).
5. M. Schunack, T. R. Linderoth, F. Rosei et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 156102 (2002).
6. R. Otero, Y. Naitoh, F. Rosei et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 43, 2092 (2004).

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