Synthesis and properties of an Au6 cluster supported by a mixed N-heterocyclic carbene–thiolate ligand†
Abstract
The preparation of a novel Au6 cluster bearing a bidentate mixed carbene–thiolate ligand is presented. The length of linker between the central benzimidazole and thiolate has a strong effect on the formation of cluster products, with a C2 chain giving an Au6 cluster, while a C3 chain results in no evidence of cluster formation. Density functional theory analysis predicts a non-metallic cluster with a large HOMO–LUMO (3.2–3.6 eV) and optical gap.