Reaction network governing diphosphine-protected gold nanocluster formation from nascent cationic platforms

• DOI: 10.1039/c2cp22865c
• Publication Date: 2012-02-16T11:03:41Z
• Authors: John M. Pettibone; Jeffrey W. Hudgens
• Keywords: Boranes; Cationic polymerization; Reducing agent

We identify the reaction network governing gold monolayer protected cluster (MPC) formation during reduction of Au(PPh3)Cl and L5 (L5 = 1,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)pentane) in solutions. UV-vis spectroscopy electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) monitored ligated Aux: 6 ≤ x 12 clusters, which comprise intermediates final products. Initially, predominantly [Au2L52]2+ complexes form through dissolution Au(PPh3)Cl. These control nucleation reactions that nascent phosphine-ligated Au8 Au10 ionic clusters. [Au10L54]2+ is an observed growth platform for Au11 Au12 The data syntheses Au : systems evidence products (t < 3 days) are less dependent on chosen reducing agent (borane tert-butylamine complex or NaBH4); instead, after ceases, subsequent solution phase processing provides greater tuning nuclearity.