Thermolysis of gold(I) thiolate complexes producing novel gold nanoparticles passivated by alkyl groups

Thermolysis of gold( I) thiolate complex, [C14H29(CH3)(3)N][ Au(SC12H25)(2)], at 180 degreesC for 5 h under an N-2 atmosphere produces novel gold nanoparticles passivated by alkyl groups derived from the precursor complex, the TEM image of which shows spherical particles with average diameter 26 nm.