The Structure and Optical Properties of the [Au18(SR)14] Nanocluster

Decreasing the core size is one of the best ways to study the evolution from Au^I complexes into Au nanoclusters. Toward this goal, we successfully synthesized the [Au₁₈(SC₆H₁₁)₁₄] nanocluster using the [Au₁₈(SG)₁₄] (SG=L ‐glutathione) nanocluster as the starting material to react with cyclohexylthiol, and determined the X‐ray structure of the cyclohexylthiol‐protected [Au₁₈(C₆H₁₁S)₁₄] nanocluster. The [Au₁₈(SR)₁₄] cluster has a Au₉ bi‐octahedral kernel (or inner core). This Au₉ inner core is built by two octahedral Au₆ cores sharing one triangular face. One transitional gold atom is found in the Au₉ core, which can also be considered as part of the Au₄(SR)₅ staple motif. These findings offer new insight in terms of understanding the evolution from [Au^I(SR)] complexes into Au nanoclusters.     

Exposing the Delocalized Cu−S π Bonds on the Au24Cu6(SPhtBu)22 Nanocluster and Its Application in Ring‐Opening Reactions

Bimetallic nanomaterials are of major importance in catalysis. A Au‐Cu bimetallic nanocluster was synthesized that is effective in catalyzing the epoxide ring‐opening reaction. The catalyst was analyzed by SCXRD and ESI‐MS and found to be Au₂₄Cu₆(SPhtBu)₂₂ (Au₂₄Cu₆ for short). Six copper atoms exclusively occupy the surface positions in two groups with three atoms for each, and each group was bonded with three thiolate ligands to give a planar motif reminiscent of a benzene ring. In the epoxide‐ring opening reaction, Au₂₄Cu₆ exhibited superior catalytic activity compared to other homometallic and Au‐Cu alloy NCs, such as Au₂₅ and Au_38?xCu_x. Control experiments and DFT calculations revealed that the π conjugation among the Cu?S bonds played a pivotal role. This study demonstrates a unique π conjugation established among the Cu?S bonds as a critical structural motif in the nanocluster, which facilitates the catalysis of a ring‐opening reaction.     

Revealing the composition-dependent structural evolution fundamentals of bimetallic nanoparticles through an inter-particle alloying reaction

Alloy nanoparticles represent one of the most important metal materials, finding increasing applications in diverse fields of catalysis, biomedicine, and nano-optics. However, the structural evolution of bimetallic nanoparticles in their full composition spectrum has been rarely explored at the molecular and atomic levels, imparting inherent difficulties to establish a reliable structure–property relationship in practical applications. Here, through an inter-particle reaction between [Au₄₄(SR)₂₆]²⁻ and [Ag₄₄(SR)₃₀]⁴⁻ nanoparticles or nanoclusters (NCs), which possess the same number of metal atoms, but different atomic packing structures, we reveal the composition-dependent structural evolution of alloy NCs in the alloying process at the molecular and atomic levels. In particular, an inter-cluster reaction can produce three sets of Au_xAg_44−x NCs in a wide composition range, and the structure of Au_xAg_44−x NCs evolves from Ag-rich [Au_xAg_44−x(SR)₃₀]⁴⁻ (x = 1–12), to evenly mixed [Au_xAg_44−x(SR)₂₇]³⁻ (x = 19–24), and finally to Au-rich [Au_xAg_44−x(SR)₂₆]²⁻ (x = 40–43) NCs, with the increase of the Au/Ag atomic ratio in the NC composition. In addition, leveraging on real-time electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), we reveal the different inter-cluster reaction mechanisms for the alloying process in the sub-3-nm regime, including partial decomposition–reconstruction and metal exchange reactions. The molecular-level inter-cluster reaction demonstrated in this study provides a fine chemistry to customize the composition and structure of bimetallic NCs in their full alloy composition spectrum, which will greatly increase the acceptance of bimetallic NCs in both basic and applied research.

An inter-particle reaction between atomically precise [Au₄₄(SR)₂₆]²⁻ (SR = thiolate) and [Ag₄₄(SR)₃₀]⁴⁻ nanoparticles reveals the composition-dependent structural evolution of alloy Au_xAg_44−x nanoparticles at the atomic level.     

Coherent Vibrational Dynamics of [Au25(SR)18]- Nanoclusters?

Coherent vibrational dynamics can be observed in atomically precise gold nanoclusters using femtosecond time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy. It can not only reveal the coupling between electrons and vibrations, but also reflect the mechanical and electronic properties of metal nanoclusters, which holds potential applications in biological sensing and mass detection. Here, we investigated the coherent vibrational dynamics of [Au₂₅(SR)₁₈]^- nanoclusters by ultrafast spectroscopy and revealed the origins of these coherent vibrations by analyzing their frequency, phase and probe wavelength distributions. Strong coherent oscillations with frequency of 40 cm^-1 and 80 cm^-1 can be reproduced in the excited state dynamics of [Au₂₅(SR)₁₈]^-, which should originate from acoustic vibrations of the Au₁₃ metal core. Phase analysis on the oscillations indicates that the 80 cm^-1 mode should arise from the frequency modulation of the electronic states while the 40 cm^-1 mode should originate from the amplitude modulation of the dynamic spectrum. Moreover, it is found that the vibration frequencies of [Au₂₅(SR)₁₈]^- obtained in pump-probe measurements are independent of the surface ligands so that they are intrinsic properties of the metal core. These results are of great value to understand the electron-vibration coupling of metal nanoclusters.     

Lanthanide(II) Complexes of the Dihydrotriazinido Ligand [N{C(Ph)=N}2C(tBu)Ph]−

The potassium dihydrotriazinide K(L^Ph,tBu) ( 1 ) was obtained by a metal exchange route from [Li(L^Ph,tBu)(THF)₃] and KOtBu (L^Ph,tBu = [N{C(Ph)=N}₂C(tBu)Ph]). Reaction of 1 with 1 or 0.5 equivalents of SmI₂(thf)₂ yielded the monosubstituted Sm^II complex [Sm(L^Ph,tBu)I(THF)₄] ( 2 ) or the disubstituted [Sm(L^Ph,tBu)₂(THF)₂] ( 3 ), respectively. Attempted synthesis of a heteroleptic Sm^II amido‐alkyl complex by the reaction of 2 with KCH₂Ph produced compound 3 due to ligand redistribution. The Yb^II bis(dihydrotriazinide) [Yb(L^Ph,tBu)₂(THF)₂] ( 4 ) was isolated from the 1:1 reaction of YbI₂(THF)₂ and 1 . Molecular structures of the crystalline compounds 2 , 3· 2C₆H₆ and 4· PhMe were determined by X‐ray crystallography.     

Coherent vibrational dynamics of Au144(SR)60 nanoclusters

The coherent vibrational dynamics of gold nanoclusters (NCs) provides important information on the coupling between vibrations and electrons as well as their mechanical properties, which is critical for understanding the evolution from a metallic state to a molecular state with diminishing size. Coherent vibrations have been widely explored in small-sized atomically precise gold NCs, while it remains a challenge to observe them in large-sized gold NCs. In this work, we report the coherent vibrational dynamics of atomically precise Au₁₄₄(SR)₆₀ NCs via temperature-dependent femtosecond transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy. The population dynamics of Au₁₄₄(SR)₆₀ consists of three relaxation processes: internal conversion, core–shell charge transfer and relaxation to the ground state. After removing the population dynamics from the TA kinetics, fast Fourier transform analysis on the residual oscillation reveals distinct vibrational modes at 1.5 THz (50 cm⁻¹) and 2 THz (67 cm⁻¹), which arise from the wavepacket motions along the ground-state and excited-state potential energy surfaces (PES), respectively. These results are helpful for understanding the physical properties of gold nanostructures with a threshold size that lies in between those of molecular-like NCs and metallic-state nanoparticles.

The coherent vibrational dynamics of Au₁₄₄(SR)₆₀ nanoclusters was revealed by temperature-dependent ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. Both excited-state and ground-state wavepacket motions contribute to the vibrational coherence.     

Neue Phosphor-verbrückte Übergangsmetall-Komplexe Die Kristallstrukturen von [Co4(CO)10(PiPr)2], [Fe3(CO)9(PtBu)(PPh)], [Cp3Fe3(CO)2(PPtBu)(PtBu)], [(NiPPh3)2(PiPr)6], [(NiPPh3)Ni{(PtBu)3}2] und [Ni8(PtBu)6(PPh3)2]

New Phosphorus-bridged Transition Metal Complexes The Crystal Structures of [Co₄(CO)₁₀(PⁱPr)₂], [Fe₃(CO)₉(P^tBu)(PPh)], [Cp₃Fe₃(CO)₂(PP^tBu)· (P^tBu)], [(NiPPh₃)₂(PⁱPr)₆], [(NiPPh₃)Ni{(P^tBu)₃}₂], and [Ni₈(P^tBu)₆(PPh₃)₂] By the reaction of cyclophosphines with transition metal carbonyl-derivatives polynuclear complexes are built, in which the PR-ligands (R = organic group) are bonded in different ways to the metal. Depending on the reaction conditions the following compounds can be characterized: [Co₄(CO)₁₀ · (PⁱPr)₂] ( 2 ), [Fe₃(CO)₉(P^tBu)(PPh)] ( 3 ), [Cp₃Fe₃(CO)₂(PP^tBu) · (P^tBu)] ( 4 ), [(NiPPh₃)₂(PⁱPr)₆] ( 5 ), [(NiPPh₃)Ni{(P^tBu)₃}₂] ( 6 ) and [Ni₈(P^tBu)₆(PPh₃)₂] ( 7 ). The structures of 2–7 were obtained by X-ray single crystal structure analysis ( 2 : space group Pccn (No. 56), Z = 4, a = 1001,4(2) pm, b = 1375,1(3) pm, c = 1675,5(3) pm; 3 : space group P2₁ (No. 4), Z = 2, a = 914,3(4) pm, b = 1268,7(4) pm, c = 1028,2(5) pm, β = 101,73(2)°; 4 : space group P1 (No. 2), Z = 2, a = 946,0(5) pm, b = 1074,4(8) pm, c = 1477,7(1,0) pm, α = 107,63(5)°, β = 94,66(5)°, γ = 111,04(5)°; 5 : space group P1 (No. 2), Z = 2, a = 1213,6(2) pm, b = 1275,0(2) pm, c = 2038,8(4) pm, α = 92,810(10)°, β = 102,75(2)°, γ = 93,380(10)°; 6 : space group P1 (No. 2), Z = 2, a = 1157,5(5) pm, b = 1371,9(6) pm, c = 1827,6(10) pm; α = 69,68(3)°, β = 80,79(3)°, γ = 69,36(3)°; 7 : space group P3 (No. 147), Z = 1, a = 1114,1(2) pm, b = 1114,1(2) pm, c = 1709,4(3) pm).     

[N(PPh3)2]2[{Au3Ag2(C2Ph)6} {Au3Cu2(Cu2Ph)6}]: Co-crystallized pentanuclear bimetallic gold-silver and gold-copper clusters

The X-ray structural study of the reaction product of equimolar amounts of [Au₃Cu₂(C₂Ph)₆]. [{Au(C₂Ph)} _n ], and [Ag(C₂Ph)} _n ] revealed two bimetallic anionic [N(PPh₃)₂] + [Au₃Ag₂(C₂Ph)₆]^– and [N(PPh₃)₂]⁺[Au₃Cu₂ (C₂ Pg)₆] — clusters co-crystallized in one asymmetric unit. Each cluster has trigonal bipyramidal geometry with three gold atoms occupying equatorial planes and two silver or copper atoms in the apical positions. Our earlier conclusion based upon spectroscopic characterization describing the product of be above reaction as trimetallic cluster containing three coinage-metals with an overall composition [Au₃CuAg(C₂Ph)₆]^–, was erroneous.Presented at the 210th ACS Meeting, August 19–24, 1995, Chicago, Illinois.     

Gold clusters: synthesis and characterization of [Au8(PPh3)7(CNR)]2+, [Au9(PPh36(CNR2]3+ and [Au11(PPH37(CNR)2O]2+ and their reactivity towards amines. The crystal structure of [Au11(PPh3)7(CN-i-Pr)2I](PF6)2

In the reactions of [Au₈(PPh₃)₇]²⁺, [Au₈(PPh₃)₈]²⁺ and [Au₉(PPh₃)₈]³⁺ with RNC (R = isopropyl and t-butyl) in dichloromethane [Au₈(PPh₃)₇CNR]²⁺ is initially, and is then converted into [Au₉(PPh₃)₆(CNR)₂]³⁺ via various intermediates. [Au₉(PPh₃)₆(CNR)₂]³⁺ reacts with I⁻ at low temperature (−78°C) in methanol to yield [Au₁₁(PPh₃)₇(CNR)₂I]²⁺, but when the reaction is carried out at room temperature Au₁₁ (PPh₃)₆(CNR)I₃ is formed. The cluster compounds have been characterised by elemental analysis, ³¹P{¹H} NMR, conductivity measurements, IR and ¹⁹⁷Au Mössbauer spectroscopy. The reactions of the clusters with amines to form carbene clusters are very slow, and the reasons for this are considered.The structure of [Au₁₁C₁₃₄H₁₁₂IN₂P₇](PF₆ was determined by X-ray diffraction. M_r = 3796.39 cubic, space group 143_d, a 37.955(12) Å, V 54677.2 ų, Z = 16, D_c = 2.21 Mg m⁻³, Mo-K_α radiation (graphite crystal monochromator, λ 0.71069 Å), μ(Mo-K_α) 125.2 cm⁻¹, F(000) = 33510.3, T 293 K. Final conventional R-factor = 0.048, R_w = 0.062 ofr 1867 unique reflections and 198 variables. The Au-skeleton is the same as in Au₁₁(PPh₃)₈I₃ having C_3v symmetry with one central and 10 peripheral Au atoms.     

Neue Phosphor-verbrückte Übergangsmetallcarbonyl-Komplexe Die Kristallstrukturen von [Re2(CO)7(PtBu)3], [Co4(CO)10(PtBu)2], [Ir4(CO)6(PtBu)6] und [Ni4(CO)10(PiPr)6]

New Phosphorus-bridged Transition Metal Carbonyl Complexes. The Crystal Structures of [Re₂(CO)₇(P^tBu)₃], [Co₄(CO)₁₀(P^tBu)₂], [Ir₄(CO)₆(P^tBu)₆], and [Ni₄(CO)₁₀(PⁱPr)₆], (P^tBu)₃ reacts with [Mn₂(CO)₁₀], [Re₂(CO)₁₀], [Co₂(CO)₈] and [Ir₄(CO)₁₂] to form the multinuclear complexes [M₂(CO)₇(P^tBu)₃] (M = Re ( 1 ), Mn ( 5 )), [Co₄(CO)₁₀(P^tBu)₂] ( 2 ) and [Ir₄(CO)₆(P^tBu)₆] ( 3 ). The reaction of (PⁱPr)₃ with [Ni(CO)₄] leads to the tetranuclear cluster [Ni₄(CO)₁₀(PⁱPr)₆] ( 4 ). The complex structures were obtained by X-ray single crystal structure analysis: ( 1 : space group P1 (Nr. 2), Z = 2, a = 917.8(3) pm, b = 926.4(3) pm, c = 1 705.6(7) pm, α = 79.75(3)°, β = 85.21(3)°, γ = 66.33(2)°; 2 : space group C2/c (Nr. 15), Z = 4, a = 1 347.7(6) pm, b = 1 032.0(3) pm, c = 1 935.6(8) pm, β = 105.67(2)°; 3 : space group P1 (Nr. 2), Z = 4, a = 1 096.7(4)pm, b = 1 889.8(10)pm, c = 2 485.1(12) pm, α = 75.79(3)°, β = 84.29(3)°, γ = 74.96(3)°; 4 : space group P2₁/c (Nr. 14), Z = 4, a = 2 002.8(5) pm, b = 1 137.2(8) pm, c = 1 872.5(5) pm, β = 95.52(2)°).     

Site-specific doping of silver atoms into a Au25 nanocluster as directed by ligand binding preferences

For the first time site-specific doping of silver into a spherical Au₂₅ nanocluster has been achieved in [Au₁₉Ag₆(MeOPhS)₁₇(PPh₃)₆] (BF₄)₂ (Au₁₉Ag₆) through a dual-ligand coordination strategy. Single crystal X-ray structural analysis shows that the cluster has a distorted centered icosahedral Au@Au₆Ag₆ core of D₃ symmetry, in contrast to the I_h Au@Au₁₂ kernel in the well-known [Au₂₅(SR)₁₈]⁻ (R = CH₂CH₂Ph). An interesting feature is the coexistence of [Au₂(SPhOMe)₃] dimeric staples and [P–Au–SPhOMe] semi-staples in the title cluster, due to the incorporation of PPh₃. The observation of only one double-charged peak in ESI-TOF-MS confirms the ordered doping of silver atoms. Au₁₉Ag₆ is a 6e system showing a distinct absorption spectrum from [Au₂₅(SR)₁₈]⁻, that is, the HOMO–LUMO transition of Au₁₉Ag₆ is optically forbidden due to the P character of the superatomic frontier orbitals.

For the first time site-specific doping of silver into a spherical Au₂₅ nanocluster has been achieved in [Au₁₉Ag₆(MeOPhS)₁₇(PPh₃)₆] (BF₄)₂. It is a 6e system showing quite a different absorption spectrum from [Au₂₅(SR)₁₈]⁻.     

Atomically precise Au25(GSH)18 nanoclusters versus plasmonic Au nanocrystals: Evaluating charge impetus in solar water oxidation

Atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) have been deemed as an emerging class of metal nanomaterials owing to fascinating size-dependent physicochemical properties, discrete energy band structure, and quantum confinement effect, which are distinct from conventional metal nanoparticles (NPs). Nevertheless, metal NCs suffer from photoinduced self-oxidative aggregation accompanied by in-situ transformation to metal NPs, markedly reducing the photosensitization of metal NCs. Herein, maneuvering the generic instability of metal NCs, we perform the charge transport impetus comparison between atomically precise metal NCs and plasmonic metal NPs counterpart obtained from in-situ self-transformation of metal NCs in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting reaction. For conceptual demonstration, we proposed two quintessential heterostructures, which include TNTAs-Au₂₅ heterostructure fabricated by electrostatically depositing glutathione (GSH)-protected Au₂₅(GSH)₁₈ NCs on the TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TNTAs) substrate, and TNTAs-Au heterostructure constructed by triggering self-transformation of Au₂₅(GSH)₁₈ NCs to plasmonic Au NPs in TNTAs-Au₂₅ via calcination. The results indicate that photoelectrons produced over Au₂₅ NCs are superior to hot electrons of plasmonic Au NPs in stimulating the interracial charge transport toward solar water oxidation. This is mainly ascribed to the significantly accelerated carrier transport kinetics, prolonged carrier lifespan, and substantial photosensitization effect of Au₂₅ NCs compared with plasmonic Au NPs, resulting in the considerably enhanced PEC water splitting performance of TNTAs-Au₂₅ relative to plasmonic TNTAs-Au counterpart under visible light irradiation. Our work would provide important implications for rationally designing atomically precise metal NCs-based photosystems toward solar energy conversion.     

Metallat‐Ionen [Al(OR)4]— als Chelatliganden für Übergangsmetall‐Kationen

Metalat Ions [Al(OR)₄]^— as Chelating Ligands for Transition Metal Cations Waterfree CoCl₂ can be reacted with [{Li(Diglyme)}{Al(O^tBu)₄}] in THF to the complex [Li(THF)₄][{CoCl₂}{Al(O^tBu)₄}]. Addition of diglyme to the reaction mixtures gives the blue compound [Li(diglyme)₂][{CoCl₂}{Al(O^tBu)₄}] ( 1 ). According to this procedure the Fe^II complex [Li(Diglyme)₂][{FeCl₂}₂{Al(O^tBu)₄}] ( 2 ) was formed by treatment of FeCl₂ with Li[Al(O^tBu)₄]. [{Li(diglyme)}{Al(O^tBu)₄}] in THF/diglyme can be used as alkoxide transfer reagent on TiCl₄ to give the neutral complex [TiCl₂(O^tBu)₂(diglyme)] ( 3 ). The sky‐blue salt [Li(THF)₄]₂[{CoCl₂}₃{Al(OCH₂Ph)₄}₂] ( 4 ) was obtained by reaction of Li[Al(OCH₂Ph)₄] with CoCl₂ in THF. By treatment of 4 with diglyme ligand redistribution was observed giving the sky‐blue compound [Li(Diglyme)₂]₂[{CoCl₂}₃{Al(OCH₂Ph)₄}₂] ( 5 ) and the violet salt [Li(Diglyme)₂]₂[Co₂Cl₅(OCH₂Ph)] ( 6 ). A similar salt can be synthesized also directly from Li[Al(O^tBu)₄] and CoCl₂ in diglyme to give [Li(Diglyme)₂]₂[Co₂Cl₅(O^tBu)] ( 7 ). 1 — 7 were characterized by IR spectroscopy, partly by mass spectrometry and X‐ray analyses. UV‐VIS spectra were recorded from 1 and 5 . According to the X‐ray analyses the M^II ions as well as the Al^III ions are coordinated distorted tedrahedrally. In 1 , 2 , 4 und 5 the unit [Al(OR)₄]^— acts a chelating ligand as desired.     

Site Preference in Multimetallic Nanoclusters: Incorporation of Alkali Metal Ions or Copper Atoms into the Alkynyl‐Protected Body‐Centered Cubic Cluster [Au7Ag8(C≡CtBu)12]+

The synthesis, structure, substitution chemistry, and optical properties of the gold‐centered cubic monocationic cluster [Au@Ag₈@Au₆(C≡C^tBu)₁₂]⁺ are reported. The metal framework of this cluster can be described as a fragment of a body‐centered cubic (bcc) lattice with the silver and gold atoms occupying the vertices and the body center of the cube, respectively. The incorporation of alkali metal atoms gave rise to [M_nAg_8?nAu₇(C≡C^tBu)₁₂]⁺ clusters (n=1 for M=Na, K, Rb, Cs and n=2 for M=K, Rb), with the alkali metal ion(s) presumably occupying the vertex site(s), whereas the incorporation of copper atoms produced [Cu_nAg₈Au_7?n(C≡C^tBu)₁₂]⁺ clusters (n=1–6), with the Cu atom(s) presumably occupying the capping site(s). The parent cluster exhibited strong emission in the near‐IR region (λ_max=818 nm) with a quantum yield of 2 % upon excitation at λ=482 nm. Its photoluminescence was quenched upon substitution with a Na⁺ ion. DFT calculations confirmed the superatom characteristics of the title compound and the sodium‐substituted derivatives.     

Neue mehrkernige Indium–Stickstoff‐Verbindungen – Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [In4X4(NtBu)4] (X = Cl,Br, I) und [In3Br4(NtBu)(NHtBu)3]

New Polynuclear Indium Nitrogen Compounds – Synthesis and Crystal Structures of [In₄X₄(N^tBu)₄] (X = Cl, Br, I) and [In₃Br₄(N^tBu)(NH^tBu)₃] The reaction of the indium trihalides InX₃ (X = Cl, Br, I) with LiNH^tBu in THF leads to the In₄N₄‐heterocubanes [In₄X₄(N^tBu)₄] (X = Cl 1 , Br 2 , I 3 ). Additionally [In₃Br₄(N^tBu)(NH^tBu)₃] ( 4 ) was obtained as a by‐product in the synthesis of 2 . 1 – 4 have been characterized by x‐ray crystal structure analysis. 1 – 3 consist of In₄N₄ heterocubane cores with an alternating arrangement of In and N atoms. The In atoms are coordinated nearly tetrahedrally by three N‐atoms and a terminal halogen atom. 4 contains a tricyclic In₃N₄ core which can be formally derived from an In₄N₄‐heterocubane by removing one In atom.     

Cluster Build-up Reactions using Di-gold Cationic Fragments: Synthesis and Structural Characterization of [Os7(CO)19(Au2dppm)]

The reaction of the di-gold cation [Au₂(dppx)]²⁺ with the heptanuclear cluster dianion [Os₇(CO)₂₀]^2– affords the mixed metal cluster [Os₇(CO)₂₀{Au₂(dppx)}] (x=m (1), e (2), b (3)). On standing, in solution, this complex undergoes decarbonylation to give the cluster [Os₇(CO)₁₉{Au₂(dppx)}] (x=m (4), e (5), b (6)). The complexes have been characterised spectroscopically, and an X-ray structure determination of the dppm derivative shows that it contains a metal core based on an Os₇ edge-bridged bicapped tetrahedron with the two ₃-Au atoms capping adjacent triangular Os₃ faces of the central tetrahedron. In an analogous reaction, the carbido anion [Os₇(H)C(CO)₁₉]^– affords the neutral cluster [Os₇C(CO)₁₉{Au₂(dppm)}] (7) when treated with [Au₂(dppm)]²⁺ in the presence of base.     

Structure Determination of [Au18(SR)14]

Unravelling the atomic structures of small gold clusters is the key to understanding the origin of metallic bonds and the nucleation of clusters from organometallic precursors. Herein we report the X‐ray crystal structure of a charge‐neutral [Au₁₈(SC₆H₁₁)₁₄] cluster. This structure exhibits an unprecedented bi‐octahedral (or hexagonal close packing) Au₉ kernel protected by staple‐like motifs including one tetramer, one dimer, and three monomers. Until the present, the [Au₁₈(SC₆H₁₁)₁₄] cluster is the smallest crystallographically characterized gold cluster protected by thiolates and provides important insight into the structural evolution with size. Theoretical calculations indicate charge transfer from surface to kernel for the HOMO–LUMO transition.     

Unraveling the Impact of Gold(I)–Thiolate Motifs on the Aggregation‐Induced Emission of Gold Nanoclusters

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) provides an efficient strategy to synthesize highly luminescent metal nanoclusters (NCs), however, rational control of emission energy and intensity of metal NCs is still challenging. This communication reveals the impact of surface Au^I‐thiolate motifs on the AIE properties of Au NCs, by employing a series of water‐soluble glutathione (GSH)‐coordinated Au complexes and NCs as a model ([Au₁₀SR₁₀], [Au₁₅SR₁₃], [Au₁₈SR₁₄], and [Au₂₅SR₁₈]^?, SR=thiolate ligand). Spectroscopic investigations show that the emission wavelength of Au NCs is adjustable from visible to the near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) region by controlling the length of the Au^I‐SR motifs on the NC surface. Decreasing the length of Au^I‐SR motifs also changes the origin of cluster luminescence from AIE‐type phosphorescence to Au⁰‐core‐dictated fluorescence. This effect becomes more prominent when the degree of aggregation of Au NCs increases in solution.     

Atomically Tailored Gold Nanoclusters for Catalytic Application

Recent advances in the synthetic chemistry of atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) have significantly broadened the accessible sizes and structures. Such particles are well defined and have intriguing properties, thus, they are attractive for catalysis. Especially, those NCs with identical size but different core (or surface) structure provide unique opportunities that allow the specific role of the core and the surface to be mapped out without complication by the size effect. Herein, we summarize recent work with isomeric Au_n NCs protected by ligands and isostructural NCs but with different surface ligands. The highlighted work includes catalysis by spherical and rod‐shaped Au₂₅ (with different ligands), quasi‐isomeric Au₂₈(SR)₂₀ with different R groups, structural isomers of Au₃₈(SR)₂₄ (with identical R) and Au₃₈S₂(SR)₂₀ with body‐centred cubic (bcc) structure, and isostructural [Au₃₈L₂₀(PPh₃)₄]²⁺ (different L). These isomeric and/or isostructural NCs have provided valuable insights into the respective roles of the kernel, surface staples, and the type of ligands on catalysis. Future studies will lead to fundamental advances and development of tailor‐made catalysts.     

Synthese und Struktur der Phosphor-verbrückten Übergangsmetallkomplexe [Fe2(CO)6(PR)6] (R = tBu,iPr), [Fe2(CO)4(PiPr)6], [Fe2(CO)3Cl2(PtBu)5], [Co4(CO)10(PiPr)3], [Ni5(CO)10(PiPr)6] und [Ir4(C8H12)4Cl2(PPh)4]

Synthesis and Structure of the Phosphorus-bridged Transition Metal Complexes [Fe₂(CO)₆(PR)₆] (R = ^tBu, ⁱPr), [Fe₂(CO)₄(PⁱPr)₆], [Fe₂(CO)₃Cl₂(P^tBu)₅], [Co₄(CO)₁₀(PⁱPr)₃], [Ni₅(CO)₁₀(PⁱPr)₆], and [Ir₄(C₈H₁₂)₄Cl₂(PPh)₄] (P^tBu)₃ and (PⁱPr)₃ react with [Fe₂(CO)₉] to form the dinuclear complexes [Fe₂(CO)₆(PR)₆] (R = ^tBu: 1 ; ⁱPr: 2 ). 2 is also formed besides [Fe₂(CO)₄(PⁱPr)₆] ( 3 ) in the reaction of [Fe(CO)₅] with (PⁱPr)₃. When PⁱPr(P^tBu)₂ and PⁱPrCl₂ are allowed to react with [Fe₂(CO)₉] it is possible to isolate [Fe₂(CO)₃Cl₂(P^tBu)₅] ( 4 ). The reactions of (PⁱPr)₃ with [Co₂(CO)₈] and [Ni(CO)₄] lead to the tetra- and pentanuclear clusters [Co₄(CO)₁₀(PⁱPr)₃] ( 5 ), [Ni₄(CO)₁₀(PⁱPr)₆] [2] and [Ni₅(CO)₁₀(PⁱPr)₆] ( 6 ). Finally the reaction of [Ir(C₈H₁₂)Cl]₂ with K₂(PPh)₄ leads to the complex [Ir₄(C₈H₁₂)₄Cl₂(PPh)₄] ( 7 ). The structures of 1–7 were obtained by X-ray single crystal structure analysis (1: space group P2₁/c (Nr. 14), Z = 8, a = 1 758.8(16) pm, b = 3 625.6(18) pm, c = 1 202.7(7) pm, β = 90.07(3)°; 2 : space group P1 (Nr. 2), Z = 1, a = 880.0(2) pm, b = 932.3(3) pm, c = 1 073.7(2) pm, α = 79.07(2)°, β = 86.93(2)°, γ = 72.23(2)°; 3 : space group Pbca (Nr. 61), Z = 8, a = 952.6(8) pm, b = 1 787.6(12) pm, c = 3 697.2(30) pm; 4 : space group P2₁/n (Nr. 14), Z = 4, a = 968.0(4) pm, b = 3 362.5(15) pm, c = 1 051.6(3) pm, β = 109.71(2)°; 5 : space group P2₁/n (Nr. 14), Z = 4, a = 1 040.7(5) pm, b = 1 686.0(5) pm, c = 1 567.7(9) pm, β = 93.88(4)°; 6 : space group Pbca (Nr. 61), Z = 8, a = 1 904.1(8) pm, b = 1 959.9(8) pm, c = 2 309.7(9) pm. 7 : space group P1 (Nr. 2), Z = 2, a = 1 374.4(7) pm, b = 1 476.0(8) pm, c = 1 653.2(9) pm, α = 83.87(4)°, β = 88.76(4)°, γ = 88.28(4)°).