Self-assembled films represent a method of preparing two-dimensionally ordered structures. Synthetic methods have advanced to provide reactions suitable for film formation on metals such as gold and platinum, as well as oxidized silicon and glass.

A. Ulman, "Self-assembled monolayers of alkyltrichlorosilanes: building blocks for future organic materials," Advanced Materials, 2, 573-82, December 1990. (Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, N.Y.)

The discovery of large, discrete molecules containing only carbon set off a flurry of research. In particular, C60 (buckminsterfullerene) has been demonstrated by Birch reduction to C60H36 and subsequent dehydrogenation.

R.E. Haufler, J. Conceicao, L.P.F. Chibante, Y. Chai, et al., "Efficient production of C60 (buckminsterfullerene), C60H36, and the solvated buckide ion," Journal of Physical Chemistry, 94 (24), 8634-6, 29 November 1990. (Rice University, Houston)

We are treated to a first-hand account of the steps leading to a solution of the structure for C60, buckminsterfullerene.

R.E. Smalley, "Great balls of carbon: the story...