The Unique Appeal of Gold Nanoclusters
Gold nanoclusters have attracted widespread attention in fields such as catalysis, optics, and the exploration of structure–property relationships at the atomic level, due to their ultra‑small size, varied metal‑ligand interactions, and precisely defined atomic structures. Constructing gold nanoclusters with open sites has long been a challenging goal pursued by researchers.
What Are Pincer‑Ligand‑Stabilized Metal Nanoclusters?
Pincer‑ligand‑stabilized metal nanoclusters are a class of nanoclusters stabilized and functionalized by chelating ligands, typically with sizes ranging between 1–3 nm. This ligand architecture usually consists of a central donor group and two side arms, forming three coordination bonds with the metal center via elements such as C, N, or P, thereby providing strong coordinating ability and high stability. Metal nanoclusters protected by pincer ligands offer several advantages: high stability, precise size control, tunable electronic and optical properties, enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity, as well as flexibility for further functionalization. They hold broad application prospects in catalysis, biomedicine, materials science, and nanotechnology.
Breakthrough: Open Organic Sites in Gold Nanoclusters
Prof. Manbo Li of Anhui University introduced the pincer ligand PNP (2,6‑bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyridine) into the synthesis of gold nanoclusters, successfully constructing the structurally precise Au₈(PNP)₄ nanocluster. This work represents the first realization of “open organic sites” in a metal nanocluster system
The rigidity and unique bonding pattern of the PNP ligand endow the Au₈(PNP)₄ nanocluster with four open nitrogen sites on its surface. These sites can serve as multifunctional centers for highly efficient catalysis of the Michael addition reaction. Studies demonstrate that Au₈(PNP)₄ exhibits high activity in catalyzing Michael additions. As shown in Figure 3, using 0.3 mol% of Au₈(PNP)₄ to catalyze the reaction between chalcone (3a) and nitromethane (4a) affords the Michael addition product 5a in 89% yield.
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Manbo Li Professor and Doctoral Supervisor Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University |
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Education & Career He received his B.S. (2008) and Ph.D. (2013) from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). Following his doctoral studies, he conducted postdoctoral research at the Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2013‑2016), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST, 2016‑2017), and Stockholm University (2017‑2019). In December 2019, he joined Anhui University as a Professor. |
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Research & Achievements His research focuses on the synthesis and catalysis of metal nanoclusters. As corresponding author, he has published over 50 papers in high‑impact journals including J. Am. Chem. Soc., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., Nat. Commun., Nano Lett., CCS Chem., and Acc. Chem. Res.. He has led several NSFC projects, such as the Excellent Young Scientists Fund, Major Research Plan (Cultivation), General Program, and Youth Program. His honors include the Anhui Provincial Excellent Young Scientist Award, Anhui Provincial “100 Talents” Award, the Nanoscale Emerging Investigator award (Royal Society of Chemistry), and the Thieme Chemistry Journal Award. |
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- Cat#9419271 Gold nanocluster, 99%
艳 李
