Exploring stereoselectivity of Au25 nanoparticle catalyst for hydrogenation of cyclic ketone

Atomically monodisperse Au25(SR)18 (where Rdouble bond; length as m-dashCH2CH2Ph) nanoparticles are explored as a stereoselective catalyst for hydrogenation of cyclic ketone to one specific isomer of cyclic alcohol product. A complete (∼100%) stereoselectivity is obtained. The catalytic performance is correlated with the crystal structure and core-shell electronic nature of Au25(SR)18 superatoms, in which the electron-rich Au13 core activates the Cdouble bond; length as m-dashO bond, whereas the electron-deficient Au12 shell provides active sites for H2 adsorption and dissociation. This work demonstrates promising catalytic performance of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles. The atomically precise Au25(SR)18 superatom catalyst may be explored as hydrogenation catalysts for some important chemical processes.