LAUSR

We here report a protocol for the synthesis of Au38S2(SAdm)20 nanoclusters (−SAdm = 1-adamantanethiolate) with a higher production yield (10%) in comparison to previous reported methods. The photosensitizing properties of the gold nanoclusters are investigated for the formations of singlet oxygen (1O2) using visible light wavelengths of 532 and 650 nm. The formation of 1O2 was detected by 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran as the chemical trapping probe as well as direct observation of the characteristic 1O2 emission (ca. 1276 nm). The efficiency of the 1O2 formation using the Au38S2(SAdm)20 nanoclusters is found to be notably higher than that of Au25(SR)18 nanoclusters. Finally, selective aerobic oxidations of sulfide to sulfoxide and benzylamine to imine in the presence of oxygen (3O2) and photoexcited Au38S2(SAdm)20 are well studied. This work demonstrates the promise of Au38S2(SAdm)20 nanoclusters in the generation of activated singlet oxygen for selective catalytic reactions.