Mixed-ligand strategy for synthesizing water-soluble chiral gold clusters with phosphine ligands

Water-soluble chiral metal clusters have drawn much attention by virtue of their fascinating physicochemical properties and potential biomedical applications, but currently, phosphine-protected Au clusters with both chirality and water-solubility are still very limited. In this article, we demonstrate a mixed-ligand strategy for the facile synthesis of atomically precise, water-soluble chiral Au clusters protected by phosphine alone. The clusters are obtained by the reduction of aurate ions in the presence of a phosphine mixture consisting of highly hydrophilic monophosphine (i.e., triphenylphosphine trisulfonate; TPPTS) and hydrophobic chiral diphosphine (i.e., S-Segphos or S-BINAP), both of which are commercially available. The clusters are size/composition-separated via gel electrophoresis, and notably, heptanuclear cluster Au₇(S-Segphos)₃(TPPTS)₂ exhibits a large chiroptical activity with the maximum anisotropy factor (g-factor) of 4.7 × 10^-3, one of the largest values in such Au clusters. Quantum chemical calculations for model Au₇ cluster species suggest two important factors to obtain large chiroptical activity: (i) more than two axially-chiral diphosphine ligands, and (ii) the absence of configurational isomer averaging. Consequently, despite the experimental use of a mixture containing both chiral and achiral phosphines, a large chiroptical activity can be created in Au clusters with high water-solubility.

Synthesis and Characterization of Enantiopure Chiral Bis NHC-Stabilized Edge-Shared Au10 Nanocluster with Unique Prolate Shape

Herein we report the first chiral Au₁₀ nanoclusters stabilized by chiral bis N-heterocyclic carbene (bisNHC) ligands. ESI-MS and single-crystal X-ray crystallography confirmed the molecular formula to be [Au₁₀(bisNHC)₄Br₂](O₂CCF₃)₂. The chiral Au₁₀ nanocluster adopts a linear edge-shared tetrahedral geometry with a prolate shape. DFT calculations provide insight into the electronic structure, optical absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) characteristics of this unique Au₁₀ nanocluster. CD spectra demonstrate chirality transfer from the chiral bisNHC ligand to the inner Au₁₀ nanocluster core. Examination of ESI-MS and UV-vis spectra show that cluster [Au₉(bisNHC)₄Br]Br₂ is formed initially and then transformed into the Au₁₀ nanocluster in solution.

Gold-Catalyzed Reactions Towards Diversity: From Simple Substrates to Functionalized Carbo- and Heterocycles

The field of gold catalysis has been in constant expansion during the last twenty years. Based on the precept of π-activation of unsaturated simple substrates, several new rearrangements have been discovered, implying aryl, alkyne, alkene or keto derivatives as key partners. In this personal account, the main contributions in the field of gold catalysis from our group will be highlighted, emphasizing the recent reports, starting from 1,6- and 1,5-enynes and then moving to keto-ynes derivatives. The gold-catalyzed reactions will be presented starting from classical skeletal rearrangements (cycloisomerization) and then domino processes. In each part, the presentation of asymmetric versions will be highlighted.

Toward Controlled Syntheses of Diphosphine-Protected Homochiral Gold Nanoclusters through Precursor Engineering

Controllable syntheses of Au nanoclusters (NCs) with different nuclearities are of great significance due to the kernel-dependent physicochemical properties. Herein, two pairs of enantiomeric Au NCs [Au₁₉(R/S-BINAP)₄(PhC≡C)Cl₄] (SD/Au19) and [Au₁₁(R/S-BINAP)₄(PhC≡C)₂]·Cl (SD/Au11), both with atropos (rigid axial chirality) diphosphine BINAP (2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthalene) as the predominant organic ligands, were controllably synthesized through precursor engineering. The former was obtained by direct reduction of HAuCl₄·4H₂O, while the latter was obtained by reduction of [Au(SMe₂)Cl] instead. Intriguingly, the kernel of SD/Au19 contains an Au₇ pentagonal bipyramid capped by two boat-like Au₆ rings, which represents another type of Au₁₉ kernel, making SD/Au19 a good candidate for comparative study with other Au₁₉ NCs to get more insight into the distinct structural evolution of phosphine-protected Au NCs. Despite the previous chiroptical studies on some other chiral undecagold NCs, the successful attainment of the X-ray crystal structures for SD/Au11 not only provides a step forward toward better correlating the chiroptical activities with their structural details but also reveals that even the auxiliary protecting ligands also play a nontrivial role in tuning the geometrical structures of the metal NCs. The chiroptical activities of both SD/Au19 and SD/Au11 were found to originate from the chiral ligands and core distortions; the extended π-electron systems in the BINAP ligands have proved to positively contribute to the electronic absorptions and thus disturb the corresponding circular dichroism (CD) responses.

Synthesis and enantioseparation of chiral Au13 nanoclusters protected by bis-N-heterocyclic carbene ligands

A series of chiral Au13 nanoclusters were synthesized via the direct reduction of achiral dinuclear Au(i) halide complexes ligated by ortho-xylyl-linked bis-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands. A broad range of functional groups are tolerated as wingtip substituents, allowing for the synthesis of a variety of functionalized chiral Au13 nanoclusters. Single crystal X-ray crystallography confirmed the molecular formula to be [Au13(bisNHC)5Cl2]Cl3, with a chiral helical arrangement of the five bidentate NHC ligands around the icosahedral Au13 core. This Au13 nanocluster is highly luminescent, with a quantum yield of 23%. The two enantiomers of the Au13 clusters can be separated by chiral HPLC, and the isolated enantiomers were characterized by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The clusters show remarkable stability, including configurational stability, opening the door to further investigation of the effect of chirality on these clusters.

Self-Assembly of Precision Noble Metal Nanoclusters: Hierarchical Structural Complexity, Colloidal Superstructures, and Applications

Ligand protected noble metal nanoparticles are excellent building blocks for colloidal self-assembly. Metal nanoparticle self-assembly offers routes for a wide range of multifunctional nanomaterials with enhanced optoelectronic properties. The emergence of atomically precise monolayer thiol-protected noble metal nanoclusters has overcome numerous challenges such as uncontrolled aggregation, polydispersity, and directionalities faced in plasmonic nanoparticle self-assemblies. Because of their well-defined molecular compositions, enhanced stability, and diverse surface functionalities, nanoclusters offer an excellent platform for developing colloidal superstructures via the self-assembly driven by surface ligands and metal cores. More importantly, recent reports have also revealed the hierarchical structural complexity of several nanoclusters. In this review, the formulation and periodic self-assembly of different noble metal nanoclusters are focused upon. Further, self-assembly induced amplification of physicochemical properties, and their potential applications in molecular recognition, sensing, gas storage, device fabrication, bioimaging, therapeutics, and catalysis are discussed. The topics covered in this review are extensively associated with state-of-the-art achievements in the field of precision noble metal nanoclusters.

Gold-catalyzed enantioselective functionalization of indoles

This review documents the potential of enantioselective gold catalysis for the functionalization of indoles.

Chirality in Au9 clusters protected by chiral/achiral mixed bidentate phosphine ligands: influence of the metal core and ligand array

Modulation of chiroptical activity in Au₉ clusters by mixed-diphosphine ligation is associated with the difference in the degree of chirality of the cluster core.

A comparative study on atomically precise Au nanoclusters as catalysts for the aldehyde–alkyne–amine (A3) coupling reaction: ligand effects on the nature of the catalysis and efficiency

Atomically precise Au₁₃ nanoclusters stabilized by stibines catalyze the aldehyde–alkyne–amine coupling reaction more efficiently than those stabilized by thiols or phosphines. The nature of the catalytic activity is also different, and may be attributed to the weaker coordinating ability of the stibine ligands.

A stibine-stabilised gold nanocluster which acts as a homogeneous catalyst in the A³ coupling reaction.

Enantioselective aryl–aryl coupling facilitated by chiral binuclear gold complexes

The first example of highly enantioselective aryl–aryl coupling mediated by chiral gold complexes is reported.

Asymmetric one-pot reactions using heterogeneous chemical catalysis: recent steps towards sustainable processes

Asymmetric one-pot reactions applying heterogeneous chemical catalysts and unifying the benefits of these catalytic materials with the advantages of one-pot methods, are surveyed.

Chirality in adsorption on solid surfaces

In the present review we survey the main advances made in recent years on the understanding of chemical chirality at solid surfaces. Chirality is an important topic, made particularly relevant by the homochiral nature of the biochemistry of life on Earth, and many chiral chemical reactions involve solid surfaces. Here we start our discussion with a description of surface chirality and of the different ways that chirality can be bestowed on solid surfaces. We then expand on the studies carried out to date to understand the adsorption of chiral compounds at a molecular level. We summarize the work published on the adsorption of pure enantiomers, of enantiomeric mixtures, and of prochiral molecules on chiral and achiral model surfaces, especially on well-defined metal single crystals but also on other flat substrates such as highly ordered pyrolytic graphite. Several phenomena are identified, including surface reconstruction and chiral imprinting upon adsorption of chiral agents, and the enhancement or suppression of enantioselectivity seen in some cases upon adsorption of enantiomixtures of chiral compounds. The possibility of enhancing the enantiopurity of adsorbed layers upon the addition of chiral seeds and the so-called "sergeants and soldiers" phenomenon are presented. Examples are provided where the chiral behavior has been associated with either thermodynamic or kinetic driving forces. Two main approaches to the creation of enantioselective surface sites are discussed, namely, via the formation of supramolecular chiral ensembles made out of small chiral adsorbates, and by adsorption of more complex chiral molecules capable of providing suitable chiral environments for reactants by themselves, via the formation of individual adsorbate:modifier adducts on the surface. Finally, a discussion is offered on the additional effects generated by the presence of the liquid phase often required in practical applications such as enantioselective crystallization, chiral chromatography, and enantioselective catalysis.

Direct self-focusing synthesis of monodisperse [Au8(PPh3)7]2+ nanoclusters

Direct synthesis of atomically monodisperse Au₈ nanoclusters via the self-focusing process during NaBH₄ reduction of Au(PPh₃)₂Cl.

Amplification of the Optical Activity of Gold Clusters by the Proximity of BINAP

Despite recent progress in the synthesis and characterization of optically active gold clusters, the factor determining optical rotatory strength has not been clarified due to the lack of structurally resolved, enantiomerically pure Au clusters. We addressed this issue by studying the correlation between the optical activity and geometrical structures of two types of Au clusters that were protected by chiral diphosphines: [Au₁₁(R/S-DIOP)₄Cl₂]⁺ (DIOP = 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)-2,3-o-isopropylidene-2,3-butanediol) and [Au₈(R/S-BINAP)₃(PPh₃)₂]²⁺ (BINAP = 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl). [Au₈(BINAP)₃(PPh₃)₂]²⁺ showed stronger rotatory strengths than [Au₁₁(DIOP)₄Cl₂]⁺ in the visible region, while the Hausdorff chirality measure calculated from the crystal data indicated that the Au core of the former is less chiral than that of the latter. We propose that the optical activity in the Au core-based transition due to the deformed core is further amplified by chiral arrangement of the binaphthyl moiety near the Au core.

Cellulose Nanocrystals as Chiral Inducers: Enantioselective Catalysis and Transmission Electron Microscopy 3D Characterization

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), derived from cellulose, provide us with an opportunity to devise more sustainable solutions to current technological challenges. Enantioselective catalysis, especially heterogeneous, is the preferred method for the synthesis of pure chiral molecules in the fine chemical industries. Cellulose has been long sought as a chiral inducer in enantioselective catalysis. We report herein an unprecedentedly high enantiomeric excess (ee) for Pd patches deposited onto CNCs used as catalysts for the hydrogenation of prochiral ketones in water at room temperature and 4 bar H2. Our system, where CNCs acted as support and sole chiral source, achieved an ee of 65% with 100% conversions. Cryo-electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and tomography were used for the first time to study the 3D structure of a metal functionalized CNC hybrid. It established the presence of sub-nanometer-thick Pd patches at the surface of CNCs and provided insight into the chiral induction mechanism.

Atropisomeric [(diphosphine)Au2 Cl2 ] complexes and their catalytic activity towards asymmetric cycloisomerisation of 1,6-enynes

X-ray crystal structures of two [(diphosphine)Au2 Cl2 ] complexes (in which diphosphine=P-Phos and xylyl-P-Phos; P-Phos=[2,2',6,6'-Tetramethoxy-4,4'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-3,3'-bipyridine]) were determined and compared to the reported structures of similar atropisomeric gold complexes. Correlations between the Au⋅⋅⋅Au distances and torsional angles for the biaryl series of ligands (MeOBIPHEP, SEGPhos, and P-Phos; BIPHEP=2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-biphenyl, SEGPhos=[(4,4'-bi-1,3-benzodioxole)-5,5'-diyl]bis[diphenylphosphine]) can be made; these measurements appear to be very dependent upon the phosphorous substituent. Conversely, the same effect was not observed for ligands based on the binaphthyl (BINAP) series. The catalytic activity of these complexes was subsequently assessed in the enantioselective cycloisomerisation of 1,6-enynes and revealed an over-riding electronic effect: more-electron-rich phosphines promote greater enantioselectivity. The possibility of silver acting as a (co-)catalyst was ruled out in these reactions.

Combinatorial approach to chiral tris-ligated carbophilic platinum complexes: application to asymmetric catalysis

A straightforward methodology for the synthesis of libraries of chiral tris-ligated cationic platinum complexes and their in situ evaluation as asymmetric carbophilic catalysts in a model domino hydroarylation/cyclization reaction of a 1,6-enyne was developed. A catalyst-generation process based on a combination of a monodentate and a bidentate phosphorus ligand allowed the formation of 108 chiral complexes. One-pot screening of the stereoinduction obtained with this library in a test domino addition/cyclization reaction validated this approach and stressed the key role played by the monodentate ligand partner in obtaining high enantioselectivities. In the case of two challenging substrate/nucleophile combinations, the combinatorial approach resulted in a significant gain in enantioselectivity.

Metallic influence on the atomic structure and optical activity of ligand-protected nanoparticles: a comparison between Ag and Au

Using time-perturbed density functional theory the optical activity of metal-thiolate compounds formed by highly symmetric Ag and Au nanoparticles (NPs) and a methyl-thiol molecule is studied after performing atomic optimizations and electronic calculations upon adsorption. Many different sites and orientations of the adsorbed molecule on icosahedral Ag and Au NPs of 55 atoms are considered. Upon molecular adsorption atomic distortions on Au NPs are induced while not on Ag, which causes higher molecular adsorption energies in Au than in Ag. Structural distortions and the specific molecular adsorption site and orientation result in chiral metal-thiolate NPs. Ag and Au compounds with similar chirality, according to Hausdorff chirality measurements, show different optical activity signatures, where circular dichroism spectra of Au NPs are more intense. These dissimilarities are attributed in part to the differences in the electronic density of states, which are a consequence of relativistic effects and the atomic distortion. It is concluded that the optical activity of Ag and Au compounds is due to different mechanisms, while in Au it is mainly due to the atomic distortion of the metallic NPs induced after molecular adsorption, in Ag it is defined by the adsorption site and molecular orientation with respect to the NP symmetry.

Optical activity of achiral ligand SCH3 adsorbed on achiral Ag55 clusters: relationship between adsorption site and circular dichroism

The electronic circular dichroism (CD) spectra of a methyl-thiol adsorbed at different sites on an icosahedral silver nanoparticle is studied by using time-perturbed density functional theory. Despite that separately molecule and nanoparticle are achiral and consequently optically inactive, the Ag(55)-SCH(3) compound emerges with a new symmetry, which may be chiral or not depending on the adsorption site and orientation of the molecule. It is found that chirality is favored when the thiol is adsorbed between two atoms of different coordination number. Chiral compounds have characteristic CD spectra in the UV-visible region, where Ag(55) shows optical absorption but SCH(3) does not; revealing that highly degenerated molecular-like electronic states of Ag(55) are modified by the presence of the molecule inducing optical activity. It is concluded that CD line-shapes and magnitude strongly depend on the site where the adsorption takes place, while its intensity is modulated by the molecule orientation.

Asymmetric Au-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1,6-enynes: An entry to bicyclo[4.1.0]heptene

A comprehensive study on the asymmetric gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization reaction of heteroatom tethered 1,6-enynes is described. The cycloisomerization reactions were conducted in the presence of the chiral cationic Au(I) catalyst consisting of (R)-4-MeO-3,5-(t-Bu)(2)-MeOBIPHEP-(AuCl)(2) complex and silver salts (AgOTf or AgNTf(2)) in toluene under mild conditions to afford functionalized bicyclo[4.1.0]heptene derivatives. The reaction conditions were found to be highly substrate-dependent, the best results being obtained in the case of oxygen-tethered enynes. The formation of bicyclic derivatives, including cyclopropyl pentasubstituted ones, was reported in moderate to good yields and in enantiomeric excesses up to 99%.