Recent Progress in the Functionalization Methods of Thiolate-Protected Gold Clusters.

Nanomaterials that exhibit both stability and functionality are currently considered to hold great promise as components of nanotechnology devices. Thiolate-protected gold clusters (Aun(SR)m) have long attracted attention as functional nanomaterials. Magic Aun(SR)m clusters are an especially stable group of thiolate-protected clusters that have particularly high potential as functional materials. Although numerous application experiments have been conducted for magic Aun(SR)m clusters, it is important that functionalization methods are also established to allow for effective utilization of these materials. The results of recent research on heteroatom doping and the use of other chalcogenide ligands strongly suggest that these strategies are promising as functionalization methods of magic Aun(SR)m clusters. In this Perspective, we focus on studies relating to three representative types of magic clusters-Au25(SR)18, Au38(SR)24, and Au144(SR)60-and discuss the recent progress and future issues.