The mystery of Ph3P=S revealed in magic-size Ag-S cluster nucleation

The synthesis of atomically precise semiconductors Ag-S clusters is a subject of intense research interest, yet the formation mecha-nism of such nanoclusters remains obscure due to their uncon-trolled fast nucleation process in solution. Herein, we have investi-gated the reaction mechanism responsible for {Ag32S3} nucleation using UV, ESI-MS, NMR and SCXRD analyses. Triphenylphosphorus sulfide (PPh3S) was surprisingly found to slow down the kinetic process of the cluster nucleation. Furthermore, a key precursor [Ag2(Ph3P=S)(4)](2+) was captured, which was attacked by Agn(CuCBut)m and traces of water to generate {Ag32S3}. This mechanism provides valuable new insights into the synthesis of in-organic magic-size clusters.

Automated summary

In this study, the reaction mechanism responsible for the nucleation of {Ag32S3} clusters was investigated using various analytical techniques. Triphenylphosphorus sulfide was found to slow down the nucleation process, and a key precursor was identified, which reacted with Agn(CuCBut)m and traces of water to generate {Ag32S3} clusters. This mechanism provides valuable insights into the synthesis of inorganic magic-size clusters.