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Synthesis of a Thiol Building Block for the Crystallization of a Semiconducting Gyroidal Metal-sulfur Framework
Published on: April 9, 2018
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Au38(SPh)24: Au38 Protected with Aromatic Thiolate Ligands
Milan Rambukwella1, Shayna Burrage1, Marie Neubrander1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi , Oxford, Mississippi 38677, United States.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
|March 22, 2017
Summary
This study demonstrates the successful synthesis of gold 38 (Au38(SPh)24) nanomolecules using phenylthiol ligands, challenging previous assumptions. Optimized conditions prevent core-size conversion, enabling the preparation of this previously inaccessible gold nanomaterial.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Gold nanomolecules like Au38(SR)24 are extensively studied.
- Previous research indicated Au38(SPh)24 could not be synthesized due to core-size conversion to Au36(SPh)24.
- Only aliphatic-like ligands were previously used for Au38(SR)24 synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the synthesis of Au38(SPh)24 gold nanomolecules.
- To investigate the conditions required for successful synthesis without core-size conversion.
- To characterize the synthesized Au38(SPh)24 and compare its properties to aliphatic analogues.
Main Methods:
- Ligand exchange reactions with optimized conditions.
- Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS).
- Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS).
- Optical spectroscopy.
- Theoretical analysis.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized Au38(SPh)24 under delicate, optimized ligand exchange conditions.
- Characterization via MALDI-MS and ESI-MS confirmed the formation of Au38(SPh)24 without Au36(SPh)24.
- Optical spectra of solid-state Au38(SPh)24 differed significantly from aliphatic analogues.
- Theoretical analysis supported experimental findings on optical spectra and stability.
Conclusions:
- Au38(SPh)24 can be synthesized by optimizing ligand exchange conditions.
- The stability of Au38(SPh)24 is significant, influenced by ligand-ligand interactions.
- While stable at room temperature, Au38(SPh)24 converts to Au36(SPh)24 under prolonged etching or elevated temperatures.
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