An efficient nanocluster catalyst for Sonogashira reaction

Pd together with CuI has been well known as the catalyst towards Sonogashira reaction, which provides an effective route to functional alkynes. However, the achievement of high activity and selectivity of this catalytic system is still challenging in some cases. Illustrative examples include their low activity for aryl chloride substrates, and switched selectivity to oxidative coupling products in air atmosphere. In this work, a Cu-incorporated Au13 nanocluster [Au13Cu2(PPh3)6(SC2H4Ph)6]+[NO3]- (Au13Cu2) was designed and prepared in high yield via rapid synthesis. This atomically precise nanocluster shows the potential to be a novel catalytic system for Sonogashira reaction, featuring high activity and selectivity, as well as good recyclability even in air atmosphere.