Structure-property relationships for methyl-terminated alkyl self-assembled monolayers

► Structure-property relationships for alkyl self-assembled monolayers were developed. ► Alkylthiols on gold and alkylphosphonates on indium tin oxide were considered. ► Atomic force microscopy was used to find Young's modulus and work of adhesion. ► Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy was used to find dichroic ratio. ► Universal behavior was observed for both properties as a function of dichroic ratio.