Chemistry and Structure of Silver Molecular Nanoparticles

ConspectusSilver and gold molecular nanoparticles (mNPs) are a relatively new class of molecular materials of fundamental interest. They are high-nuclearity metal–organic compounds, with ligated metal cores, where the different character of bonding in the ligand shell and metal core gives rise to many of the unique properties of these materials. Research has primarily focused on gold mNPs, due to their good stability and the ease with which they may be synthesized and processed. To understand these materials as a general class, however, it will be necessary to broaden research efforts to other metals. Gold and silver are isoelectronic and have the same atomic radius, making the comparison of gold and silver mNPs attractive. The optical and chemical differences of the two metals provide useful contrasts, however, as well as a means to access a wider range of properties.In this Account, we focus on the synthesis, structure, and reactivity of silver mNPs. First, we review the origins and history of the field...