[Ag20{S2P(OR)2}12]: A Superatom Complex with a Chiral Metallic Core and High Potential for Isomerism

Abstract

The synthesis and structural determination of a silver nanocluster [Ag20{S2P(OiPr)2}12] (2), which contains an intrinsic chiral metallic core, is produced by reduction of one silver ion from the eight-electron superatom complex [Ag21{S2P(OiPr)2}12](PF6) (1) by borohydrides. Single-crystal X-ray analysis displays an Ag20core of pseudo C3symmetry comprising a silver-centered Ag13icosahedron capped by seven silver atoms. Its n-propyl derivative, [Ag20{S2P(OnPr)2}12] (3), can also be prepared by the treatment of silver(I) salts and dithiophosphates in a stoichiometric ratio in the presence of excess amount of [BH4]?. Crystal structure analyses reveal that the capping silver-atom positions relative to their icosahedral core are distinctly different in 2 and 3 and generate isomeric, chiral Ag20cores. Both Ag20clusters display an emission maximum in the near IR region. DFT calculations are consistent with a description within the superatom model of an 8-electron [Ag13]5+core protected by a [Ag7{S2P(OR)2}12]5?external shell. Two additional structural variations are predicted by DFT, showing the potential for isomerism in such [Ag20{S2P(OR)2}12] species. ? 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim