Orientation of benzene and pyridine on ZnO(101¯0)

Abstract
High-resolution, polarization-dependent C K-edge near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectra of benzene and pyridine on ZnO(101¯0) indicate that both species are oriented by the substrate. At 180 K benzene lies flat on the surface to within 10°, while at 295 K pyridine adopts an upright geometry with the ring close to parallel to the (112¯0) plane. These geometries are similar to those found on metal surfaces.