Synthesis and crystallization of a carboxylate functionalized -heterocyclic carbene-based Au cluster with strong photo-luminescence.

Here we report the synthesis and crystallization of a -COOH-capped -heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-protected Au cluster. The single-crystal structure of the -COOH-capped NHC-Au cluster reveals a classic icosahedral core with one Au atom in its center. The icosahedral core is surrounded by five NHC ligands with pseudo C5 symmetry and exposed carboxyls in a pentagonal antiprism fashion.

Atomically Precise Alkynyl- and Halide-Protected AuAg Nanoclusters AuAg(C≡CPh)Cl and AuAg(C≡CPh)Br: The Ligation Effects of Halides.

Reported herein are the synthesis and structures of two high-nuclearity AuAg nanoclusters, namely, [AuAg(C≡CPh)Cl] and [AuAg(C≡CPh)Br]. Both clusters possess a three-concentric-shell Au@Au@Ag structure. However, the dispositions of the metal atoms, and the ligand coordination modes, of the outermost shells of these clusters are distinctly different.

Combinatorial Identification of Hydrides in a Ligated Ag Nanocluster with Noncompact Metal Core.

No formation of bulk silver hydride has been reported. Until very recently, only a few silver nanoclusters containing hydrides have been successfully prepared. However, due to the lack of effective techniques and also poor stability of hydride-containing Ag nanoclusters, the identification of hydrides' location within Ag nanoclusters is challenging and not yet achieved, although some successes have been reported on clusters of several Ag atoms.