Recent progress in dichalcophosphate coinage metal clusters and superatoms

Atomically precise clusters of group 11 metals (Cu, Ag, and Au) attract considerable attention owing to their remarkable structure and fascinating properties. One of the unique subclasses of these clusters is based on dichalcophosphate ligands of [(RO)(2)PE2](-) type (E = S or Se, and R = alkyl). These ligands successfully stabilise the most diverse Cu, Ag, and Au clusters and superatoms, spanning from simple ones to amazing assemblies featuring unusual structural and bonding patterns. It is noteworthy that such complicated clusters are assembled directly from cheap and simple reagents, metal(i) salts and dichalcophosphate anions. This reaction, when performed in the presence of a hydride or other anion sources, or foreign metal ions, results in hydrido- or anion-templated homo- or heteronuclear structures. In this feature article, we survey the recent advances in this exciting field, highlighting the powerful synthetic capabilities of the system a metal(i) salt - [(RO)(2)PX2](-) ligands - a templating anion or borohydride as an inexhaustible platform for the creation of new atomically precise clusters, superatoms, and nanoalloys.

Automated summary

Atomically precise clusters of group 11 metals (Cu, Ag, and Au) with dichalcophosphate ligands have attracted attention due to their unique structures and remarkable properties. These clusters can be synthesized from simple and cheap reagents, metal(i) salts and dichalcophosphate anions, and can assemble into complex structures with the presence of hydride or other anion sources, or foreign metal ions. This feature article surveys the recent advances in this field, highlighting the powerful synthetic capabilities of the system for creating new atomically precise clusters, superatoms, and nanoalloys.