On-Surface Synthesis of Anthracene-Fused Zigzag Graphene Nanoribbons from 2,7-Dibromo-9,9′-bianthryl Reveals Unexpected Ring Rearrangements

On-surface synthesis has emerged as a powerful strategy to fabricate unprecedented forms of atomically precise graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). However, the on-surface synthesis of zigzag GNRs (ZGNR) has met with only limited success. Herein, we report the synthesis and on-surface reactions of 2,7-dibromo-9,9′-bianthryl as the precursor toward π-extended ZGNRs. Characterization by scanning tunneling microscopy and high-resolution noncontact atomic force microscopy clearly demonstrated the formation of anthracene-fused ZGNRs. Unique skeletal rearrangements were also observed, which could be explained by intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition. Theoretical calculations of the electronic properties of the anthracene-fused ZGNRs revealed spin-polarized edge-states and a narrow bandgap of 0.20 eV.