Efficient synthesis of Au ₃₆ (SR) ₂₄ nanoclusters via the cluster-from-cluster approach

Monodisperse gold nanoclusters constitute a new branch of nanomaterials with atomically precise molecular structures. Recently, we developed a "cluster-from-cluster" approach to assemble gold nanoclusters [Au₂₅(SR)₁₈]^- (Au25) via atomically precise Au13 precursors. Herein we demonstrated that efficient synthesis of Au₃₆(SR)₂₄ (Au36) nanoclusters can be realized via this facile approach. Ten examples of Au₃₆ with different thiolate ligands were prepared in high yields (up to 64%). Steric and electronic factors of the aromatic thiolate ligands were found to determine whether the final products would be Au25 or Au36. This work has not only presented a series of atomically precise Au36 nanoclusters but also indicates that the "cluster-from-cluster" approach is a practical approach for preparing metal nanoclusters in high yields.