Amine-terminated monolayers are unique in that they are able to produce a surface with a net positive charge. This allows one to study the effects of surface charge on molecular interactions using a well controlled substrate. (S. Chen et. al. Langmuir, 2003, 19, 2859) Amine-terminated monolayers can also be derivatized with various compounds including activated carboxylic acids and isothiocyanates allowing them to be used as starting substrates for further surface modification. In order to avoid multilayer formation, a slightly different procedure from standard self-assembly conditions has to be used when preparing SAMs of amine-terminated alkanethiols.

For monolayer formation, please consult the alternative self-assembly procedure.