Au25(SR)18 clusters used as a precursor to make Au-Pd core-shell nanoparticles.
Activation of the clusters by both thermal calcination and chemical reduction of thiols.
3:1 AuPd catalysts have highest TON and selectivity for crotyl alcohol oxidation.
XANES results show correlation between Pd 4d vacancies and catalytic activity.
LiBH4 reduction of thiols from clusters followed by Pd deposition gave best catalysts.