Enhancement of the stability and reaction rate by thenoyl and CF3 groups in the formation of gold nanocrystals using β-diketones

We describe a synthetic route for the high yield production of Au nanomaterials via a simple one step reduction process. Thenoyltrifluoroacetone was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent as well for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. The reaction rate for the formation of Au nanoparticles using thenoyltrifluoroacetone was much faster than that of any other β-diketones such as acetylacetone. By simply varying the reaction temperature and the concentration, the shape and size of the resulting Au nanocrystals were easily controlled. The colloidal state of the Au nanocrystals in water lasts several weeks without any spectral changes.