Design of a Binuclear Ni(II) Complex with Large Ising-type Anisotropy and Weak Anti-Ferromagnetic Coupling.

The preparation of a binuclear Ni(II) complex with a pentacoordinate environment using a cryptand organic ligand and the imidazolate bridge is reported. The coordination sphere is close to trigonal bipyramidal (tbp) for one Ni(II) and to square pyramidal (spy) for the other. The use of the imidazolate bridge that undergoes π-π stacking with two benzene rings of the chelating ligand induces steric hindrance that stabilizes the pentacoordinate environment. Magnetic measurements together with theoretical studies of the spin states energy levels allow fitting the data and reveal a large Ising-type anisotropy and a weak anti-ferromagnetic exchange coupling between the metal ions. The magnitude and the nature of the magnetic anisotropy and the difference in anisotropy between the two metal ions are rationalized using wave-function-based calculations. We show that a slight distortion of the coordination sphere of Ni(II) from spy to tbp leads to an Ising-type anisotropy. Broken-symmetry density functional calculations rationalize the weak anti-ferromagnetic exchange coupling through the imidazolate bridge.

Design and Magnetic Properties of a Mononuclear Co(II) Single Molecule Magnet and Its Antiferromagnetically Coupled Binuclear Derivative.

The preparations of related mononuclear and binuclear Co(II) complexes with a quasi-identical local C3v symmetry using a cryptand organic ligand are reported. The mononuclear complex behaves as a single molecule magnet (SMM). A relatively weak antiferromagnetic exchange coupling (J) of the same order of magnitude as the local magnetic anisotropy (D) is determined experimentally and theoretically for the binuclear complex. The weak magnitude of the antiferromagnetic exchange coupling, analyzed using a combination of broken-symmetry density functional theory and wave function based calculations, is ascribed to the weak overlap between the singly occupied orbitals because of the local C3v symmetry of the Co(II) ions; the organic ligand was found to contribute to the exchange coupling as the azido bridge that directly links the Co(II) ions. Calculation of the energy and wave functions of the spin states for the binuclear complex, in the general case, allows analysis of the effect of the |J/D| ratio on the magnetic behavior of the binuclear complex and prediction of the optimum range of values for the complex to behave as two weakly interacting SMMs.

Nonanuclear Spin-Crossover Complex Containing Iron(II) and Iron(III) Based on a 2,6-Bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine Ligand Functionalized with a Carboxylate Group.

The synthesis and magnetostructural characterization of [Fe(III)3(µ3-O)(H2O)3[Fe(II)(bppCOOH)(bppCOO)]6](ClO4)13·(CH3)2CO)6·(solvate) (2) are reported. This compound is obtained as a secondary product during synthesis of the mononuclear complex [Fe(II)(bppCOOH)2](ClO4)2 (1). The single-crystal X-ray diffraction structure of 2 shows that it contains the nonanuclear cluster of the formula [Fe(III)3(µ3-O)(H2O)3[Fe(II)(bppCOOH)(bppCOO)]6](13+), which is formed by a central Fe(III)3O core coordinated to six partially deprotonated [Fe(II)(bppCOOH)(bppCOO)](+) complexes. Raman spectroscopy studies on single crystals of 1 and 2 have been performed to elucidate the spin and oxidation states of iron in 2. These studies and magnetic characterization indicate that most of the iron(II) complexes of 2 remain in the low-spin (LS) state and present a gradual and incomplete spin crossover above 300 K. On the other hand, the Fe(III) trimer shows the expected antiferromagnetic behavior. From the structural point of view, 2 represents the first example in which bppCOO(-) acts as a bridging ligand, thus forming a polynuclear magnetic complex.

A spin-crossover complex based on a 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (1-bpp) ligand functionalized with a carboxylate group.

Combining Fe(ii) with the carboxylate-functionalized 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (bppCOOH) ligand results in the spin-crossover compound [Fe(bppCOOH)2](ClO4)2 which shows an abrupt spin transition with a T1/2 of ca. 380 K and a TLIESST of 60 K due to the presence of a hydrogen-bonded linear network of complexes.

Insertion of a single-molecule magnet inside a ferromagnetic lattice based on a 3D bimetallic oxalate network: towards molecular analogues of permanent magnets.

The insertion of the single-molecule magnet (SMM) [Mn(III)(salen)(H2O)]2(2+) (salen(2-) = N,N'-ethylenebis-(salicylideneiminate)) into a ferromagnetic bimetallic oxalate network affords the hybrid compound [Mn(III)(salen)(H2O)]2[Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)3]2⋅(CH3OH)⋅(CH3CN)2 (1). This cationic Mn2 cluster templates the growth of crystals formed by an unusual achiral 3D oxalate network. The magnetic properties of this hybrid magnet are compared with those of the analogous compounds [Mn(III)(salen)(H2O)]2[Zn(II)Cr(III)(ox)3]2⋅(CH3OH)⋅(CH3CN)2 (2) and [In(III)(sal2-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)3]⋅(H2O)0.25⋅(CH3OH)0.25⋅(CH3CN)0.25 (3), which are used as reference compounds. In 2 it has been shown that the magnetic isolation of the Mn2 clusters provided by their insertion into a paramagnetic oxalate network of Cr(III) affords a SMM behavior, albeit with blocking temperatures well below 500 mK even for frequencies as high as 160 kHz. In 3 the onset of ferromagnetism in the bimetallic Mn(II) Cr(III) network is observed at Tc = 5 K. Finally, in the hybrid compound 1 the interaction between the two magnetic networks leads to the antiparallel arrangement of their respective magnetizations, that is, to a ferrimagnetic phase. This coupling induces also important changes on the magnetic properties of 1 with respect to those of the reference compounds 2 and 3. In particular, compound 1 shows a large magnetization hysteresis below 1 K, which is in sharp contrast with the near-reversible magnetizations that the SMMs and the oxalate ferromagnetic lattice show under the same conditions.

Stimuli responsive hybrid magnets: tuning the photoinduced spin-crossover in Fe(III) complexes inserted into layered magnets.

The insertion of a [Fe(sal2-trien)](+) complex cation into a 2D oxalate network in the presence of different solvents results in a family of hybrid magnets with coexistence of magnetic ordering and photoinduced spin-crossover (LIESST effect) in compounds [Fe(III)(sal2-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)3]·CHCl3 (1·CHCl3), [Fe(III)(sal2-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)3]·CHBr3 (1·CHBr3), and [Fe(III)(sal2-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)3]·CH2Br2 (1·CH2Br2). The three compounds crystallize in a 2D honeycomb anionic layer formed by Mn(II) and Cr(III) ions linked through oxalate ligands and a layer of [Fe(sal2-trien)](+) complexes and solvent molecules (CHCl3, CHBr3, or CH2Br2) intercalated between the 2D oxalate network. The magnetic properties and Mössbauer spectroscopy indicate that they undergo long-range ferromagnetic ordering at 5.6 K and a spin crossover of the intercalated [Fe(sal2-trien)](+) complexes at different temperatures T1/2. The three compounds present a LIESST effect with a relaxation temperature TLIESST inversely proportional to T1/2. The isostructural paramagnetic compound, [Fe(III)(sal2-trien)][Zn(II)Cr(III)(ox)3]·CH2Cl2 (2·CH2Cl2) was also prepared. This compound presents a partial spin crossover of the inserted Fe(III) complex as well as a LIESST effect. Finally, spectroscopic characterization of the Fe(III) doped compound [Ga0.99Fe0.01(sal2trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)3]·CH2Cl2 (3·CH2Cl2) shows a gradual and complete thermal spin crossover and a LIESST effect on the isolated Fe(III) complexes. This result confirms that cooperativity is not a necessary condition to observe the LIESST effect in an Fe(III) compound.

2D and 3D bimetallic oxalate-based ferromagnets prepared by insertion of Mn(III)-salen type complexes.

The syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of the compounds of formulae [Mn((R)-salmen)(CH3OH)(CH3CN)][MnCr(ox)3](CH3OH)0.5(CH3CN)1.25 ((R)-1), [Mn((S)-salmen)(CH3OH)(CH3CN)][MnCr(ox)3](CH3OH)0.5(CH3CN)1.25 ((S)-1), [Mn((R)-salmen)(CH3OH)2][MnCr(ox)3](CH2Cl2)0.375(CH3OH)0.125(H2O)0.375 ((R)-2) and [Mn((S)-salmen)(CH3OH)2][MnCr(ox)3](CH2Cl2)0.375(CH3OH)0.375(H2O)0.125 ((S)-2) (ox = oxalate, salmen2− = N,N'-(1-methylethylene)bis(salicylideneiminate)), [Mn(salpn)(CH3OH)1.5(CH3CN)0.5][MnCr(ox)3](CH3OH)0.82(H2O)0.93 (3) (salpn2− = N,N'-(propane)bis(salicylideneiminate)) and [Mn(saltmen)(CH3OH)(CH3CN)][MnCr(ox)3](CH3OH) (4) (saltmen2− = N,N'-(1,1,2,2-tetramethylethylene)bis(salicylideneiminate)) are reported. These compounds are prepared by the insertion of MnIII­Schiff base complexes into bimetallic oxalate networks. Different types of bimetallic oxalate networks are obtained for each templating cation. Thus, [Mn((R)-salmen)]+ and [Mn((S)-salmen)]+ chiral templating cations give rise to a 2D chiral bimetallic oxalate layer in acetonitrile in (R)-1 and (S)-1 compounds, whereas a new type of achiral 3D oxalate network is obtained with the same templating cation in dichloromethane in (S)-2 and (R)-2. On the other hand, [Mn(salpn)]+ and [Mn(saltmen)]+ give rise respectively to a 3D chiral network and a 2D achiral network in compounds 3 and 4. The magnetic properties of the four compounds indicate that they undergo a long-range ferromagnetic ordering at ca. 5 K.

Multifunctional magnetic materials obtained by insertion of spin-crossover Fe(III) complexes into chiral 3D bimetallic oxalate-based ferromagnets.

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of compounds of formula [Fe(III)(5-Clsal(2)-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)(3)]·0.5(CH(3)NO(2)) (1), [Fe(III)(5-Brsal(2)-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)(3)] (2), and [In(III)(5-Clsal(2)-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)(3)] (3) are reported. The structure of the three compounds, which crystallize in the orthorhombic P2(1)2(1)2(1) chiral space group, presents a 3D chiral anionic network formed by Mn(II) and Cr(III) ions linked through oxalate ligands with inserted [Fe(III)(5-Clsal(2)-trien)](+), [Fe(III)(5-Brsal(2)-trien)](+), and [In(III)(5-Clsal(2)-trien)](+) cations. The magnetic properties indicate that the three compounds undergo long-range ferromagnetic ordering at ca. 5 K. On the other hand, the inserted Fe(III) cations undergo a partial spin crossover in the case of 1 and 2.

2D and 3D bimetallic oxalate-based ferromagnets prepared by insertion of different Fe(III) spin crossover complexes.

The syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of the compounds of formula [Fe(III)(5-NO(2)sal(2)-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)(3)]·CH(3)NO(2).0.5H(2)O (1) and [Fe(III)(5-CH(3)Osal(2)-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)(3)] (2) are reported. The structure of 1, that crystallizes in the P2(1) chiral space group, presents a 2D honeycomb anionic layer formed by Mn(II) and Cr(III) ions linked through oxalate ligands and a cationic layer of [Fe(III)(5-NO(2)sal(2)-trien)](+) complexes intercalated between the 2D oxalate network. The structure of 2, that crystallizes in the Pna2(1) acentric space group, presents a 3D achiral anionic network formed by Mn(II) and Cr(III) ions linked through oxalate ligands with [Fe(5-CH(3)Osal(2)-trien)](+) complexes intercalated within the 3D oxalate network. The magnetic properties of 1 and 2 indicate that both compounds undergo a long-range ferromagnetic ordering at ca. 5 K. On the other hand, the inserted Fe(III) cations remain mainly in the low-spin (LS) state in the case of 1 and in the high-spin (HS) state in the case of 2.

Multifunctional magnetic materials obtained by insertion of a spin-crossover Fe(III) complex into bimetallic oxalate-based ferromagnets.

The syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of the compounds of formula [Fe(III)(sal(2)-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)(3)].CH(2)Cl(2) (1; H(2)sal(2)-trien=N,N'-disalicylidenetriethylenetetramine, ox=oxalate), [Fe(III)(sal(2)-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)(3)].CH(3)OH (2), [In(III)(sal(2)-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)(3)].0.25H(2)O.0.25CH(3)OH.0.25CH(3)CN (3), and [In(III)(sal(2)-trien)][Mn(II)Cr(III)(ox)(3)].CH(3)NO(2).0.5H(2)O (4) are reported. The structure of 1 presents a 2D honeycomb anionic layer formed by Mn(II) and Cr(III) ions linked through oxalate ligands and a cationic layer of [Fe(sal(2)-trien)](+) complexes intercalated between the 2D oxalate network. The structures of 2, 3, and 4 present a 3D achiral anionic network formed by Mn(II) and Cr(III) ions linked through oxalate ligands with [Fe(sal(2)-trien)](+) or [In(sal(2)-trien)](+) complexes and solvent molecules intercalated within the 3D oxalate network. The magnetic properties and Mössbauer spectroscopy of 1 and 2 indicate that these compounds undergo a long-range ferromagnetic ordering at around 5 K and a spin crossover of the intercalated [Fe(sal(2)-trien)](+) complexes above 130 K, which is complete in the case of 1. The magnetic properties of the compounds 3 and 4 confirm the ferromagnetic ordering of the bimetallic oxalate network.