Atomically precise chiral silver clusters based on non-chiral ligands for acid/base stimulated luminescence response

Area of Science:

• Nanochemistry
• Materials Science
• Chiral Chemistry

Background:

• Chiral metal nanoclusters often form as racemates, posing challenges for separation.
• Developing methods for resolving racemic compounds is crucial in various scientific fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel method for chiral resolution of hexanuclear silver clusters (Ag6-Rac).
• To investigate the luminescent and stimulus-responsive properties of these resolved clusters.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of hexanuclear silver clusters (Ag6-Rac) using non-chiral ligands: sodium 1H-1,2,3-triazole-5-thiolate (SHTT) and 2,6-bis(diphenylphosphino)pyridine (dpppy).
• Chiral resolution of Ag6-Rac into homochiral clusters (Ag6-S/Ag6-R) via solvent-induced crystallization.
• Characterization of luminescence and response to trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and diethylamine (DEA).

Main Results:

• Successfully resolved racemic Ag6-Rac into homochiral Ag6-S and Ag6-R clusters.
• Observed strong luminescence in both solid and solution states.
• Demonstrated stimulus-responsive behavior to trifluoroacetic acid and reversible cycling with diethylamine over five times.

Conclusions:

• Established a new research model for resolving racemic nanoclusters.
• Developed a method for constructing stimulus-responsive luminescent clusters.
• Highlighted the potential of chiral silver nanoclusters in sensing and responsive materials.