Gold as Hydrogen. An Experimental and Theoretical Study of the Structures and Bonding in Disilicon Gold Clusters Si2Aun- and Si2Aun (n = 2 and 4) and Comparisons to Si2H2 and Si2H4

Peraurated ruthenium hydride carbonyl clusters: aurophilicity, isolobal analogy, structural isomerism, and fluxionality

The stepwise addition of increasing amounts of Au(PPh3)Cl to [HRu4(CO)12]3- (1) results in the sequential formation of [HRu4(CO)12(AuPPh3)]2- (2), [HRu4(CO)12(AuPPh3)2]- (3), and HRu4(CO)12(AuPPh3)3 (4). Alternatively, 4 can be obtained upon addition of HBF4·Et2O (two mole equivalents) to 3. Further addition of acid to 3 (three mole equivalents) results in the formation of the tetra-aurated cluster Ru4(CO)12(AuPPh3)4 (5). Compounds 2-5 have been characterized by IR, 1H and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopies. Moreover, the molecular structures of 3-5 have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction as [NEt4][3]·2CH2Cl2, 4-b·2CH2Cl2, 4-a, 5·0.5CH2Cl2·solv, and 5·solv crystalline solids. Two different isomers of 4, that is 4-a and 4-b, have been crystallographically characterized and their rapid interconversion in solution was studied by variable temperature 1H and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopies. Weak aurophilic Au⋯Au contacts have been detected in the solid state structures of 3-5. Computational studies have been performed in order to elucidate bonding and isomerism, as well as to predict the possible structure of the elusive species 2.

Theoretical prediction of donor-acceptor type novel complexes with strong noble gas-boron covalent bond

The experimental identification of NgBeO molecules, followed by the recent theoretical exploration of super-strong NgBO+ (Ng = He-Rn) ions motivated us to investigate the stability of iso-electronic NgBNH+ (Ng = He-Rn) ions using various ab initio-based quantum chemical methods. The hydrogen-like chemical behavior of gold in small clusters and molecules also inspired us to study the nature of the bonding interactions in NgBNAu+ ions compared to that in NgBNH+ ions. The calculated Ng-B bond lengths in the predicted ions have been found to be much lower than the corresponding covalent limits, indicating a covalent Ng-B interaction in both the NgBNH+ and NgBNAu+ ions. In addition, the Ng-B bond dissociation energies are found to be in the range of 136.7-422.8 kJ mol-1 for NgBNH+ and 77.4-319.1 kJ mol-1 for NgBNAu+, implying the stable nature of the predicted ions. Interestingly, the Ng-B bond length (except for Ne) is the lowest reported to date together with the highest He-B and Ne-B binding energies considering all the neutral and cationic complexes containing Ng-B bonding motifs. Moreover, the natural bonding orbital (NBO) and electron density-based atoms-in-molecule (AIM) analysis reveal the covalent nature of the Ng-B bond in the predicted ions. Furthermore, the energy decomposition analysis together with the natural bond orbital in the chemical valence (EDA-NOCV) studies indicate that the orbital interaction energy is the main contributor to the total attraction energy in the Ng-B bonds. All the calculated results indicate the hydrogen-like chemical behavior of gold in the predicted NgBNM+ ions, showing further evidence of the concept of "gold-hydrogen analogy". Also, for comparison, the corresponding Cu and Ag analogs are investigated. All the computed results together with the experimental identification of the NgMX (Ng = Ar-Xe; M = Cu, Ag, Au; X = F, Cl), ArOH+, and NgBeO (Ng = Ar-Xe) systems clearly indicate that it may be possible to prepare and characterize the predicted NgBNM+ ions experimentally using suitable technique(s).

Electronic Structure and Anion Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Uranium-Gold Clusters UAun-, n = 3-7

A collaborative effort between experiment and theory toward elucidating the electronic and molecular structures of uranium-gold clusters is presented. Anion photoelectron spectra of UAun-(n = 3-7) were taken at the third (355 nm) and fourth (266 nm) harmonics of a Nd:YAG laser, as well as excimer (ArF 193 nm) photon energies, where the experimental adiabatic electron affinities and vertical detachment energies values were measured. Complementary first-principles calculations were subsequently carried out to corroborate experimentally determined electron detachment energies and to determine the geometry and electronic structure for each cluster. Except for the ring-like neutral isomer of UAu6 where one unpaired electron is spread over the Au atoms, all other neutral and anionic UAun clusters (n = 3-7) were calculated to possess open-shell electrons with the unpaired electrons localized on the central U atom. The smaller clusters closely resemble the analogous UFn species, but significant deviations are seen starting with UAu5 where a competition between U-Au and Au-Au bonding begins to become apparent. The UAu6 system appears to mark a transition where Au-Au interactions begin to dominate, where both a ring-like and two heavily distorted octahedral structures around the central U atom are calculated to be nearly isoenergetic. With UAu7, only ring-like structures are calculated. Overall, the calculated electron detachment energies are in good agreement with the experimental values.

Mechanisms for Catalytic CO Oxidation on SiAun (n = 1-5) Cluster

Significant progress has been made in understanding the reactivity and catalytic activity of gas-phase and loaded gold clusters for CO oxidation. However, little research has focused on mixed silicon/gold clusters (SiAu_n) for CO oxidation. In the present work, we performed density function theory (DFT) calculations for a SiAu_n (n = 1-5) cluster at the CAM-B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ-PP level and investigated the effects on the reactivity and catalytic activity of the SiAu_n cluster for CO oxidation. The calculated results show that the effect is very low for the activation barriers for the formation of OOCO intermediates on SiAu clusters, SiAu₃ clusters, and SiAu₅ clusters in the catalytic oxidation of CO and the activation energy barriers for the formation of OCO intermediates on OSiAu₃, OSiAu₄, and OSiAu₅. Our calculations show that, compared with the conventional small Au cluster, the incorporation of Si enhances the catalytic performance towards CO oxidation.

Signature of Au as a Halogen

Gold, although chemically inert in its bulk state, is reactive at the nanoscale and, in small clusters, even behaves like a hydrogen atom. Using a photoelectron spectroscopy experiment and first-principles theory, we show that Au also behaves like a halogen in small clusters. This is evident not only in strong resemblance between the photoelectron spectra of Au₂F^- and AuF₂^- but also in Au exhibiting one of the signature properties of halogens, its ability to form superhalogens with electron affinities higher than that of any halogen atom. For example, the electron affinity (EA) of Au₂F^- is 4.17 eV, while AuF₂^-, a known superhalogen, has an EA of 4.47 eV. Of particular interest is Au₂F₂, which, in spite of being a closed-shell system, is a pseudohalogen with an EA of 3.3 ± 0.1 eV. Here, one of the Au atoms behaves like a halogen, making Au₂F₂ mimic the property of AuF₃.

Predicting the stability and electronic structure of alkali metal aurides

Density functional theory calculations of phonon modes predict that some compounds of the alkali metal aurides family, general formulaA₂MAu₆(A= K, Rb or Cs;M= Ti, Zr, Hf, Sn or Pb), have stable three-dimensional phase with a double perovskite-type structure and cubicFm3¯mspace group (K₂PtCl₆-type). Bader's charge analysis shows that most electron density is located within the six atoms at the octahedra vertices like double perovskite halides. However, the short spacing between Au anions enables d-orbital interactions between them. Compounds of this family, with group 4 metals only, carry conduction states around the Γ point (k= 0). On the other hand, compounds with group 14 metals possess more conduction states around all the Brillouin zone and have electron pockets in their band structures. These compounds provide further insights into the unusual anionic behavior of gold and present other alternatives for the construction of divergent nanodevices.

Au3Si4- and Au4Si4: Electronically Equivalent but Different Polarity Superatoms

A series of Au_xSi₄^- cluster anions (x = 1-4) were generated most abundantly by laser ablation of a Au₄Si alloy target. Photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculation of Au_xSi₄^- (x = 1-4) revealed that Au₃Si₄^- can be viewed as an electronically closed superatom and is composed of a Si₄ unit whose three adjacent edges of a single facet are bridged by three Au atoms. Such phase-segregated structure is facilitated by aurophilic interaction between the three Au atoms and results in a large permanent dipole moment (4.43 D). DFT calculations on an electronically equivalent superatom Au₄Si₄ predicted a new structure in which the uncoordinated Si atom of Au₃Si₄^- is bonded by Au⁺. This Au₄Si₄ is much more stable than a cubic structure previously reported and has a large HOMO-LUMO gap (1.68 eV) and a small permanent dipole moment (0.41 D).

Structural evolution from exohedral to endohedral geometries, dynamical fluxionality, and structural forms of medium-sized anionic and neutral Au2Sin (n = 8–20) clusters

Au₂Si₈⁻, Au₂Si₉⁻, Au₂Si₁₃⁻, Au₂Si₁₅⁻, _Au2Si₁₇⁻ anions and Au₂Si₁₃, Au₂Si_{14, Au2}Si₁₇ neutrals show dynamical fluxionality. In addition, the odd-even alternations of chemical stabilities are observed in the anionic and neutral Au₂Si_n clusters.

Probing the structures and bonding of auropolyynes, Au-(C≡C) n -Au- (n = 1-3), using high-resolution photoelectron imaging

We report an investigation of a series of auropolyynes, Au-(C≡C) _n -Au^- (n = 1-3), using high-resolution photoelectron imaging and ab initio calculations. Vibrationally resolved photoelectron spectra are obtained, allowing the electron affinities of Au-(C≡C) _n -Au to be accurately measured as 1.651(1), 1.715(1), and 1.873(1) eV for n = 1-3, respectively. Both the Au-C symmetric stretching and a bending vibrational frequency are observed for each neutral auropolyyne. Theoretical calculations find that the ground state of Au₂C₂ ^- has a linear acetylenic Au-C≡C-Au^- structure, whereas the asymmetric Au-Au-C≡C^- structure is a low-lying isomer. However, for Au₂C₄ ^- and Au₂C₆ ^-, our calculations show that the asymmetric Au-Au-(C≡C) _n ^- isomers are the global minima and the Au-(C≡C) _n -Au^- symmetric structures become low-lying isomers. All the asymmetric Au-Au-(C≡C) _n ^- isomers are found computationally to have much higher electron binding energies and are not accessible at the detachment photon energies used in the current study. For neutral Au₂C_2n , the Au-(C≡C) _n -Au auropolyyne structures are found to be the global minima for n = 1-3. The electronic structures and bonding for Au-(C≡C) _n -Au (n = 1-3) are compared with the corresponding Au-(C≡C) _n and Au-(C≡C) _n -H species.

Gas phase anion photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical investigation of gold acetylide species

We conducted gas phase anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory studies on a number of gold acetylide species, such as AuC₂H, AuC₂Au, and Au₂C₂H. Based on the photoelectron spectra, the electron affinities of AuC₂H, AuC₂Au, and Au₂C₂H are measured to be 1.54(±0.04), 1.60(±0.08), and 4.23(±0.08) eV, respectively. The highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) gaps of AuC₂H and AuC₂Au are measured to be about 2.62 and 2.48 eV, respectively. It is interesting that photoelectron spectra of AuC₂H^- and AuC₂Au^- display similar spectral features. The comparison of experimental and theoretical results confirms that the ground-state structures of AuC₂H^-, AuC₂Au^-, and their neutrals are all linear with Au-C≡C-H and Au-C≡C-Au configurations. The similar geometric structures, spectral features, HOMO-LUMO gaps, and chemical bonding between AuC₂H^-/0 and AuC₂Au^-/0 demonstrate that Au atom behaves like H atom in these species. The photoelectron spectrum of Au₂C₂H^- shows that Au₂C₂H has a high electron affinity of 4.23(±0.08) eV, indicating Au₂C₂H is a superhalogen. Further, we found an unusual similarity between the terminal Au atom of Au₂C₂H^- and the iodine atom of IAuC₂H^-.

Density functional theory modeling of C–Au chemical bond formation in gold implanted polyethylene

We have studied processes of gold ion implantation in polyethylene (PE) by theoretical chemistry methods.

First spectroscopic observation of gold(i) butadiynylide: Photodetachment velocity map imaging of the AuC4H anion

The velocity map imaging technique was used in the investigation of gold(i) butadiynylide, AuC4H(-), with images recorded at two excitation wavelengths. The resultant photodetachment spectra show a well defined vibrational progression in the neutral with an energy spacing of 343 ± 3 cm(-1). The adiabatic electron affinity was determined to be 1.775 ± 0.005 eV and assigned to the X(1)Σ(+)←X(2)Σ(+) transition between the anionic and neutral ground states. Franck-Condon simulations performed on density functional theory optimized geometries assisted the assignment of linear geometries to the neutral and anion and the observed vibrational progression to that of the Au-C4H stretch.

Repeated appearance and disappearance of localized surface plasmon resonance in 1.2 nm gold clusters induced by adsorption and desorption of hydrogen atoms

Addition of an aqueous solution of NaBH4 to a dispersion of small (∼1.2 nm) gold clusters stabilized by poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (Au:PVP) induced a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption for a certain period of time while maintaining the cluster size. The duration of the LSPR band could be lengthened by increasing the NaBH4 concentration and shortened by increasing the concentration of dissolved O2, and the LSPR band could be made to appear and reappear repeatedly. The appearance of the LSPR band is explained by the electron donation to the Au core from the adsorbed H atoms that originate from NaBH4, whereas its disappearance is ascribed to the removal of H atoms by their reaction with O2. These results suggest that the transition between the metallic and non-metallic electronic structures of the Au clusters can be reversibly induced by the adsorption and desorption of H atoms, which are electronically equivalent to Au.

Sequential metalation of benzene: electronic, bonding, magnetotropic and spectroscopic properties of coinage metalated benzenes studied by DFT

A series of coinage metalated benzenes formulated as C6H6-nMn (M = Cu, Ag, Au, n = 1-5) were investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The structural, energetic, magnetotropic and spectroscopic properties of the coinage metalated benzenes were analyzed thoroughly and compared to the respective properties of the archetype aromatic benzene molecule. In contrast to the latter, the C6H6-nMn (M = Cu, Ag, Au, n = 1-5) molecules are predicted to be aromatic even in their excited triplet state. Excellent linear correlations between (I) the zz component of the nucleus independent chemical shift [NICSzz(1)] values and the total negative natural charge acquired by the carbocyclic ring, and (ii) the NICSzz(1) vs wavelength (λ) of the HOMO → LUMO transitions in the absorption spectra of the coinage metalated benzenes were established. The emission spectra of the coinage metalated benzenes were characterized by high [Formula: see text] values, particularly for the di-substituted - and p-isomers, with the highest [Formula: see text] value of 67 kcal mol(-1) calculated for the m-M6H4Au2 species. The bonding pattern of the coinage metalated benzenes was analyzed thoroughly by means of a multitude of electronic structure calculation methods [natural bond orbital (NBO), atoms-in-molecules (AIM), electron localization function (ELF), reduced density gradient (RDG) and Sign(λ 2(r))ρ(r) functions]. Our findings indicate whole classes of new coinage metalated benzenes (mono-, di-, tri-, four- and five-substituted) opening a new chemistry for the coinage metalated benzenes, indicating that their chemistry will be worthwhile studying both experimentally and theoretically in the future. Graphical Abstract The complete series of coinage metalated benzenes were investigated by density functional theory methods. The structural, energetic, bonding, magnetotropic and spectroscopic properties of the coinage metalated benzenes were analyzed thoroughly. In contrast to the archetype aromatic benzene molecule, the coinage metalated benzenes are predicted to be aromatic even in their excited triplet state.

Probing the electronic structure and Au-C chemical bonding in AuC2(-) and AuC2 using high-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy

We report photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and high-resolution PE imaging of AuC2(-) at a wide range of photon energies. The ground state of AuC2(-) is found to be linear (C∞v, (1)Σ(+)) with a …8π(4)4δ(4)17σ(2)9π(4)18σ(2) valence configuration. Detachments from all the five valence orbitals of the ground state of AuC2(-) are observed at 193 nm. High-resolution PE images are obtained in the energy range from 830 to 330 nm, revealing complicated vibronic structures from electron detachment of the 18σ, 9π, and 17σ orbitals. Detachment from the 18σ orbital results in the (2)Σ(+) ground state of neutral AuC2, which, however, is bent due to strong vibronic coupling with the nearby (2)Π state from detachment of a 9π electron. The (2)Σ(+)-(2)Π vibronic and spin-orbit coupling results in complicated vibronic structures for the (2)Σ(+) and (2)Π3/2 states with extensive bending excitations. The electron affinity of AuC2 is measured accurately to be 3.2192(7) eV with a ground state bending frequency of 195(6) cm(-1). The first excited state ((2)A') of AuC2, corresponding to the (2)Π3/2 state at the linear geometry, is only 0.0021 eV above the ground state ((2)A') and has a bending frequency of 207(6) cm(-1). The (2)Π1/2 state, 0.2291 eV above the ground state, is linear with little geometry change relative to the anion ground state. The detachment of the 17σ orbital also results in complicated vibronic structures, suggesting again a bent state due to possible vibronic coupling with the lower (2)Π state. The spectrum at 193 nm shows the presence of a minor species with less than 2% intensity relative to the ground state of AuC2(-). High-resolution data of the minor species reveal several vibrational progressions in the Au-C stretching mode, which are assigned to be from the metastable (3)Π2,1,0 spin-orbit excited states of AuC2(-) to the (2)Π3/2,1/2 spin-orbit states of neutral AuC2. The spin-orbit splittings of the (3)Π and (2)Π states are accurately measured at the linear geometry. The current study provides a wealth of electronic structure information about AuC2(-) and AuC2, which are ideal systems to investigate the strong Σ-Π and spin-orbit vibronic couplings.

Structural evolution of small gold clusters doped by one and two boron atoms

The potential energy surfaces (PES) of a series of gold-boron clusters with formula Aun B (n = 1-8) and Aum B2 (m = 1-7) have been explored using a modified stochastic search algorithm. Despite the complexity of the PES of these clusters, there are well-defined growth patterns. The bonding of these clusters is analyzed using the adaptive natural density partitioning and the natural bonding orbital analyses. Reactivity is studied in terms of the molecular electrostatic potential.

Octahedral co-carbide carbonyl clusters decorated by [AuPPh₃]⁺ fragments: synthesis, structural isomerism, and aurophilic interactions of Co₆C(CO)₁₂(AuPPh₃)₄

The Co6C(CO)12(AuPPh3)4 carbide carbonyl cluster was obtained from the reaction of [Co6C(CO)15](2-) with Au(PPh3)Cl. This new species was investigated by variable-temperature (31)P NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and density functional theory methods. Three different solvates were characterized in the solid state, namely, Co6C(CO)12(AuPPh3)4 (I), Co6C(CO)12(AuPPh3)4·THF (II), and Co6C(CO)12(AuPPh3)4·4THF (III), where THF = tetrahydrofuran. These are not merely different solvates of the same neutral cluster, but they contain three different isomers of Co6C(CO)12(AuPPh3)4. The three isomers I-III possess the same octahedral [Co6C(CO)12](4-) carbido-carbonyl core differently decorated by four [AuPPh3](+) fragments and showing a different Au(I)···Au(I) connectivity. Theoretical investigations suggest that the formation in the solid state of the three isomers during crystallization is governed by packing and van der Waals forces, as well as aurophilic and weak π-π and π-H interactions. In addition, the closely related cluster Co6C(CO)12(PPh3)(AuPPh3)2 was obtained from the reaction of [Co8C(CO)18](2-) with Au(PPh3)Cl, and two of its solvates were crystallographically characterized, namely, Co6C(CO)12(PPh3)(AuPPh3)2·toluene (IV) and Co6C(CO)12(PPh3)(AuPPh3)2·0.5toluene (V). A significant, even if minor, effect of the cocrystallized solvent molecules on the structure of the cluster was observed also in this case.

Photoelectron spectroscopy of boron-gold alloy clusters and boron boronyl clusters: B3Au(n)(-) and B3(BO)n(-) (n = 1, 2)

Photoelectron spectroscopy and density-functional theory are combined to study the structures and chemical bonding in boron-gold alloy clusters and boron boronyl clusters: B3Au(n)(-) and B3(BO)n(-) (n = 1, 2). Vibrationally resolved photoelectron spectra are obtained for all four species and the B-Au and B-BO clusters exhibit similar spectral patterns, with the latter species having higher electron binding energies. The electron affinities of B3Au, B3Au2, B3(BO), and B3(BO)2 are determined to be 2.29 ± 0.02, 3.17 ± 0.03, 2.71 ± 0.02, and 4.44 ± 0.02 eV, respectively. The anion and neutral clusters turn out to be isostructural and isovalent to the B3H(n)(-)∕B3H(n) (n = 1, 2) species, which are similar in bonding owing to the fact that Au, BO, and H are monovalent σ ligands. All B3Au(n)(-) and B3(BO)n(-) (n = 1, 2) clusters are aromatic with 2π electrons. The current results provide new examples for the Au∕H and BO∕H isolobal analogy and enrich the chemistry of boronyl and gold.

Vibrationally resolved photoelectron imaging of Au3H(-)

We report a combined photoelectron velocity map imaging spectroscopy and density functional theory investigation on the Au3H(-) anion. Transition between the anionic electronic ground state and the neutral electronic ground state is revealed. Vibrationally resolved spectra were recorded at two different photon energies, providing a wealth of spectroscopic information for the electronic ground state of the Au3H. Franck-Condon simulations of the ground-state transition are carried out to assist in the assignment of the vibrationally resolved spectra. The electron affinity and vertical detachment energy of Au3H are measured to be 2.548 ± 0.001 and 2.570 ± 0.001 eV, respectively. Three stretching vibrational modes are determined to be activated upon photodetachment, with the frequencies of 2100 ± 100, 177 ± 10, and 96 ± 10 cm(-1).

Probing the 2D-to-3D structural transition in gold clusters with a single sulfur atom: AuxS0,±1 (x = 1–10)

Gold sulfur clusters have received much attention because of the dramatic effect that the gold–sulfide interaction produces in thiol-passivated gold nanoparticles.

Intramolecular d10-d10 interactions in a Ni6C(CO)9(AuPPh3)4 bimetallic nickel-gold carbide carbonyl cluster

The Ni6C(CO)9(AuPPh3)4 bimetallic carbide carbonyl cluster was obtained from the reaction of [Ni9C(CO)17](2-) with Au(PPh3)Cl. It contains a rare carbon-centered (distorted) Ni6C octahedral core decorated by four Au(PPh3) fragments. These are μ3-bonded to four contiguous Ni3-triangular faces and display weak intramolecular Au···Au d(10)-d(10) interactions. The cluster has been characterized in the solid state on two different solvato crystals, i.e., Ni6C(CO)9(AuPPh3)4·THF and Ni6C(CO)9(AuPPh3)4·THF·0.5C6H14. The two solvates show some interesting differences concerning the weak Au···Au contacts. Density functional theory calculations have demonstrated that the presence of the two isomers is related to solid-state packing effects and not to the existence of two double minima in the potential energy surface. This, in turn, confirms that Au···Au d(10)-d(10) interactions are rather soft and thus influenced also by weak van der Waals forces because of the interaction of the cluster with the cocrystallized solvent molecules.

Bridging gold in electron-deficient Al2Au(n)(0/-) and BAlAu(n)(0/-) (n = 1-3) clusters

The geometrical and electronic structures of the electron-deficient dialuminum aurides Al2Aun(0/-) and hybrid boron-aluminum aurides BAlAun(0/-) (n = 1-3) are systematically investigated based on the density and wave function theories. Ab initio theoretical evidence strongly suggests that bridging gold atoms exist in the ground states of C2v Al2Au(-) ((3)B1), C2v Al2Au ((2)B1), C2v Al2Au2(-) ((2)A1), C2v Al2Au2 ((1)A1), Cs Al2Au3(-) ((1)A'), and D3h Al2Au3 ((2)A1), which prove to possess an Al-Au-Al τ bond. For BAlAun(0/-) (n = 1-3) mixed clusters, bridging B-Au-Al units only exist in Cs BAlAu3(-) ((1)A') and Cs BAlAu3 ((2)A'), whereas Cs BAlAu(-) ((3)A''), Cs BAlAu ((2)A''), Cs BAlAu2(-) ((2)A'), and Cs BAlAu2 ((1)A') do not possess a bridging gold, as demonstrated by the fact that B-Al and B-Au exhibit significantly stronger electronic interaction than Al-Au in the same clusters. Orbital analyses indicate that Au 6s contributes approximately 98%-99% to the Au-based orbital in these Al-Au-Al/B-Au-Al interactions, whereas Au 5d contributes 1%-2%. The adiabatic and vertical detachment energies of Al2Aun(-) (n = 1-3) are calculated to facilitate future experimental characterizations. The results obtained in this work establish an interesting τ bonding model (Al-Au-Al/B-Au-Al) for electron-deficient systems in which Au 6s plays a major factor.