Ultrathin ordered organic films with a thickness of a few nanometers to about a tenth of a micrometer show considerable technological potential as a novel class of materials. Of particular interest are their tailor-made electrical and optical properties which are related to their anisotropic molecular structure which itself can be controlled on a molecular scale. A critical review is given of the different aspects of the potential technological applications of ultrathin organic films. Some underlying chemical concepts and the basic problems to be solved in synthesis and preparation prior to application are discussed.