Surface derivatization and isolation of semiconductor cluster molecules.

We describe a synthesis of nanometer clusters of CdSe using organometallic reagents in non-homogeneous solution, and modification of the surface of these cluster compounds. In particular we show how the clusters grow in the presence of added reagents, and how the surface may be terminated and passivated by the addition of organoselenides. Passivation of the surface allows for the removal of the cluster molecules from the reaction medium, and the isolation of organometallic molecules which are zincblende CdSe cores surrounded by covalently attached organic ligands.