One-core-atom loss in a gold nanocluster promotes hydroamination reaction of alkynes

It has been well-established that surface atoms play a vital role in catalysis; however, it is still unclear whether the catalytic performance can be tuned by a core atom away from the surface. The investigation into this issue is complicated, as it is challenging to abstract a core atom from a conventional catalyst. The successful synthesis of atomically precise Au₂₅ and Au₂₄ nanoclusters, where a core atom can be extracted from Au₂₅ to form Au₂₄, provides a new opportunity for unravelling the catalytic properties of a single core-atom. Herein, a distinction has been made between the catalytic activities of Au₂₅ and Au₂₄ in that the Au₂₄ nanocluster exhibits superior activity in the intramolecular hydroamination of alkynes when compared to the Au₂₅ nanocluster.