The nature of formal hydrides in gold nanoclusters is a topic of some interest, both for their innate properties and their role in nanocluster synthesis and reactions. However, directly studying these hydrides is typically difficult due to their dynamic nature and low observability in many typical chemical analysis techniques. We used a combination of gas phase vibrational spectroscopy and ion chemistry to directly probe the cluster resulting from attaching a hydride to Au9(PPh3)83+. Our results are consistent with the expectation that the formal hydride donates two electrons to the superatomic cluster core electronic system, forming a closed electronic shell. The shifts of the vibrational mode associated with the hydrogen when complexed with weak bases suggests that it is relatively acidic, and the H/D isotope ratio suggests a potential that is on the square-well side of harmonic. Taken together, these results provide a framework for systematically studying hydrogen atoms on metal clusters and their reactivity.

Tracking down and characterizing a hydride (or hydrogen, or proton?) in the atomically-precise Au9(PPh3)83+ nanocluster

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.