Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

A Simple Method for the Size Controlled Synthesis of Stable Oligomeric Clusters of Gold Nanoparticles under Ambient Conditions
Published on: February 5, 2016
Small gold clusters formed in solution give reaction turnover numbers of 10(7) at room temperature
Judit Oliver-Meseguer1, Jose R Cabrero-Antonino, Irene Domínguez
1Instituto de Tecnología Química, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. de los Naranjos s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
Abstract:
Very small gold clusters (3 to 10 atoms) formed from conventional gold salts and complexes can catalyze various organic reactions at room temperature, even when present at concentrations of parts per billion. Absorption and emission ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed that, for example, the ester-assisted hydration of alkynes began only when clusters of three to five gold atoms were formed. The turnover numbers and turnover frequencies associated with these catalyzed reactions can be as high as 10(7) and 10(5) per hour, respectively.
Related Concept Videos
Precipitation Titration Curve: Analysis
Precipitation Titration: Overview
A precipitation titration curve demonstrates the change in concentration of the titrant or analyte upon adding the...
Chemical Reactions in Aqueous Solutions
Precipitation Titration: Endpoint Detection Methods
In the Volhard method, a standard excess of AgNO3 is first added to the...
Determining Order of Reaction
Washing, Drying, and Ignition of Precipitates

