Loading Lewis Acid/Base Pair on Metal Nanocluster for Catalytic Ugi Reaction.

Constructing structurally robust and catalytically active metal nanoclusters for catalyzing multi-component reactions is an interesting while challenging task. Inspired by Lewis acid and Lewis base catalysis, we realized the combination of both Lewis acid and Lewis base sites on the surface of a stable gold nanocluster AuCd. The catalytic potential of AuCd in four-component Ugi reaction was explored, demonstrating high activity and exceptional recyclability.

Photochemical synthesis of group 10 metal nanoclusters for electrocatalysis.

Four group 10 metal nanoclusters, Ni(4-MePhS), Ni(PhS), Pd(PhS) and Pd(PhS) were synthesized from disulfides based on a photochemical reduction-oxidation cascade process, which proceeds a different mechanism to that of the conventional two-step reduction process. The as-obtained nanoclusters possess oxidative resistance and structural robustness under different conditions. Their atomically precise structures are determined to be nickel or palladium rings in which the metal atoms are bridged by Ar-S groups.

Cadmium-Doped and Pincer Ligand-Modified Gold Nanocluster for Catalytic KA Reaction.

A gold nanocluster Au Cd (PNP) (SR) (PNP=2,6-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyridine, SR=4-MeOPhS) consisting of an icosahedral Au kernel, two Au CdS staple motifs, and two PNP pincer ligands has been designed, synthesized and well characterized. This cadmium and PNP pincer ligand co-modified gold nanocluster showed high catalytic efficiency in the KA reaction, featuring high TON, mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope as well as catalyst recyclability. Comparison of the catalytic performance between Au Cd (PNP) (SR) and the structurally similar single cadmium (or PNP) modified gold nanoclusters demonstrates that the co-existence of the cadmium and PNP on the surface is crucial for the high catalytic activity of the gold nanocluster.

Structure and assembly of a hexanuclear AuNi bimetallic nanocluster.

An AuNi nanocluster containing a square-planar [-PPh-Au-S-Au-] ring and two nickel-pincer arms is reported here. Abundant intra- and inter-cluster noncovalent interactions promote the assembly of the nanocluster into a porous framework material. The assembly-dependent unique solubility and photoluminescence were also investigated.