Aldol condensation is an important reaction in polymer synthesis, but due to the lack of reliable analytical methods, direct evidence of the polymer microstructure and sequence has remained elusive. Here, the authors combine electrospray deposition and scanning tunnelling microscopy to image four n-type polymers at sub-monomer resolution, revealing and quantifying unexpected structural defects intrinsic to the aldol condensation process.
- Xiaocui Wu
- Stefania Moro
- Giovanni Costantini
