Solvent-assisted one-pot synthesis and self-assembly of 4-aminothiophenol-capped gold nanoparticles

A single step process for the synthesis and self-assembly of ca. 3nm gold nanoparticles by 4-aminothiophenol (ATP) in water -DMF is demonstrated. The results indicate the involvement of both ithiol and amine groups in the reduction of AuCl(super -) ions, which simultaneously compete for attachment on the surface of gold nanoparticles.