The precise synthesis of crown-shaped metal nanoclusters containing gold and platinum elements has been successfully achieved, and the results have been published in J. Am. Chem. Soc. The key to success was the use of bulky nitrogen-containing heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands that bind tightly to the gold atoms, resulting in stable metal nanoclusters. Reaction tracking by mass spectrometry revealed the involvement of gold hydride species in the formation of the metal nanoclusters.

Congratulations to Dr. DeJesus and Dr. Jacob!

This research was conducted in collaboration with Assistant Professor Aramaki, Professor Oi, Associate Professor Phung, and Professor Mimura (Nagoya University).
doi/10.1021/jacs.4c04873