Efficient synthesis of Au(SR) nanoclusters the cluster-from-cluster approach.

Monodisperse gold nanoclusters constitute a new branch of nanomaterials with atomically precise molecular structures. Recently, we developed a "cluster-from-cluster" approach to assemble gold nanoclusters [Au(SR)] (Au25) atomically precise Au13 precursors. Herein we demonstrated that efficient synthesis of Au(SR) (Au36) nanoclusters can be realized this facile approach. Ten examples of Au with different thiolate ligands were prepared in high yields (up to 64%). Steric and electronic factors of the aromatic thiolate ligands were found to determine whether the final products would be Au25 or Au36. This work has not only presented a series of atomically precise Au36 nanoclusters but also indicates that the "cluster-from-cluster" approach is a practical approach for preparing metal nanoclusters in high yields.