Catalytic Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes over Ag33 Nanoclusters: The Ligand Effect

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c02170
• Publication Date: 2023-10-17T13:22:16Z
• Authors: Jianglu Yuan; Xiaofei Huang; Weihua Zhang; Mengting Zhou; Guangfang Li; Fan Tian; Rong Chen
• Keywords: Nanoclusters

Using ligand-protected metallic nanoclusters with atomic precision as catalysts and elucidating its ligand effect in the catalysis are prerequisites to deepen structure-catalysis relationship of at molecular level. Herein, a series Ag33 protected different thiolate ligands (2-phenylethanethiol, 4-chlorobenzyl mercaptan, 4-methoxybenzyl mercaptan precursors) were synthesized used heterogeneous for conversion nitroarenes arylamine NaBH4 reductant. The obtained exhibited ligand-dependent catalytic activity, benzyl distinctly superior phenethyl ligands. DFT calculations revealed that regulated activity was ascribed H-π π-π interactions between substrates, owing presence phenyl rings these structures. This work highlighted importance on provides strategy regulate by utilizing weak substrates.