Synthesis and Catalytic Applications of N-Heterocyclic CarbeneFunctionalized Gold Nanoclusters

摘要

Our group is interested in N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as robust ligandsfor stabilizing a variety of gold nanomaterials,including gold surfaces1-3 andnanoparticles.We previously reported on the isolation of mixedcarbene-phosphine stabilized gold nanoclusters via a ligand exchangeapproach.More recently,we have focused on the synthesis of allcarbene-functionalized gold nanoclusters via the direct reduction of goldcarbene complexes.Here we will report our ongoing efforts in the synthesis,characterization and purification of novel carbene-functionalized goldnanoclusters,as well as our preliminary efforts in the application of theseclusters in catalytic aerobic oxidations.