Vibrational spectroscopy of nitroaromatic self-assembled monolayers under extreme conditions

► Raman spectrum of a self-assembled monolayer up to 8 GPa obtained using photonic sensor shows pressure blueshift. ► Raman spectra of a self-assembled monolayer obtained by ultrafast flash-heating up to 600 °C shows little redshift. ► Monolayer nitro groups broadened by pressure in monolayer but not in bulk presumably due to structural disorder. ► High pressure and high temperature spectra can be used to interpret shock compression results.