Aromaticity in a Surface Deposited Cluster: Pd${}_4$ on TiO${}_2$ (110)

Abstract

We report the presence of σ-aromaticity in a surface deposited cluster, Pd${}_4$ on TiO${}_2$ (110). In the gas phase, Pd${}_4$ adopts a tetrahedral structure. However, surface binding promotes a flat, σ-aromatic cluster. This is the first time aromaticity is found in surface deposited clusters. Systems of this type emerge as a promising class of catalyst, and so realization of aromaticity in them may help to rationalize their reactivity and catalytic properties, as a function of cluster size and composition.

4 pages, 3 figures

References in corpus (1)

• Structure, stability, and mobility of small Pd clusters on the stoichiometric and defective TiO${}_2$ (110) surfaces