Reducing Capsule Based on Electron Programming: Versatile Synthesizer for Size-Controlled Ultra-Small Metal Clusters

Controlled reducing capsules with a specific number of reducing electrons were achieved by appropriately placed BH3 units in the dendritic poly-phenylazomethines (DPAs). Using the 1:1 coordination fashion on their basic branches with radius affinity gradient, the 4th generation DPA (DPAG4) possessing four BH3 units in the central positions was prepared as a template synthesizer for size-controlled ultra-small metal clusters. This was well-demonstrated by reduction of Ag, Pt and other metal ions resulting in monodispersed ultra-small clusters.