Selective borohydride reduction using functionalized atomic force microscopy tips

The selective borohydride reduction using functionalized atomic force microscopy (AFM) tips was performed. AFM was used to selectively reduce a monolayer of imines to their corresponding secondary amines within a well-defined region. The chloranil test was performed in which the secondary amines were reacted with acetaldehyde to form an enamine that was conjugated with chloranil to form a localized colored complex. Results from the test and surface mid-IR confirmed the completion of the reaction.