Synthesis and characterization of three multi‐shell metalloid gold clusters of the form Au32(R3P)12Cl8

Three multi‐shell metalloid gold clusters of the composition Au32(R3P)12Cl8 (R = Et, nPr, nBu) could be obtained in a straightforward synthesis by reducing R3PAuCl with NaBH4 in ethanol. The Au32 core is comprised of two shells, whereas the inner one shows a tilted icosahedron and the outer one a distorted dodecahedral arrangement. The outer shell is completed by eight chloride atoms and twelve R3P groups. The inner icosahedron shows bond lengths typical for elemental gold while the distances of the gold atoms in the dodecahedral arrangement are in the region of aurophilic interactions. Quantum chemical calculations illustrate the Jahn‐Teller effect observed within the cluster core is attributed to the electronic shell filling. The easy reproducibility, good solubility and yield of those clusters qualify them as perfect starting points for further research.

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2VmcaUW