Exploring stereoselectivity of Au25 nanoparticle catalyst for hydrogenation of cyclic ketone

Atomically monodisperse Au25(SR)18 (where RCH2CH2Ph) nanoparticles are explored as a stereoselective catalyst for hydrogenation of cyclic ketone to one specific isomer of cyclic alcohol product. A complete (∼100%) stereoselectivity is obtained. The catalytic performance is correlated with the crystal structure and core-shell electronic nature of Au25(SR)18 superatoms, in which the electron-rich Au13 core activates the CO bond, whereas the electron-deficient Au12 shell provides active sites for H2 adsorption and dissociation. This work demonstrates promising catalytic performance of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles. The atomically precise Au25(SR)18 superatom catalyst may be explored as hydrogenation catalysts for some important chemical processes.

Graphical abstractAtomically monodisperse Au25(SR)18 (RCH2CH2Ph) nanoparticles are explored as a new type of stereoselective catalyst for hydrogenation of cyclic ketone to a specific isomer of the cyclic alcohol product. A complete (100%) stereoselectivity is obtained and the catalytic performance is further correlated with the crystal structure of the Au25(SR)18 nanoparticle.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (78 K)Download as PowerPoint slide