Au70S20(PPh3)12: an intermediate sized metalloid gold cluster stabilized by the Au4S4 ring motif and Au-PPh3 groups

Reducing (Ph3P)AuSC(SiMe3)3 with L-Selectride® gives the medium-sized metalloid gold cluster Au70S20(PPh3)12. Computational studies show that the phosphine bound Au-atoms not only stabilize the electronic structure of Au70S20(PPh3)12, but also behave as electron acceptors leading to auride-like gold atoms on the exterior.