Rhombicuboctahedral Ag100: Four‐Layered Octahedral Silver Nanocluster Adopting the Russian Nesting Doll Model

Precise atomic structure of metal nanoclusters (NCs) is fundamental for elucidating the structure–property relationships and the inherent size‐evolution principles. Reported here is the largest known FCC‐based (FCC=face centered cubic) silver nanocluster, [Ag100(SC6H33,4F2)48(PPh3)8]−: the first all‐octahedral symmetric nesting Ag nanocluster with a four‐layered Ag6@Ag38@Ag48S24@Ag8S24P8 structure, consistent symmetry elements, and a unique rhombicuboctahedral morphology distinct from theoretical predictions and previously reported FCC‐based Ag clusters. DFT studies revealed extensive interlayer interactions and degenerate frontier orbitals. The FCC‐based Russian nesting doll model constitutes a new platform for the study of the size‐evolution principles of Ag NCs. Face on: The all‐octahedral symmetric nesting Ag cluster, that is, [Ag100(SC6H33,4F2)48(PPh3)8]−, is reported. The structural model is informed by a deep understanding of the nucleation and evolution principles for FCC‐based Ag nanoclusters, but is radically different from previous models, and is unprecedented in the context of Ag clusters. FCC=face centered cubic.