Methods: Diphenylphosphine ligands, which consist of two phenyl (C6H5) substituted phosphorus centers separated by a carbon chain of variable length, produce gold clusters with extremely narrow distributions in size; that is, the synthesis route produces a large quantity of clusters with the same number of gold atoms as well as a small number of clusters with similar numbers of atoms. (pnnl.gov)
The reaction transfers electrons from the reducing agent to the chloroauric acid, liberating gold atoms in the process. (sciencedaily.com)
In addition, gold clusters with the phenyl - containing ligand fragmented through a wide range of dissociation channels involving the loss of gold atoms as well as activation of the phosphorus - carbon bonds of the ligands. (pnnl.gov)