Abstract
Development of molecules for Langmuir-Blodgett films are reviewed. Typical amphiphilic molecules have long alkyl chains in the hydrophobic parts and functional moieties in the hydrophilic parts. There are two new fashions. Firstly, π-electrons and aromatic moieties are introduced in the hydrophobic part to exhibit new functions and construct highly ordered structures in the molecular assemblies. Secondly, organic metal complexes are employed in addition to the usual organic dye moieties in the hydrophilic parts.
Moreover, noncentrosymmetric structures in the LB films are designed not merely fabrication technique but also molecular polarity design.
