Abstract
The superatom concept of metallic cluster valence is based on the electron-shell model as first proposed to explain the special stability of certain metal-atom clusters generated in the gas phase. It accounts for the magic-number series 2, 8, 18, 34, 58,. by shell-closing of the superatom orbitals 1S, 1P, 1D,. Recently, the superatom-complex concept has been introduced to explain the compositions of high-yield gold-cluster compounds, especially Au 25(SR) 18 - and Au 102(SR) 44 (with -SR being a thiolate group), corresponding to the magic numbers of 8 and 58, respectively. Surprisingly, no thiolated gold cluster accounting for the first closing (electron count 2) has yet been determined. Structure-bonding considerations lead us to propose Au 12(SR) 9+ as the superior candidate for the smallest thiolated gold superatom. This cluster features an octahedron core covered by three RS(AuSR) 2 motifs. It has a unique C 3 axis, is chiral, and possesses ideal aurophilic interactions and, therefore, should exist in nature. The folding of thiol-rich biomolecules may help us to realize this complex, which may also be prepared from available phosphine-ligated gold clusters.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 17291-17295 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Journal of Physical Chemistry C |
| Volume | 113 |
| Issue number | 40 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2009 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- General Energy
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films