One-pot synthesis of atomically monodisperse, thiol-functionalized Au25 nanoclusters

We report a one-pot method for synthesizing atomically monodisperse Au25 nanoclusters stabilized with various functionalized thiols. This approach permits facile incorporation of specific functionality [such as –OH, –COOH, and atom transfer radical polymerization initiator –OC(O)C(CH3)2Br] into the protecting thiol ligand shell and provides convenient access to new types of Au25 nanoclusters inaccessible by the previous two-phase approach. Importantly, a distinct “size-focusing” process was identified in the growth process of Au25 nanoclusters in the one-pot reaction. This facile, one-pot synthesis of thiol-functionalized Au25 nanoclusters allows for the development of specific surface chemistry for practical applications of such nanoclusters, such as bioconjugation, sensing, and surface polymerization, and thus makes the approach and the Au25 nanoclusters of broad utility.