Reversible conversion between phosphine protected Au6 and Au8 nanoclusters under oxidative/reductive conditions

In this study, we found that phosphine protected [Au-6(dppp)(4)](2+) and [Au-8(dppp)(4)Cl-2](2+) nanoclusters could be reversibly converted under oxidative/reductive conditions. This work not only provides new insights into the relationship between the [Au-6(dppp)(4)](2+) and [Au-8(dppp)(4)Cl-2](2+) nanoclusters, but also offers a novel method for controlling structural evolution of different Au nanoclusters.