1-Hexadecanethiol (HDT) readily forms self-assembled monolayer (SAMs) on gold surfaces. Phase separation characteristics of binary SAMs [made up of HDT and 3-mercaptopropionic acid] on the surface of Au(111) have been investigated. Interaction between gold surface and SAM of HDT has been investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM).

1-Hexadecanethiol (HDT) is an alkanethiol that forms a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) by linking sulfur ions with the surface atoms. The methyl groups form a network with the aqueous phase that allows the formation of hydrophobic surfaces with low surface tension.