Surface functionalization of cadmium sulfide quantum-confined nanoclusters. 4. Formation and reactivity of an aniline surface quantum dot

The preparation, characterization, properties, and reactivity of a novel qu antum-confined CdS nanocluster containing a chemically active aniline surfa ce are described, along with three general methods for the covalent attachm ent of a wide scope of molecular moieties to the cluster surface. The forma tion, of facile covalent linkages via DCC mediated amidization, secondary a mine formation, and thiourea condensation is discussed and, as the introduc tion of surface functionality is crucial for the eventual realization of mo lecular electronic devices fabricated from such nanoclusters, several deriv atized nanoclusters bearing interesting chromophoric, fluorescent, electroa ctive, and chiroptical tethered species are described. All three derivatiza tion techniques occur under very mild conditions that have been demonstrate d not to disturb the integrity of the nanocluster core.