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First enantioseparation and circular dichroism spectra of Au₃₈ clusters protected with achiral ligands

The chirality of thiolate-protected Au₃₈ clusters has been known since its crystal structure was successfully solved in 2010. In our new publication, we managed to achieve separation of the enantiomers of these clusters by applying HPLC. Of note, the protecting ligand is achiral and does not induce a handedness. Its chirality stems from the asymmetric arrangement of the ligands on its surface. The CD spectra of the enantiopure Au₃₈ cluster are surprisingly strong.

For further details, see: I. Dolamic, S. Knoppe, A. Dass and T. Bürgi, Nature Communications 2012, 3, 798. DOI