Synthesis and characterization of thiosalicylic acid stabilized gold nanoparticles.

We report the synthesis of photoluminescent Au nanoparticles of varying sizes stabilized with a carboxylate group terminated aromatic thiol, thiosalicylic acid. The formation of Au nanoparticles and its stabilization with the thiol has been characterized by different spectroscopic and thermal methods. The water solubility, along with the low degree of aggregation and photoluminescence, enhances their suitability for biological applications. The photoluminescence may be due to charge transfer of the Au core with the stabilizing ligand.