Surface Coordination of Multiple Ligands Endows N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Stabilized Gold Nanoclusters with High Robustness and Surface Reactivity

• DOI: 10.1002/anie.202013718
• Publication Date: 2020-10-26T16:47:39Z
• Authors: Hui Shen; Zhen Xu; Maryam Sabooni As...; Qingyuan Wu; Jian Peng; Ruixuan Qin; Sami Malola; Boon K. Teo; Hannu Häkkinen; Nanfeng Zheng
• Keywords: Nanoclusters; Reactivity; Surface Modification

Abstract Deciphering the molecular pictures of multi‐component and non‐periodic organic‐inorganic interlayer is a grand technical challenge. Here we show that atomic arrangement hybrid surface ligands on metal nanoparticles can be precisely quantified through comprehensive characterization novel gold cluster, Au 44 ( i Pr 2 ‐bimy) 9 (PA) 6 Br 8 1 ), which features three types ligands, namely, carbene (1,3‐diisopropylbenzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene, ‐bimy), alkynyl (phenylacetylide, PA), halide (Br), respectively. The delicately balanced stereochemical effects bonding capabilities give rise to peculiar geometrical electronic structures. Remarkably, despite its complex highly distorted structure, cluster exhibits unusual catalytic properties yet it stable, both chemically thermally. Moreover, rich reactive sites raise prospect bio‐compatibility (as functionalized yield water‐soluble derivatives) bio‐applications.