Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Synthesis and Functionalization of Nitrogen-doped Carbon Nanotube Cups with Gold Nanoparticles as Cork Stoppers
Published on: May 13, 2013
Place exchange reactions of alkyl thiols on gold nanoparticles
Adil Kassam1, Glen Bremner, Brad Clark
1Department of Chemistry and Centre for Self-Assembled Chemical Structures, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street W, Montreal, QC H3A 2K6, Canada.
Abstract:
The kinetics and equilibrium position of place exchange (alkylthiol-for-alkylthiol) reactions of gold nanoparticles are reported. These reactions were monitored via a gas chromatography analysis of structurally similar incoming and outgoing alkylthiols, as a function of time. The place exchange reactions described here proceed to an equilibrium position, where Keq approximately 1. The product-time data follow Langmuir diffusion kinetics.
Related Concept Videos
SN2 Reaction: Transition State
When the nucleophile approaches the electrophilic carbon with its lone pairs, the halide acts as a leaving group and moves away with the electron-pair bonded to the carbon. Dotted partial bonds represent the bonds being formed or broken...
Preparation of Alcohols via Substitution Reactions
Alcohols can be synthesized from alkyl halides via nucleophilic substitution reactions. The highly polar carbon-halogen bond in the substrate makes halide a good leaving group. The hydroxide ion or water can act as a nucleophile to take the place of halide and form an alcohol. The substitution reactions occur via two different reaction pathways, SN1 or SN2, depending on the nature of carbon attached to the halide.
Primary alcohols are synthesized from primary alkyl halides, and the...
Conversion of Alcohols to Alkyl Halides
Preparation and Reactions of Thiols
Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides

