New cyanido-bridged iron(II) spin crossover coordination polymers with an unusual ladder-like topology: an alternative to Hofmann clathrates.

Two new cyanido-bridged {FeIIMII} double chains were obtained by reacting cyanido anions [M(CN)4]2- with complex cations [FeII(tptz)]2+ (preformed in situ by mixing a hydrated tetrafluoroborate salt of iron(II) and a tptz ligand, tptz = 2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine) having the general formula [FeII(tptz)MII(CN)4]·2H2O·CH3CN, where M = Pd (1) or Pt (2). Additionally, two molecular complexes formulated as [FeII(tptz)2][MII(CN)4]·4.25H2O, where M = Pd (3) or Pt (4), were subsequently obtained from the same reaction, as secondary products. Single crystal X-ray analysis revealed that 1 and 2 are isostructural and crystallize in the P-1 triclinic space group. Their structure consists of a double-chain with a ladder-like topology, in which cyanido-based [M(CN)4]2- metalloligands coordinate, through three CN- ligands and three [FeII(tptz)]2+ complex cations. Compounds 3 and 4 are also isostructural and crystallize in the P1̄ triclinic space group, and the X-ray structural data show the formation of [FeII(tptz)2]2+ and [MII(CN)4]2- ionic units interconnected through H-bonds and π⋯π stacking supramolecular interactions. The static DC magnetic measurements recorded in the temperature range of 2-300 K showed that 1 and 2 exhibit incomplete spin transition on cooling, which is also confirmed by single crystal XRD analysis and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Compounds 3 and 4 are diamagnetic, most likely due to the encapsulation of Fe(II) in a tight pocket formed by two tptz ligands that preserve the low-spin state in the temperature range of 2-400 K.

Deciphering the role of water and a zinc-doping process in a polyol-based approach for obtaining Zn/Co/Al-based spinels: toward "green" mesoporous inorganic pigments.

Two new families of zinc/cobalt/aluminum-based pigments, with a unique composition, were obtained through the polyol method. The hydrolysis process of a mixture of Co(CH3COO)2, Zn(acac)2 and Al(acac)3 (acac- = acetylacetonate ion) in 1,4-butanediol afforded dark blue gels (wPZnxCo1-xAl), in the presence of a supplementary amount of water, and light green powders (PZnxCo1-xAl), respectively, for the water-free procedure (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4). The calcination of the precursors yielded dark green (wZnxCo1-xAl) and blue (ZnxCo1-xAl) products. XRD measurements and Rietveld refinement indicate the co-existence of three spinel phases, in different proportions: ZnxCo1-xAl2O4, Co3O4 and the defect spinel, γ-Al2.67O4. The Raman scattering and XPS spectra are in agreement with the compositions of the samples. The morphology of wZnxCo1-xAl consists of large and irregular spherical particle aggregates (ca. 5-100 mm). Smaller agglomerates (ca. 1-5 mm) with a unique silkworm cocoon-like hierarchical morphology composed of cobalt aluminate cores covered with flake-like alumina shells are formed for ZnxCo1-xAl. TEM and HR-TEM analyses revealed the formation of crystalline, polyhedral particles of 7-43 nm sizes for wZnxCo1-xAl, while for ZnxCo1-xAl, a duplex-type morphology, with small (7-13 nm) and larger (30-40 nm) particles, was found. BET assessment showed that both series of oxides are mesoporous materials, with different pore structures, with the water-free samples exhibiting the largest surface areas due, most likely, to the high percent of aluminum oxide. A chemical mechanism is proposed to highlight the role of the water amount and the nature of the starting compounds in the hydrolysis reaction products and, further, in the morpho-structural features and composition of the resulting spinel oxides. The CIE L*a*b* and C* colorimetric parameters indicate that the pigments are bright, with a moderate degree of luminosity, presenting an outstanding high blueness.

Copper(II) Oxide Nanoparticles Embedded within a PEDOT Matrix for Hydrogen Peroxide Electrochemical Sensing.

The aim of this study is the preparation of nanostructured copper(II) oxide-based materials (CuONPs) through a facile additive-free polyol procedure that consists of the hydrolysis of copper(II) acetate in 1,4-butane diol and its application in hydrogen peroxide sensing. The nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor for hydrogen peroxide determination was constructed by drop casting the CuONP sensing material on top of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified by a layer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) conducting polymer (PEDOT). The PEDOT layer was prepared on GCE using the sinusoidal voltage method. The XRD pattern of the CuONPs reveals the formation of the monoclinic tenorite phase, CuO, with average crystallite sizes of 8.7 nm, while the estimated band gap from UV-vis spectroscopy is of 1.2 eV. The SEM, STEM, and BET analyses show the formation of quasi-prismatic microaggregates of nanoparticles, with dimensions ranging from 1 µm up to ca. 200 µm, with a mesoporous structure. The developed electrochemical sensor exhibited a linear response toward H2O2 in the concentration range from 0.04 to 10 mM, with a low detection limit of 8.5 µM of H2O2. Furthermore, the obtained sensor possessed an excellent anti-interference capability in H2O2 determination in the presence of interfering compounds such as KNO3 and KNO2.

Field-induced single ion magnet behaviour of discrete and one-dimensional complexes containing [bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)ketone]-cobalt(II) building units.

We describe herein the first examples of six-coordinate CoII single-ion magnets (SIMs) based on the ß-diimine Mebik ligand [Mebik = bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)ketone]: two mononuclear [CoII(Rbik)2L2] complexes and one mixed-valence {CoIII2CoII}n chain of formulas [CoII(Mebik)(H2O)(dmso)(µ-NC)2CoIII2(µ-2,5-dpp)(CN)6]n·1.4nH2O (3) [L = NCS (1), NCSe (2) and 2,5-dpp = 2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine (3)]. Two bidentate Mebik molecules plus two monodentate N-coordinated pseudohalide groups in cis positions build somewhat distorted octahedral surroundings around the high-spin cobalt(II) ions in 1 and 2. The diamagnetic [CoIII2(µ-2,5-dpp)(CN)8]2- metalloligand coordinates the paramagnetic [CoII(Mebik)(H2O)(dmso)]2+ complex cations in a bis-monodentate fashion to afford neutral zigzag heterobimetallic chains in 3. Ab initio calculations, and cryomagnetic dc (2.0-300 K) and ac (2.0-12 K) measurements as well as EPR spectroscopy for 1-3 show the existence of magnetically isolated high-spin cobalt(II) ions with D values of 59.84-89.90 (1), 66.32-93.90 (2) and 70.40-127.20 cm-1 (3) and field-induced slow relaxation of the magnetization, being thus new examples of SIMs with transversal magnetic anisotropy. The analysis of their relaxation dynamics reveals that the relaxation of the magnetization occurs by the Raman (with values of the n parameter covering the range 6.0-6.8) and direct spin-phonon processes.

A rare isostructural series of 3d-4f cyanido-bridged heterometallic squares obtained by assembling [FeIII{HB(pz)3}(CN)3]- and LnIII ions: synthesis, X-ray structure and cryomagnetic study.

A new series of cyanido-bridged {FeIIILnIII}2 neutral molecular squares of general formula [Fe{HB(pz)3}(CN)(µ-CN)2Ln(NO3)2(pyim)(Ph3PO)]2·2CH3CN [Ln = Ce (1), Pr (2), Nd (3), Gd (4), Tb (5), Dy (6) and Er (7); {HB(pz)3}- = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate, pyim = 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine and Ph3PO = triphenylphosphine oxide] were obtained by reacting the low-spin [Fe{HB(pz)3}(CN)3]- species with the preformed [LnIII(pyim)(NO3)2(pyim)(Ph3PO)]+ complex anions (generated in situ by mixing the nitrate salt of each Ln(III) ion with pyim and Ph3PO molecules). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies show that 1-7 are isostructural compounds that crystallize in the triclinic P1̄ space group. Their crystal structures consist of centrosymmetric cyanido-bridged {FeIIILnIII}2 molecular squares where two [Fe{HB(pz)3}(CN)3]- units adopt bis-monodentate coordination modes towards two [LnIII(pyim)(NO3)2(pyim)(Ph3PO)]+ moieties. The cis-oriented convergent sites from both low-spin FeIII and LnIII fragments form a quasi square-shaped molecule in which the 3d and 4f ions alternatively occupy the corners of the square. Both FeIII ions show a distorted octahedral surrounding (C3v symmetry), whereas the LnIII ions exhibit a distorted muffin-like geometry (Cs symmetry) in 1-7. The intramolecular FeIII⋯LnIII distances across the two cyanido-bridges range from ca. 5.48/5.46 up to ca. 5.58/5.61 Å. The molecular squares in 1-7 are interlinked through hydrogen bonds, weak π⋯π stacking and very weak C-H⋯π type interactions into three-dimensional supramolecular networks. The analysis of the solid-state direct-current (dc) magnetic susceptibility data of 1-7 in the temperature range 1.9-300 K reveals the occurrence of weak intra- and intermolecular antiferromagnetic interactions. The small intramolecular antiferromagnetic couplings in 4 compare well with those previously reported for parent systems. Although the coexistence of the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) of the low-spin iron(III) and lanthanide(III) ions in the remaining compounds together with the ligand field effects mask the visualization and make difficult the evaluation of the possible magnetic interactions in them, we were able to do it through a SOC model applied on exact or effective Hamiltonians. Frequency-dependent alternating current magnetic susceptibility signals in the temperature range 2.0-9.0 K under zero and non-zero static fields were observed for 5-7 which indicate slow magnetic relaxation (SMM) behavior. The usual absence of χ''M maxima moved us to estimate their energy barriers through ln(χ''M/ χ'M) vs. 1/T plots, obtaining values from 25 to 40 cm-1.

Flow injection enzymatic biosensor for aldehydes based on a Meldola Blue-Ni complex electrochemical mediator.

Carbon nanofibers (CNF) are efficient electrode modifiers in electrochemical biosensors that enhance the electrochemical active area, induce electrocatalytic effect toward the oxidation of the enzymatic cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (reduced form, NADH), and enable the quantitative immobilization of enzymes. Combining CNF with efficient and stable mediators radically augments the speed of electron transfer between NADH and solid electrodes and leads to electrochemical sensors characterized by high sensitivity and stability. The main aim of this work was to investigate the performance of a novel mediator for NADH with advantageously low solubility in an electrochemical detector based on a screen-printed CNF electrode as well as its potential in biosensing. Using a mediator, prepared from Meldola Blue and Ni hexamine chloride, a stable and sensitive electrochemical NADH sensor is provided with a detection limit of 0.5 µmol L-1. Further on, covalent immobilization of a recently described aldehyde dehydrogenase from the Antarctic Flavobacterium PL002 strain on the surface of the mediator-modified electrode produced a stable biosensor for the detection of aldehydes. When integrated in a flow injection analysis (FIA) setup with amperometric detection at 0.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl, the measurement of benzaldehyde with a detection limit of 10 µmol L-1 over a linear range of 30-300 µmol L-1 is possible. Determination of trace benzaldehyde impurities in a pharmaceutical excipient was also demonstrated and results compared with a chromatographic method. Graphical abstract.

In situ generation of Ph3PO in cyanido-bridged heterometallic {FeIIILnIII}2 molecular squares (Ln = Eu, Sm).

Two new examples of cyanido-bridged {FeIIILnIII}2 molecular squares, with pyim and PPh3O as capping ligands at the LnIII sites, exhibit weak antiferromagnetic interactions [Ln = Eu (1), Sm (2), pyim = 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine, PPh3PO = triphenylphosphine oxide].

Zinc Oxide Spherical-Shaped Nanostructures: Investigation of Surface Reactivity and Interactions with Microbial and Mammalian Cells.

Two ZnO materials of spherical hierarchical morphologies, with hollow (ZnOHS) and solid cores (ZnOSS), were obtained through the hydrolysis of zinc acetylacetonate in 1,4-butanediol. The nature of the defects and surface reactivity for the two ZnO materials were investigated through photoluminescence, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy proving the coexistence of shallow and deep defects and, also, the presence of polyol byproducts adsorbed on the outer layers of the ZnO samples. The EPR spectroscopy coupled with the spin-trapping technique showed that the surface of the ZnO samples generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) like hydroxyl (•OH) and singlet oxygen (1O2) as well as carbon-centered radicals. The ZnO materials exhibited a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity, being active against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungi strains, both in planktonic and, more importantly, adherent growth states. The decrease of antimicrobial efficiency in the presence of a ROS scavenger (mannitol) and the decrease of the cell viability with the ROS level suggest that one of the mechanisms that governs both the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities on human liver cells is ROS-mediated. However, at active antimicrobial concentrations, the biocompatibility of the tested materials is very good.

Design of 3d-4f molecular squares through the [Fe{(HB(pz)3)}(CN)3]- metalloligand.

A new series of {FeIII2LnIII2} heterobimetallic squares of general formula [FeIII{HB(pz)3}(CN)(µ-CN)2Ln(pyim)x(NO3)2(H2O)y]2·zH2O [Ln = La (1), Gd (2), Tb (3) and Dy (4); {HB(pz)3}- = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate and pyim = 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine; x = 2, y = 0 (1), x = y = 1 (2-4) and z = 10 (1), 6 (2), 2.76 (3), 4 (4)] were synthesized by reacting the low-spin [FeIII{HB(pz)3}(CN)3]- complex anion with the preformed [LnIII(pyim)x(NO3)2(H2O)y]+ complex cation [formed in situ by mixing the lanthanide(iii) salt and the pyim ligand]. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows that 1-4 crystallize in the P1[combining macron] triclinic space group, 2-4 being isomorphous. In all cases, the structure comprises neutral cyanido-bridged {FeIII2LnIII2} molecular squares in which two [FeIII{HB(pz)3}(CN)3]- units act as bis-monodentate ligands towards two [LnIII(pyim)x(NO3)2(H2O)y]+ moieties through two of the three cyanide groups. The iron(iii) and lanthanide(iii) cations regularly alternate in the corners of the square and the edges are defined by the cyanide bridges. Each iron(iii) ion in 1-4 is six-coordinate in a distorted octahedral surrounding with a tridentate tris(pyrazolyl)borate ligand and three cyanide groups in an approximately C3v symmetry. The lanthanum(iii) ion in 1 is ten-coordinate in a rare distorted sphenocorona environment, while the lanthanide(iii) ions in 2-4 are all nine-coordinate with a muffin-like geometry. The values of the FeIIILnIII distances across the cyanide bridges are 5.579(1) and 5.687(1) Å (1), 5.4695(20) and 5.4781(29) Å (2), 5.4550(12) and 5.4464(14) Å (3), 5.4463(10) and 5.4478(12) Å (4). The tetranuclear units in 1-4 are further interconnected through hydrogen bonds, π-π stacking and very weak C-Hπ type interactions leading to supramolecular three-dimensional networks with different topologies. Solid-state direct-current magnetic susceptibility analyses in the temperature range 1.9-300 K reveal the occurrence of weak intra- and intermolecular antiferromagnetic interactions in 1 [JFeFe' = -2.32(3) cm-1, gFe = 2.198(4), θ = -0.650(7) K and χTIP = 266(5) × 10-6 cm3 mol-1, the Hamiltonian being defined as H = -JFeFe'SFeSFe' + gßH(SFe + SFe')] and 2 [JFeFe' = -2.06(3) cm-1, JFeGd = -0.210(4) cm-1, gFe = 2.23(1), gGd = 2.0 (fixed), θ = -0.450(5) K and χTIP = 280(5) × 10-6 cm3 mol-1]. The coexistence of the spin-orbit coupling of the low-spin iron(iii) and lanthanide(iii) ions [TbIII (3) and DyIII (4)], together with the ligand field effects, masked the visualization of the possible magnetic interactions in 3 and 4. The small antiferromagnetic couplings in 1 and 2 are in line with previously reported weak antiferromagnetic interactions for these couples of ions through single cyanide bridges.

Three different types of bridging ligands in a 3d-3d'-3d'' heterotrimetallic chain.

A one-pot synthesis of a 3d-3d'-3d'' heterotrimetallic coordination polymer with double diphenoxido, single cyanido and bis-bidentate oxalate as alternating bridges which exhibits an overall antiferromagnetic behaviour has been developed.

Cyanido-Bridged {LnIIIWV} Heterobinuclear Complexes: Synthesis and Magneto-Structural Study.

A new series of cyanido-bridged {LnIIIWV} heterobinuclear complexes of formula [LnIII(pyim)2(i-PrOH)(H2O)2(µ-CN)WV(CN)7]·2H2O [Ln = Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3), Ho (4), and Er (5); pyim = 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-pyridine) and i-PrOH = isopropyl alcohol] were synthesized by one-pot reaction between (NH3Bu)3[W(CN)8] and [Ln(pyim)2]2+ complexes (generated in situ by mixing the corresponding LnIII ions and the pyim ligand). Compounds 1-5 are isomorphous and crystallize in the monoclinic system P21/n space group. Their crystal structure consists of binuclear units in which the octacyanotungstate(V) anion coordinates to the corresponding LnIII ion through a single cyanide ligand. The tungsten(V) and lanthanide(III) ions are eight-coordinated, in distorted square antiprism (WV) and distorted trigonal dodecahedron (LnIII) geometries, respectively. The direct-current (dc) magnetic properties for 1-5 reveal the occurrence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions between WV and LnIII cation, with 8S7/2, 7F6, 6H15/2, 5I8, and 4I15/2 as ground terms for GdIII, TbIII, DyIII HoIII, and ErIII, respectively [JWLn = -1.19(1) (1), -1.02(2) (2), -1.10(2) (3), -1.30(2) (4), and -1.50(3) cm-1 (5), the spin Hamiltonian being defined as H = -JWLn SW·SLn]. The fit of the χMT data of 2-4 points out a positive value for the energy gap between the ML components (Δ). This feature is corroborated by their Q-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectra at low temperature, which clearly show MJ = 0 (2 and 4) and ±1/2 (3 and 5). Incipient frequency-dependent alternating-current magnetic susceptibility signals are observed for 3 and 5 under applied dc fields supporting the presence of slow magnetic relaxation behavior, the blocking temperatures being below 2.0 K. This new series of {LnIIIWV} heterobinuclear compounds provides more insights into the exchange magnetic interaction between 5d and 4f centers via the cyanide-bridge, for which scarce information is available to date.

Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties of Two Novel Cyanido-Bridged Heterotrimetallic {CuIIMnIICrIII} Complexes.

The self-assembly process between the heteroleptic [CrIII(phen)(CN)4]- and [CrIII(ampy)(CN)4]- metalloligands and the heterobimetallic {CuII(valpn)MnII}2+ tecton afforded two heterotrimetallic complexes of formula [{CuII(valpn)MnII(µ-NC)2CrIII(phen)(CN)2}2{(µ-NC)CrIII(phen)(CN)3}2]·2CH3CN (1) and {[CuII(valpn)MnII(µ-NC)2CrIII(ampy)(CN)2]2·2CH3CN}n (2) [phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, ampy = 2-aminomethylpyridine, and H2valpn = 1,3-propanedyilbis(2-iminomethylene-6-methoxyphenol)]. The crystal structure of 1 consists of neutral CuII2MnII2CrIII4 octanuclear units, where two [Cr(phen)(CN)4]- anions act as bis-monodentate ligands through cyanide groups toward two manganese(II) ions from two [CuII(valpn)MnII]2+ units to form a [{Cu(valpn)Mn}2Cr2(CN)4]6+ square motif. Two [Cr(phen)(CN)4]- pendant anions in 1 are bound to the copper(II) ions with cis-trans geometry with respect to the bridging [Cr(phen)(CN)4]- anion. Compound 2 is a sheet-like coordination polymer, where chains constituted by {CrIII(ampy)(CN)4} spacers act as bis-monodentate ligands toward the manganese(II) ions belonging to the {CuII(valpn)MnII} nodes, which are interlinked by another {CrIII(ampy)(CN)4} unit that acts as a bridge between the copper(II) and manganese(II) ions of adjacent chains. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range of 1.9-300 K were performed for 1 and 2. An overall antiferromagnetic behavior is observed for 1, the ground spin state being described by a spin triplet from the square motif plus two magnetically isolated spin triplets from the two peripheral chromium(III) ions. Ferrimagnetic chains with interacting spins 1/2 (resulting spin of the trimetallic {CuII(valpn)MnII(µ-NC)CrIII} fragment) and 3/2 (spin from the bis-monodentate [CrIII(ampy)(CN)4]- with weak interchain ferromagnetic interactions across the cyanide bridge between the chromium(III) and the copper(II) ion from adjacent chains [θ = +3.83(2) cm-1]) occur in 2, resulting into a ferromagnetic ordering below 3.5 K. The values of the magnetic coupling between the Cu(II) and Mn(II) ions through the double phenoxide bridge [J = -63.1(2) (1) and -62(3) cm-1 (2)] and those between the Cr(III) and the Mn(II) across the single cyanide bridge [J = -7.08(5) and -4.86(6) cm-1 (1) and -8.59(3) cm-1 (2)] agree with the values reported for these exchange pathways in other magnetostructural studies.

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of a cyanide-bridged heterometallic {CoIIMnIII} chain.

The assembly reaction between the low-spin [CoII(dmphen)(CN)3]- metalloligand and the [MnIII(salen)(H2O)]+ complex cation yielded the one-dimensional compound {[MnIII(salen)(µ-NC)2CoII(dmphen)(CN)]·2H2O}n (1), which behaves as a ferrimagnetic chain, the intrachain magnetic coupling being J = -1.71(1) cm-1.

A new family of [Cu(II)Ln(III)M(V)] heterotrimetallic complexes (Ln = La, Gd, Tb; M = Mo, W): model systems to probe exchange interactions and single-molecule magnet properties.

Four isostructural trinuclear 3d-4f-4(5)d heterotrimetallic complexes, with the general formula [L(2)CuLn(H2O)5(µ-NC)M(CN)7], were obtained from the association of binuclear 3d-4f complexes and {M(V)(CN)8}(3-) metalloligands (M = Mo, Ln = La ; M = W, Ln = La ; M = Mo, Ln = Gd ; M = Mo; Ln = Tb , where H2L(2) = 1,2-ethanediylbis(2-iminomethylene-6-methoxy-phenol)). The metalloligand coordinates through a single-cyanido group at the apical position of the copper(ii) ion belonging to the {Cu(II)Ln(III)} binuclear complex. The analysis of the magnetic data for the La(iii) derivatives (compounds and ), in the 1.85-300 K temperature range, shows a weak ferromagnetic exchange interaction between Cu(II) and Mo(V)/W(V) ions across the cyanido bridge (JCuM/kB = 3.6(6) K; g = 2.23(5) for and JCuM/kB = 3.8(6) K, g = 2.21(5) for , with H = -2JCuMSCu·SM). These results were used to simulate the magnetic properties of compound , using the isotropic spin Hamiltonian H = -2JCuMoSCu·SMo - 2JCuGdSCu·SGd. The resulting magnetic interaction between Cu(II) and Gd(III) ions via the phenoxo-bridge was found to be weakly ferromagnetic (JCuGd/kB = +4.5(2) K with JCuMo/kB = +3.6(2) K, gGd = gCu = 2.00 and gMo = 1.98). The dc magnetic properties for compound also show a predominant ferromagnetic interaction, while the ac magnetic measurements indicate the presence of the slow relaxation of the magnetization below 3.5 K.

Magneto-structural variety of new 3d-4f-4(5)d heterotrimetallic complexes.

Three families of heterotrimetallic chains (type 1-type 3), with different topologies, have been obtained by reacting the 3d-4f complexes, [{Cu(L(1))}xLn(NO3)3] with x = 1 or 2, formed in situ by the reaction of Schiff-base bi-compartmental [Cu(II)(L(1))] complexes and lanthanide(iii) salts, with (NHBu3)3[M(CN)8] (M = Mo(V), W(V)). For type 1 series of compounds, 1-D coordination polymers, with the general formula [{Cu2(valpn)2Ln}{M(CN)8}]·nH2O·mCH3CN (where H2valpn = 1,3-propanediylbis(2-iminomethylene-6-methoxy-phenol), result from the association of trinuclear {CuLn(III)} moieties and [M(V)(CN)8](3-) anions acting as tri-connecting spacers [Ln = La (1), Ce (2), Eu (3), Tb (4), Ho (5), M = Mo; Ln = Tb (6), Ho (7), M = W; m = 0, n = 1.5 (7) and 2 (1-4, 6); n = 1, m = 1 (5)]. The type 2 family has the general formula [{Cu(valdp)Ln(H2O)4}{M(CN)8}]·2H2O·CH3CN (where H2valdp = 1,2-propanediylbis(2-iminomethylene-6-methoxy-phenol)) and also consists of heterotrimetallic chains involving binuclear {Cu(II)Ln(III)} units linked to [M(CN)8](3-) anions coordinating through two cyano groups [Ln = Gd (8), Tb (9), Dy (10); M = Mo; Ln = La (11), Gd (12), Tb (13), Dy (14); M = W]. With large Ln(III) ions (La(III) and Pr(III)), the type 3 family of heterotrimetallic compounds are assembled: [{Cu2(valdp)2Ln(H2O)4}{Mo(CN)8}]·nCH3OH·mCH3CN, n, m = 0, Ln = La (15); n = m = 1, Pr (16), in which the trinuclear {CuLn(III)} nodes are connected to [Mo(V)(CN)8](3-) anions that act as tetra-connecting spacers. For Tb(III) derivatives of the type 1 (compounds 4 and 6), the DC magnetic properties indicate a predominant ferromagnetic Cu(II)-Tb(III) interaction, while the AC magnetic susceptibility (in the presence of a static magnetic field, HDC = 3000 Oe) emphasize the slow relaxation of the magnetization (Ueff/kB = 20.55 K and τ0 = 5.5 × 10(-7) s for compound 4, Ueff/kBT = 15.1 K and τ0 = 1.5 × 10(-7) s for compound 6). A predominant ferromagnetic Cu(II)-Ln(III) interaction was also observed in the type 2 series (compounds 8-10 and 12-14) as a result of the magnetic coupling between copper(ii) and lanthanide(iii) ions via the phenoxo-bridge. The magnetic behavior for the La(III) derivatives reveals that weak ferromagnetic interactions are also operative between the Cu(II) and the 4d/5d centers.

Heterotrimetallic coordination polymers: {Cu(II)Ln(III)Fe(III)} chains and {Ni(II)Ln(III)Fe(III)} layers: synthesis, crystal structures, and magnetic properties.

The use of the [Fe(III) (AA)(CN)4](-) complex anion as metalloligand towards the preformed [Cu(II) (valpn)Ln(III)](3+) or [Ni(II) (valpn)Ln(III) ](3+) heterometallic complex cations (AA=2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) and 1,10-phenathroline (phen); H2 valpn=1,3-propanediyl-bis(2-iminomethylene-6-methoxyphenol)) allowed the preparation of two families of heterotrimetallic complexes: three isostructural 1D coordination polymers of general formula {[Cu(II) (valpn)Ln(III) (H2O)3 (µ-NC)2 Fe(III) (phen)(CN)2 {(µ-NC)Fe(III) (phen)(CN)3}]NO3 ⋅7 H2O}n (Ln=Gd (1), Tb (2), and Dy (3)) and the trinuclear complex [Cu(II) (valpn)La(III) (OH2 )3 (O2 NO)(µ-NC)Fe(III) (phen)(CN)3 ]⋅NO3 ⋅H2O⋅CH3 CN (4) were obtained with the [Cu(II) (valpn)Ln(III)](3+) assembling unit, whereas three isostructural heterotrimetallic 2D networks, {[Ni(II) (valpn)Ln(III) (ONO2 )2 (H2 O)(µ-NC)3 Fe(III) (bipy)(CN)]⋅2 H2 O⋅2 CH3 CN}n (Ln=Gd (5), Tb (6), and Dy (7)) resulted with the related [Ni(II) (valpn)Ln(III) ](3+) precursor. The crystal structure of compound 4 consists of discrete heterotrimetallic complex cations, [Cu(II) (valpn)La(III) (OH2)3 (O2 NO)(µ-NC)Fe(III) (phen)(CN)3 ](+), nitrate counterions, and non-coordinate water and acetonitrile molecules. The heteroleptic {Fe(III) (bipy)(CN)4} moiety in 5-7 acts as a tris-monodentate ligand towards three {Ni(II) (valpn)Ln(III)} binuclear nodes leading to heterotrimetallic 2D networks. The ferromagnetic interaction through the diphenoxo bridge in the Cu(II)-Ln(III) (1-3) and Ni(II)-Ln(III) (5-7) units, as well as through the single cyanide bridge between the Fe(III) and either Ni(II) (5-7) or Cu(II) (4) account for the overall ferromagnetic behavior observed in 1-7. DFT-type calculations were performed to substantiate the magnetic interactions in 1, 4, and 5. Interestingly, compound 6 exhibits slow relaxation of the magnetization with maxima of the out-of-phase ac signals below 4.0 K in the lack of a dc field, the values of the pre-exponential factor (τo) and energy barrier (Ea ) through the Arrhenius equation being 2.0×10(-12)  s and 29.1 cm(-1), respectively. In the case of 7, the ferromagnetic interactions through the double phenoxo (Ni(II)-Dy(III)) and single cyanide (Fe(III)-Ni(II)) pathways are masked by the depopulation of the Stark levels of the Dy(III) ion, this feature most likely accounting for the continuous decrease of χMT upon cooling observed for this last compound.

Two-dimensional coordination polymers constructed by [Ni(II)Ln(III)] nodes and [W(IV)(bpy)(CN)6]2- spacers: a network of [Ni(II)Dy(III)] single molecule magnets.

Three isomorphous two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymers of general formula {[Ni(II)(valpn)Ln(III)(NO3)(H2O)(µ-NC)4W(IV)(bipy)(CN)2]·xH2O·yCH3CN}n have been synthesized by reacting Ph4P[W(V)(CN)6(bipy)] with the heterodinuclear [Ni(II)Ln(III)(valpn)(O2NO)3] complexes [H2valpn = 1,3-propanediyl-bis(2-iminomethylene-6-methoxyphenol), bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine, and Ln = Gd (1), Dy (2), and Tb (3) with x = 2 (1), 3.9 (2), and 3.35 (3) and y = 2.50 (1), 2 (2), and 1.8 (3)]. Their crystal structures consist of [Ni(II)Ln(III)] 3d-4f nodes which are connected by [W(IV)(bipy)(CN)6](2-) diamagnetic linkers resulting from the reduction of W(V) to W(IV) during the reaction process. The Ni(II) and Ln(III) ions occupy the inner and outer coordination sites of the dideprotonated valpn ligand, respectively, and they are doubly bridged by the phenoxo oxygen atoms of such a ligand. The value of Ni(II)···Ln(III) separation through this bridge is 3.4919(10) (1), 3.4760(10) (2), and 3.4799(9) (3) Å, and those of the angles at the bridgehead phenoxo atoms are 106.6(2) and 107.3(2) (1), 106.9(2), and 107.8(2) (2) and 106.5(2)-106.8(2)° (3). Each W(IV) is eight-coordinated with a bidentate bipy molecule and six cyanide-carbon atoms building a somewhat distorted square antiprism environment. The rare-earth cations are nine-coordinated, the donor atoms describing a monocapped square antiprism for 1 and 3 and a tricapped trigonal prism for 2. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range 1.9-300 K show the occurrence of ferromagnetic interactions between the Ni(II) and Ln(III) ions in 1-3. Frequency-dependent alternating susceptibility signals were observed for the Dy(III) derivative below 8.0 K under an applied dc field of 2500 G indicating the presence of slow magnetic relaxation with values of the pre-exponential factor (τ0) and energy barrier (E(#)) of ca. 5.7 × 10(-8) s and 15.9 cm(-1), respectively. Complex 2 constitutes the first example of a 2D 3d-4f heterobimetallic single molecule magnet (SMM).

Low-dimensional 3d-4f complexes assembled by low-spin [Fe(III)(phen)(CN)4]- anions.

The synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of four new mixed 3d-4f complexes with formulas [{Fe(III)(phen)(CN)(4)}(4)Gd(2)(III)(bpym)(NO(3))(2)(H(2)O)(4)]·2CH(3)CN·2H(2)O}(n) (1), [{Fe(III)(phen)(CN)(4)}(4)Tb(2)(III)(bpym)(H(2)O)(8)]·(NO(3))(2)·2CH(3)CN}(n) (2), [{Fe(III)(phen)(CN)(4)}(4)Sm(III)(bpym)(NO(3))(2)(H(2)O)(5)]·2CH(3)CN}(n) (3), and [{Fe(III)(phen)(CN)(4)}(2)Pr(2)(III)(bpym)()(NO(3))(4)(H(2)O)(2)](n) (4) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine) are discussed here. Compounds 1-3 are isomorphous and their structure consists of neutral ladder-like motifs where the rungs are made up by bpym-bridged dilanthanide(III) cations and the rods are defined by [Fe(phen)(CN)(4)](-) units adopting a bis-monodentate coordination mode through two of its four cyanide ligands. The electroneutrality in this family is achieved by either a chelating [at the Gd(III) (1) and Sm(III) (3)] or free [at the Tb(III) (2)] nitrate group and a peripheral [Fe(phen)(CN)(4)](-) entity, which act as a monodentate ligand across one of its four cyanide groups toward the rare-earth cation (1-3). Compound 4 exhibits a neutral two-dimensional structure where (µ-bpym)bis[diaquadi(nitrato-κ(2)-O,O')praseodymium(III)] fragments are interlinked through [Fe(phen)(CN)(4)](-) units adopting a tris-monodentate coordination mode across three of its four cyanide groups. Each iron(III) ion in 1-4 is six-coordinate with two nitrogen atoms from a chelating phen and four cyanide-carbon atoms building a somewhat distorted octahedral environment. The trivalent rare-earth cations are 9- (1-3) and 10-coordinate (4) having in common two nitrogen atoms from a bidentate bpym and three (1-3)/two (4) cyanide nitrogens, the coordination environment being completed by chelating nitrate (1, 3, 4) and water molecules (1-4). Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the 1.9-300 K temperature range show the occurrence of antiferromagnetic interactions in 1 through both the single cyanide- and the bis-bidentate bpym ligands. A weak ferromagnetic interaction is observed for 3 whereas very weak, if any, magnetic interactions would occur in 2 and 4, with the spin-orbit coupling of the low-spin iron(III) ion and the ligand field effects of the Tb(III) (2) and Pr(III) (4) masking their visualization.

Self-assembly of [Cu(II)Tb(III)]3+ and [W(CN)8]3- tectons: a case study of a mixture containing two complexes showing slow-relaxation of the magnetization.

The reaction of [Cu(valen)] with Tb(NO(3))(3) and (Bu(3)NH)(3)[W(CN)(8)] affords two types of crystals: [{W(CN)(8)}Cu(valen)Tb(OH(2))(5)]·2H(2)O (1, a discrete trinuclear complex) and [{W(CN)(8)}Cu(valen)Tb(OH(2))(4)]·CH(3)CN·H(2)O (2, an infinite zig-zag chain), both compounds showing slow relaxation of the magnetization (H(2)valen is the Schiff base resulting from the reaction of o-vanillin with 1,2-ethanediamine).

[W(bipy)(CN)6]-: a suitable metalloligand in the design of heterotrimetallic complexes. The first Cu(II)Ln(III)W(V) trinuclear complexes.

The first 3d-4f-5d heterotrimetallic complexes using [W(V)(bipy)(CN)(6)](-) as a metalloligand were synthesized (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine). The structural and magnetic properties of three [Cu(II)Ln(III)W(V)] complexes (Ln = Gd, Ho, Tb) are discussed.