Ubiquitous 8 and 29 kDa gold:alkanethiolate cluster compounds: Mass-spectrometric determination of molecular formulas and structural implications

Nirmalya K. Chaki, Yuichi Negishi, Hironori Tsunoyama, Yukatsu Shichibu, Tatsuya Tsukuda

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

324 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The molecular formulas and charge state distributions of thus-far known ubiquitous alkanethiolate-protected gold clusters with core-masses of 8 and 29 kDa were assessed using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The 8 and 29 kDa clusters were determined to be composed of single species, [Au38(SCn)24]z and [Au144(SCn)59]z, respectively, with charge states of z ≥ 0. Possible geometric structures for Au38(SCn)24 and Au144(SCn)59 are discussed, based on the structures of relevant systems that have been recently determined experimentally and theoretically: [Au25(SR)18]- and Au102(SR)44, in which the Au cores are protected by monomers [-SR-Au-SR-] and/or dimers [-SR-Au-SR-Au-SR-]. Their preferential formation and chemical robustness are proposed as being associated with high stability due to geometric factors, while the Au-thiolate interface takes on common motifs regardless of the underlying Au core.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8608-8610
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume130
Issue number27
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008 Jul 9
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Chemistry(all)
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

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