In monolayer protected clusters, a defined number of metal atoms and organic ligands form a core shell structure. Information about the flexibility of the ligands on the surface, the type of bonds and the vibrational properties are important for understanding their structure and chemical behavior. The gold-thiolate surface network might adopt an intrinsically chiral arrangement or chirality might be induced by chiral ligands. Kinetic studies of the racemization of enantioseparated clusters give information about the flexibility of the cluster's surface. Vibrational spectroscopy provides information on the nature of the bonds. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy in the far-infrared range are suitable for investigating the vibrational modes of the Au-S bonds. Staple types on the surface can be differentiated. The reactivity of the surface of the gold clusters allows one to impart an almost unlimited number of properties. Modifications with organic chromophores may lead to new nanomaterials exhibiting energy or electron transfer.