Highly efficient three-component coupling reaction catalysed by atomically precise ligand-protected Au-38(SC2H4Ph)(24) nanoclusters

The catalytic potential of atomically precise quantum-sized gold nanoclusters (Au-38(SC2H4Ph)(24)) is explored for the three-component coupling of an aldehyde, an alkyne and an amine to synthesize propargylamines. A high catalytic efficiency with a very low loading (0.01 mol%) is achieved. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the electron-deficient surface (i.e. Au delta+, 0 < delta(+) < 1) and the electronrich Au-23 core of the ligand-protected nanoclusters is critical for this catalytic reaction.