S‐ and P‐based Ligand‐protected Metal Nanocluster Catalysis

As the third-period elements, S and P are beneficial to coordinate with metals, forming stable metal nanoclusters that can be readily synthesized, isolated, and characterized. Therefore, the early reports on organic ligand protected metal nanoclusters are centered on thiolate- and phosphine-protected ones. In this chapter, we introduce the thiolate- and phosphine-protected metal nanoclusters with atomically precise structures. The structural features and activation sites of both metal nanoclusters are introduced. Their catalytic performance in oxidations, reductions, cross-coupling reactions, C 1 molecule conversions, etc. are described in details. The hydride-doping effect in phosphine-protected metal nanocluster catalysis is highlighted in particular.