One-core-atom loss in a gold nanocluster promotes hydroamination reaction of alkynes.

It has been well-established that surface atoms play a vital role in catalysis; however, it is still unclear whether the catalytic performance can be tuned by a core atom away from the surface. The investigation into this issue is complicated, as it is challenging to abstract a core atom from a conventional catalyst. The successful synthesis of atomically precise Au and Au nanoclusters, where a core atom can be extracted from Au to form Au, provides a new opportunity for unravelling the catalytic properties of a single core-atom. Herein, a distinction has been made between the catalytic activities of Au and Au in that the Au nanocluster exhibits superior activity in the intramolecular hydroamination of alkynes when compared to the Au nanocluster.