Single-molecule Magnet Properties Research Articles

Mechanism of magnetisation relaxation in {MIII2DyIII2} (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Al) "Butterfly" complexes: how important are the transition metal ions here?

We describe the synthesis, characterisation and magnetic studies of four tetranuclear, isostructural "butterfly" heterometallic complexes: [MIII2LnIII2(μ3-OH)2(p-Me-PhCO2)6(L)2] (H2L = 2,2'-((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)azanediyl)bis(ethan-1-ol), M = Cr, Ln = Dy (1), Y (2), M = Mn, Ln = Dy (3), Y (4)), which extend our previous study on the analogous 5 {Fe2Dy2}, 6 {Fe2Y2} and 7 {Al2Dy2} compounds. We also present data on the yttrium diluted 7 {Al2Dy2}: 8 {Al2Dy0.18Y1.82}. Compounds dc and ac magnetic susceptibility data reveal single-molecule magnet (SMM) behaviour for complex 3 {Mn2Dy2}, in the absence of an external magnetic field, with an anisotropy barrier U eff of 19.2 K, while complex 1 {Cr2Dy2}, shows no ac signals even under applied dc field, indicating absence of SMM behaviour. The diluted sample 8 {Al2Dy0.18Y1.82} shows field induced SMM behaviour with an anisotropy barrier U eff of 69.3 K. Furthermore, the theoretical magnetic properties of [MIII2LnIII2(μ3-OH)2(p-Me-PhCO2)6(L)2] (M = Cr, 1 or Mn, 3) and their isostructural complexes: [MIII2DyIII2(μ3-OH)2(p-Me-PhCO2)6(L)2] (M = Fe, 5 or Al, 7) are discussed and compared. To understand the experimental observations for this family, DFT and ab initio CASSCF + RASSI-SO calculations were performed. The experimental and theoretical calculations suggest that altering the 3dIII ions can affect the single-ion properties and the nature and the magnitude of the 3dIII-3dIII, 3dIII-DyIII and DyIII-DyIII magnetic coupling, thus quenching the quantum tunneling of magnetisation (QTM) significantly, thereby improving the SMM properties within this motif. This is the first systematic study looking at variation and therefore role of trivalent transition metal ions, as well as the diamgnetic AlIII ion, on slow relaxation of magnetisation within a series of isostructural 3d-4f butterfly compounds.

Coordination Clusters of 3d-Metals That Behave as Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs): Synthetic Routes and Strategies.

The area of 3d-metal coordination clusters that behave as Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) is now quite mature within the interdisciplinary field of Molecular Magnetism. This area has created a renaissance in Inorganic Chemistry. From the synthetic Inorganic Chemistry viewpoint, the early years of “try and see” exercises (1993–2000) have been followed by the development of strategies and strict approaches. Our review will first summarize the early synthetic efforts and routes for the preparation of polynuclear 3d-metal SMMs, and it will be then concentrated on the description of the existing strategies. The former involve the combination of appropriate 3d-metal-containing starting materials (simple salts with inorganic anions, metal cardoxylates, and pre-formed carboxylate clusters, metal phosphonates) and one or two primary organic ligands; the importance of the end-on azido group as a ferromagnetic coupler in 3d-metal SMM chemistry will be discussed. The utility of comproportionation reactions and the reductive aggregation route for the construction of manganese SMMs will also be described. Most of the existing strategies for the synthesis of SMMs concern manganese. These involve substitution of carboxylate ligands in pre-formed SMMs by other carboxylate or non-carboxylate groups, reduction procedures for the {} SMMs, spin “tweaking,” “switching on” SMM properties upon conversion of low-spin clusters into high-spin ones, ground-state spin switching and enhancing SMM properties via targeted structural distortions, the use of radical bridging ligands and supramolecular approaches. A very useful strategy is also the “switching on” of SMM behavior through replacement of bridging hydroxide groups by end-on azido or isocyanato ligands in clusters. Selected examples will be mentioned and critically discussed. Particular emphasis will be given on the criteria for the choice of ligands.

Cyclopentadienyl Ligands in Lanthanide Single-Molecule Magnets: One Ring To Rule Them All?

The discovery of materials capable of storing magnetic information at the level of single molecules and even single atoms has fueled renewed interest in the slow magnetic relaxation properties of single-molecule magnets (SMMs). The lanthanide elements, especially dysprosium, continue to play a pivotal role in the development of potential nanoscale applications of SMMs, including, for example, in molecular spintronics and quantum computing. Aside from their fundamentally fascinating physics, the realization of functional materials based on SMMs requires significant scientific and technical challenges to be overcome. In particular, extremely low temperatures are needed to observe slow magnetic relaxation, and while many SMMs possess a measurable energy barrier to reversal of the magnetization ( Ueff), very few such materials display the important properties of magnetic hysteresis with remanence and coercivity. Werner-type coordination chemistry has been the dominant method used in the synthesis of lanthanide SMMs, and most of our knowledge and understanding of these materials is built on the many important contributions based on this approach. In contrast, lanthanide organometallic chemistry and lanthanide magnetochemistry have effectively evolved along separate lines, hence our goal was to promote a new direction in single-molecule magnetism by uniting the nonclassical organometallic synthetic approach with the traditionally distinct field of molecular magnetism. Over the last several years, our work on SMMs has focused on obtaining a detailed understanding of why magnetic materials based on the dysprosium metallocene cation building block {Cp2Dy}+ display slow magnetic relaxation. Specifically, we aspired to control the SMM properties using novel coordination chemistry in a way that hinges on key considerations, such as the strength and the symmetry of the crystal field. In establishing that the two cyclopentadienyl ligands combine to provide a strongly axial crystal field, we were able to propose a robust magneto-structural correlation for understanding the properties of dysprosium metallocene SMMs. In doing so, a blueprint was established that allows Ueff and the magnetic blocking temperature ( TB) to be improved in a well-defined way. Although experimental discoveries with SMMs occur more rapidly than quantitative theory can (currently) process and explain, a clear message emanating from the literature is that a combination of the two approaches is most effective. In this Account, we summarize the main findings from our own work on dysprosium metallocene SMMs, and consider them in the light of related experimental studies and theoretical interpretations of related materials reported by other protagonists. In doing so, we aim to contribute to the nascent and healthy debate on the nature of spin dynamics in SMMs and allied molecular nanomagnets, which will be crucial for the further advancement of this vibrant research field.

Towards solvent tuning of slow magnetic relaxation and ferroelectric properties in a dysprosium metal–organic framework system

Abstract A new dysprosium metal–organic framework {[Dy2(L)3(H2O)4]·(acetone)2·(H2O)3} n (Dy2-Acetone) with single-molecule magnet and ferroelectric properties was synthesized through a solvent-induced single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformation. Notably, exchange of the coordinated and guest solvent molecules lead to different magnetic relaxation and ferroelectric properties in the dysprosium MOF system, Dy2-DMF and Dy2-Acetone. Study reveals that the tunable magnetic relaxation behaviors are most likely a result of different local coordination sphere and lattice solvent molecules within the pores which influenced and tuned the relaxation rates of the magnetization. Moreover, disparate polar solvent molecules confined in the MOFs may be the key factors for their different ferroelectric properties.

Self-assembly and SMM properties of lanthanide cyanocobaltate chain complexes with terpyridine as blocking ligand

A series of novel isomorphic 1D-polymeric complexes {[Ln(terpy)(H2O)3][Co(CN)6]·5H2O}n (Ln = Tb, Dy, Er, Yb; terpy is 2,2';6',2“-terpyridine) was prepared and characterized. Compounds Dy, Er and Yb were found to exhibit properties of field-induced single-molecule magnets with the anisotropy barriers of 68 K, 8 K and 37 K, respectively. Erbium complex Er seems to represent the first known example of Er-based cyanide-bridged 3d-4f SMM, whereas Yb is the second Yb-based one. The effect of the geometry of the coordination environment as well as of ligands field symmetry on SMM behavior of Dy, Er and Yb compounds is discussed. Among the cyanocobaltate-bridged chain complexes, the Dy, Er, Yb are the first series formed by the entire set of heavy Kramers ions which were studied as SMMs.

Tuning the Magnetic Interactions in Dy(III)4 Single-Molecule Magnets.

The study of mononuclear lanthanide-based systems, where the observed single-molecule magnets (SMMs) properties originate from the local description of the magnetic properties of the lanthanide ion, has been widely investigated through the literature. The case of polynuclear SMMs becomes more challenging both experimentally and theoretically due to the complexity of such architectures involving interactions between the magnetic centers. Many efforts have been focused on the understanding of the nature of these interactions and their effects on the SMM properties. In this work, a series of three structurally related tetranuclear dysprosium(III) SMMs, namely, [Dy4(L)4(OH)2(DMF)4(NO3)2]·2(DMF)·(H2O) (1), [Dy4(L)4(OH)2(DMF)2(tfaa)2]·2(CH3CN) (2), and [Dy4(L)4(OH)2(DMF)2(acac)2]·2(DMF) (3) (H2L = 2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylideneamino)phenol, Htfaa = trifluoroacetylactone, Hacac = acetylacetonate), has been synthesized and investigated. By a fine-tuning of the ligands on the changeable coordination sites in these Dy(III)4 SMMs, the intramolecular magnetic interactions can be modified, switching from antiferromagnetic (for 1 and 2) to ferromagnetic (for 3). Ab initio calculations support these statements. In addition, the formation of 1 has been analyzed by ESI-MS analysis of the reaction mixture, indicating rather quick and high-yield formation of the [Dy4] framework in solution. The combination of experimental work and ab initio calculations offers further insight into the relationship between structures and magnetic properties and sheds light on how to tune magnetic interactions in future polynuclear dysprosium complexes.

Theoretical Investigation of Plutonium-Based Single-Molecule Magnets.

The electronic structure of a plutonium-based single-molecule magnet (SMM) was theoretically examined by means of multiconfigurational electronic structure theory calculations, including spin-orbit coupling effects. All Pu 5f to 5f transitions for all possible spin states were computed, as well as ligand to metal charge transfer and Pu 5f to 6d transitions. Spin-orbit coupling effects were included a posteriori to accurately describe the electronic transitions. The spin-orbit coupled energies and magnetic moments were then used to compute the magnetic susceptibility curves. The experimental electronic structure and magnetic susceptibility curve were reproduced well by our calculations. A compound with a modified electron-donating ligand (namely a carbene ligand) was also investigated in an attempt to tune the electronic properties of the plutonium SMM, revealing a higher ligand field splitting of the 5f orbitals of Pu, which could in turn enhance the barrier against magnetic relaxation.

Modulation of the Coordination Environment around the Magnetic Easy Axis Leads to Significant Magnetic Relaxations in a Series of 3d-4f Schiff Complexes.

A series of Salen-type Zn(II)-Dy(III) complexes [L1Zn(II)ClDy(III)(acac)2]·H2O (1), [L1Zn(II)BrDy(III)(acac)2]·H2O (2), [L1Zn(II)(H2O)Dy(III)(acac)2]·CH2Cl2·PF6 (3), [L2Zn(II)(H2O)Dy(III)(acac)2]·PF6 (4), and Co(III)-Dy(III) complexes [L1Co(III)Br2Dy(III)(acac)2]·CH2Cl2 (5), [L2Co(III)Cl2Dy(III)(acac)Cl(MeO)] (6), [L2Co(III)Cl2Dy(III)(acac)Cl(H2O)] (7), and [L2Co(III)Cl2Dy(III)(NO3)2(MeO)] (8) heterobinuclear single-molecule magnets (SMMs) were synthesized and magnetically characterized. These complexes were constructed by incorporating diamagnetic Zn(II) and Co(III) ions with acetylacetone (acac) and compartmental Schiff-base ligands (H2L1 = N, N'-bis(2-oxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-1,2-phenylenediamine; H2L2 = N, N'-bis(2-oxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane). In the Zn(II)-Dy(III) (1-4) system, the coordination environments of the Dy(III) ions are nearly identical, but the apical coordination atom to the Zn(II) ion is different. Complexes 1, 2, and 4 displayed no magnetic relaxation in the absence of external magnetic field, but complex 3 displayed more pronounced SMM behavior with a relaxation energy barrier Ueff/ kB 38 K and magnetic hysteresis at 1.8 K. The SMM performances of 5, 6, and 7 were enhanced significantly by incorporating an octahedral Co(III) instead of square-pyramidal Zn(II) and replacing one of acac- group around Dy(III) ion by a neutral O atom, displaying Ueff of 167, 118, and 75 K as well as magnetic hysteresis up to 3.5 K. These studies indicated that the remote diamagnetic Zn(II) and Co(III) ions played a key role, and the SMM properties were very strongly related to the special coordination atoms configuration around Dy(III) ion. When this coordination configuration around was broken as 8 exhibited, however, it resulted in a dramatically decreased SMM performance. From this work, the key factors that significantly affect the SMM performance of these heteronuclear Zn(II)/Co(III)-Dy(III) SMMs are unambiguously presented.

Supramolecular Approach for Enhancing Single-Molecule Magnet Properties of Terbium(III)-Phthalocyaninato Double-Decker Complexes with Crown Moieties.

A TbIII -phthalocyaninato double-decker ([1]0 ) single-molecule magnet (SMM) having four 15-crown-5 moieties in one of the ligands was synthesized, and its dimerization and magnetic properties were studied in an attempt to utilize the supramolecular aggregation for enhancing the SMM properties. Aggregation of [1]0 to form [12 K4 ]4+ in the presence of K+ ions was studied by using UV/Vis-NIR absorption and NMR spectroscopies. For the magnetic measurements, [1]0 and [12 K4 ]4+ were dispersed in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). UV/Vis-NIR absorption measurements on the PMMA dispersed samples were used to track the formation of [12 K4 ]4+ . Direct current (DC) magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that there were ferromagnetic Tb-Tb interactions in [12 K4 ]4+ , whereas there was no indication of ferromagnetic interactions in [1]0 . Upon the formation of [12 K4 ]4+ from [1]0 and K+ ions, the temperature at which the magnetic hysteresis occurred increased from 7 to 15 K. In addition, the area of magnetic hysteresis became larger for [12 K4 ]4+ , meaning that SMM properties of [12 K4 ]4+ are superior to those of [1]0 . Alternating current (AC) magnetic measurements were used to confirm this observation. Magnetic relaxation times at 2 K increased 1000-fold upon dimerization of [1]0 to [12 K4 ]4+ , demonstrating the effectiveness of using K+ ions to induce dimer formation for the improvement of the SMM properties.

Effect of Low Spin Excited States for Magnetic Anisotropy of Transition Metal Mononuclear Single Molecule Magnets

Rational, fine tuning of magnetic anisotropy is critical to obtain new coordination compounds with enhanced single molecule magnet properties. For mononuclear transition metal complexes, the largest contribution to zero-field splitting is usually related to the excited states of the same spin as the ground level. Thus, the contribution of lower multiplicity roots tends to be overlooked due to its lower magnitude. In this article, we explore the role of lower multiplicity excited states in zero-field splitting parameters in model structures of Fe(II) and Co(II). Model aquo complexes with coordination numbers ranging from 2 to 6 were constructed. The magnetic anisotropy was calculated by state of the art ab initio methodologies, including spin-orbit coupling effects. For non-degenerate ground states, contributions to the zero-field splitting parameter (D) from highest and lower multiplicity roots were of the same sign. In addition, their relative magnitude was in a relatively narrow range, irrespective of the coordination geometry. For degenerate ground states, the contribution from lower multiplicity roots was significantly smaller. Results are rationalized in terms of general expressions for D and are expected to be reasonably transferable to real molecular systems.

Strong carbon cage influence on the single molecule magnetism in Dy-Sc nitride clusterfullerenes.

Magnetic properties of endohedral metallofullerenes with nitride clusters DySc2N and Dy2ScN and different carbon cages are studied by SQUID magnetometry. All molecules behave as single molecule magnets (SMMs) and exhibit magnetic hysteresis. It is found that the blocking temperature of magnetization and relaxation times strongly depend on the fullerene cage, with the C80-Ih isomer offering the best SMM properties.

Coordination structure conversion of protonated bisporphyrinato terbium(iii) double-decker complexes and creation of a Kondo assembly by electron injection on the Au(111) surface.

The first step towards the synthesis of single-molecule magnet (SMM)-based spintronics devices is the organization and manipulation of magnetic molecules on surfaces. Our previous studies on bulk crystals demonstrated that protonated porphyrinato double-decker complexes [Tb(Hoep)(oep)] (oep = 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyrinato) are not SMMs; however, once a hydrogen is removed to produce their neutral radical forms, [Tb(oep)2], they convert to SMMs. These intriguing properties encouraged us to examine the electronic/spin properties of these complexes and their chemical conversion ability after their transfer onto a metal substrate, similar to the environment required for the practical application of SMMs. Herein, we conducted a single-molecule-scale conversion of the protonated bis(porphyrinato)terbium(iii) double-decker complex [Tb(Hoep)(oep)], whose hepta-coordinated terbium ion changes into octa-coordinated [Tb(oep)2] on detaching a hydrogen atom by scanning tunnelling microscopy. This conversion can be caused by the injection of tunnelling electrons of energy 1.5-2.5 eV. We confirmed the conversion by analysing the topographic image and the spin state of the molecule. The latter was achieved by examining the Kondo resonance, which originated from the screening of the molecular spin by the conduction electrons of the metal. The Kondo resonance was not observed for [Tb(Hoep)(oep)] but was observed for the converted species, which agrees well with a model containing the [Tb(oep)2] molecule and Kondo resonance originating from the π-electron spin of the porphyrin ligand. Even though it is not possible to provide complete evidence of the SMM properties of the transferred molecule, we have demonstrated a possible path to realize the switch-on SMM properties of a single molecule.

Fine Tuning the Energy Barrier of Molecular Nanomagnets via Lattice Solvent Molecules

Solvents play important roles in our lives, they are also of interest in molecular materials, especially for molecular magnets. The solvatomagnetic effect is generally used for trigger and/or regulation of magnetic properties in molecule-based systems, however, molecular nanomagnets showing solvatomagnetic effects are very difficult to obtain. Here we report four 3d-4f heterometallic cluster complexes containing ROH lattice solvent molecules, [Cu3Tb2(H3L)2(OAc)2(hfac)4]∙2ROH {H6L = 1,3-Bis[tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamino]propane, hfac− = hexafluoroacetylacetonate; R = CH3, 1; R = C2H5, 2; R = C3H7, 3; R = H, 4}. Single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties of these four complexes were observed to be dependent on the ROH lattice solvent molecule. There is an interesting magneto-structural correlation: the larger the R group, the higher the energy barrier. For the first time, the solvatomagnetic effect is used for the continuous fine adjustment of the energy barrier of 0D molecular nanomagnets. Additionally, [Cu3Dy2(H3L)2(OAc)2(hfac)4]∙2MeOH (5), an analogue of [Cu3Tb2(H3L)2(OAc)2(hfac)4]∙2MeOH (1), is also reported for comparison.

Changing Single-Molecule Magnet Properties of a Windmill-Like Distorted Terbium(III) α-Butoxy-Substituted Phthalocyaninato Double-Decker Complex by Protonation/Deprotonation.

Synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of α-butoxy-substituted phthalocyaninato double-decker complexes Tb(α-obPc)2 (1-) (α-obPc: dianion of 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octa(n-butoxy)phthalocyaninato) with protonated (1H), deprotonated (1[HDBU]), and diprotonated forms (1H2+) are discussed. X-ray analysis was used to confirm the position of the proton in 1H, and it was revealed that the protonation induced asymmetric distortion in 1H. In contrast, 1[HDBU] was distorted in a highly symmetric windmill-like fashion. 1H is arranged in a slipped column array in the crystal packing, whereas 1[HDBU] is arranged in a one-dimensional fashion, in which the magnetic easy axes of 1[HDBU] lie along the same line. From direct-current (dc) magnetic measurements, ferromagnetic Tb-Tb interactions occur in both 1H and 1[HDBU], and magnetic hysteresis was observed. However, the area of the magnetic hysteresis in 1[HDBU] is larger than that in 1H, meaning that magnetic relaxation time (τ) is longer in 1[HDBU]. In addition, the results of alternating-current magnetic measurements in a zero dc magnetic field indicate that τ of 1[HDBU] is longer as compared to 1H. In other words, protonation/deprotonation affects not only the molecular structures and crystal packing but also the single-molecule magnet properties.

A family of related Co(II) terpyridine compounds exhibiting field induced single-molecule magnet properties

We describe the syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of several Co(II) complexes containing 4′-pyrrolidine-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (pyrtpy) or 4′-triflouromethylsulfonate-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (OTftpy) ligands: [(OTftpy)CoCl2] (1), [Co(pyrtpy)2](BPh4)2 (2b), and [(OTftpy)Co(κ2-O2NO)2] (3). The compounds display different coordination numbers, where 1, 2b and 3 are distorted square pyramidal (pentacoordinate), octahedral (hexacoordinate) and pentagonal bipyramidal (heptacoordinate) about the cobalt center, respectively. Field-induced slow magnetic relaxation properties are observed for all compounds; however, compounds 1 and 3 display two relaxation events, whereas 2b shows only one relaxation event. The origin of the varied dynamic magnetic properties for these complexes arises from the change in coordination environment as well as dipolar interactions between neighboring complexes. These experimental results are supported by computational investigations for each species, implicating lower-lying excited states for complex 2b, which increase the impact of spin–orbit coupling, in turn leading to a larger axial anisotropy value.

Rare Earth Polyoxometalates.

Longstanding and important applications make use of the chemical and physical properties of both rare earth metals and polyoxometalates of early transition metals. The catalytic, optical, and magnetic features of rare earth metal ions are well-known, as are the reversible multielectron redox and photoredox capabilities of polyoxomolybdates and polyoxotungstates. The combination of rare earth ions and polyoxometalates in discrete molecules and coordination polymers is of interest for the unique combination of chemical and physical properties that can arise. This Account surveys our efforts to synthesize and investigate compounds with rare earth ions and polyoxometalates (RE-POMs), sometimes with carboxylate-based organic coligands. Our general synthetic approach is "bottom-up", which affords well-defined nanoscale molecules, typically in crystalline form and amenable to single-crystal X-ray diffraction for structure determination. Our particular focus is on elucidation of the physical properties conferred by the different structural components with a view to ultimately being able to tune these properties chemically. For this purpose, we employ a variety of spectroscopic, magnetochemical, electrochemical, and scattering techniques in concert with theoretical modeling and computation. Studies of RE-POM single-molecule magnets (SMMs) have utilized magnetic susceptibility, inelastic neutron scattering, and ab initio calculations. These investigations have allowed characterization of the crystal field splitting of the rare earth(III) ions that is responsible for the SMM properties of slow magnetic relaxation and magnetization quantum tunneling. Such SMMs are promising for applications in quantum computing and molecular spintronics. Photophysical measurements of a family of hybrid RE-POMs with organic ligands have afforded insights into sensitization of Tb(III) and Eu(III) emission through both organic and polyoxometalate chromophores in the same molecule. Detailed variable-temperature studies have revealed the temperature dependence of the POM-based sensitization, which is relevant for potential applications in phosphor thermometry. Novel RE-POM coordination polymers demonstrate the promise of higher-dimensional materials for catalytic and sensing applications that can make use of either or both rare earth and polyoxometalate capabilities. Finally, structural, electrochemical, and density functional theory studies on a family of modular RE-POMs that incorporate molybdotungstates with amino acid coligands have revealed how closed Mo-oxo loops that are reduced preferentially can act as electron reservoirs in mixed-metal molybdotungstates. This has important implications for mixed-metal polyoxometalates in redox and photoredox catalysis. Notably, these hybrid RE-POMs are stable in solution and maintain the chirality induced by amino acid ligands. The RE-POMs surveyed in this Account provide a glimpse of possible structural features that are accessible with this family of compounds. The studies of the ensuing chemical and physical properties reveal the promise of RE-POMs for diverse and varied applications and lay an excellent foundation for the future development of this new class of functional materials.

Anion-directed assembly of lanthanide coordination polymers with SMMs properties based on a dihydrazone ligand

Abstract Four new Ln(III)-based coordination polymers (CPs), [Eu(HL)Cl2(DMF)2]·(H2L) (1), [Dy(HL)Cl2(DMF)2]·(H2L) (2), [Er(HL)Cl2(DMF)(CH3OH)]·(DMF) (3) and [Yb(HL)Cl2(DMF)(H2O)]·(DMF) (4) (H2L=2,6-bis[(3-methoxysalicylidene)hydrazinocarbonyl]pyridine) have been synthesized through the reaction of Ln(III) chloride and H2L by using the vapour diffusion method. Interestingly, Cl− as a template agent plays a vital role in the formation of the target complexes. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies indicate that 1 and 2 are isostructural and crystallize in triclinic space group P1̅, while complexes 3 and 4 are isostructural and crystallize in monoclinic space group C2/c. Variable temperature magnetization measurement (χ M T–T) demonstrates possible antiferromagnetic interactions in complex 2. Alternating-current (ac) susceptibility measurement furthermore indicated frequency dependence for both the in-phase (χ′) and out-of-phase (χ″) components in 2, suggesting that there is a slow relaxation behavior of the magnetization, which is typical of single-molecule magnets (SMMs). This is the first time that Ln(III) CPs based on such a dihydrazone ligand has been reported so far.

Half-Sandwich Metal Carbonyl Complexes as Precursors to Functional Materials: From a Near-Infrared-Absorbing Dye to a Single-Molecule Magnet.

Chemical oxidations of piano-stool chromium/cobalt carbonyl complexes Cr(CO)3(η6,η5-C6H5C5H4)Co(CO)2 (1) and Cr(CO)3(η6,η6-C6H5C6H5) Cr(CO)3 (2) were investigated. Upon one-electron oxidation, 1 was transformed to a heterometalloradical species, 1•+. However, either one- or two-electron oxidation of 2 afforded a decomposition product, 3. Dipping 3 into pentane led to the formation of 4 via a crystal-to-crystyal transformation with the removal of solvent molecules. Complexes 1•+ and 4 were fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Cation 1•+ features a weak Cr-Co bond with a Wiberg bond order of 0.278. A near-infrared absorption band around 1031 nm was observed for 1•+, which is far red-shifted in comparison to previously reported dinuclear metalloradical species. Complex 4 contains a chromium(II) with a distorted pyramidal geometry and displays single-molecule magnetic properties.

Molecular Orientation of a Terbium(III)-Phthalocyaninato Double-Decker Complex for Effective Suppression of Quantum Tunneling of the Magnetization.

Single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties of crystals of a terbium(III)-phthalocyaninato double-decker complex with different molecular packings (1: TbPc2, 2: TbPc2·CH2Cl2) were studied to elucidate the relationship between the molecular packing and SMM properties. From single crystal X-ray analyses, the high symmetry of the coordination environment of 2 suggested that the SMM properties were improved. Furthermore, the shorter intermolecular Tb–Tb distance and relative collinear alignment of the magnetic dipole in 2 indicated that the magnetic dipole–dipole interactions were stronger than those in 1. This was confirmed by using direct current magnetic measurements. From alternating current magnetic measurements, the activation energy for spin reversal for 1 and 2 were similar. However, the relaxation time for 2 is three orders of magnitude slower than that for 1 in the low-T region due to effective suppression of the quantum tunneling of the magnetization. These results suggest that the SMM properties of TbPc2 highly depend on the molecular packing.

Ageing effects on the magnetic properties of Mn12-based Acetate and Stearate SMMs

A study of ageing effects on the magnetic properties of Single-Molecule-Magnets (SMMs) of the Mn12 based Acetate, ([Mn12O12(CH3COO)16(H2O)4]·2CH3COOH·4H2O (1) and Stearate, [Mn12O12(CH3(CH2)16COO)11(CH3COO)5(H2O)4] (2) complexes has been carried out. Detailed magnetization (M) measurements as a function of temperature (T∼1.8–10K), magnetic field (H∼0 to ±40 kOe) and time (t) have been performed on relatively fresh samples (1A and 2A) and samples aged for ∼4weeks (1B and 2B) of both Mn12-Acetate and Mn12-Stearate. The blocking temperatures (TB) extracted from the measured M(T) lie between ∼3.0 and 3.4K for all the four samples. In all cases, below TB, the M-H loops exhibit hysteresis with periodic steps. Interestingly, the ageing process leads to significant changes in the magnetic response of both the complexes. With ageing the Mn12-Acetate exhibits a large increase in the magnetization drop near zero-field, but the estimated anisotropy energy barrier (U) remains unchanged ∼71K. Whereas, in the case of Mn12-Stearate ageing results in a change of U from ∼52K (2A) to ∼35K (2B). The results are discussed in terms of possible ageing induced changes in the structural and chemical environment of the SMMs.