Microwave Synthesis of Au Nanoparticles in the Presence of Tetrahydrothiophenocucurbituril.

The preparation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from tetrachloroauric acid in the presence of tetrahydrothiophenocucurbit[ n ]uril (THT m Q[ n ]) has been effectively achieved in a microwave reactor. The reaction was performed in the presence of an excess of the tetrahydrothiopheno function in a partial reductant role, while the remainder formed AuNP-THT m Q[ n ] conjugates after the reduction was completed with formic acid. An affinity for the AuNPs by the THT m Q[ n ] was observed in the purification of the NPs via centrifugation, removal of the supernatant and resuspension of the conjugate.