Ag18(μ8-S)(p-TBBT)16(PPh3)8: symmetry breaking induced by the core to generate chirality

Abstract

A chiral silver–sulfur nanocluster with a μ₈-S inside, Ag₁₈(μ₈-S)(p-TBBT)₁₆(PPh₃)₈, was successfully synthesized and characterized. This nanocluster is composed of a crown-like Ag₈S core and an Ag₁₀S₁₆P₈ meso-shell. The presence of the core induces symmetry breaking of the nanocluster from S₈ to C₄, and therefore endows the cluster with chirality.