Synthesis and Isolation of the Molecule-like Cluster Au38(PhCH2CH2S)24

The synthesis and characterization of phenylethanethiolate-coated monolayer protected clusters (MPCs) with Au140 (average) and Au38 cores are described. The latter 1.1 nm core diameter nanoparticles, whose Au38(PhC2S)24 composition was analytically established, are stable and isolable in relatively high purity and ∼200 mg quantities per reaction batch. Chemical shift effects in 1H and 13C NMR spectra reveal the existence of either closely related Au38 structures or differences between ligands on a given structure, or both. The Au38(PhC2S)24 MPCs undergo place exchange reactions with other thiolate ligands and, owing to their stability and ease of production, provide a gateway to other Au38 MPCs with partially or completely different monolayer compositions.