Spin-crossover and liquid crystal properties in 2D cyanide-bridged Fe(II)-M(I/II) metalorganic frameworks.

Novel two-dimensional heterometallic Fe(II)-M(Ni(II), Pd(II), Pt(II), Ag(I), and Au(I)) cyanide-bridged metalorganic frameworks exhibiting spin-crossover and liquid crystal properties, formulated as {FeL(2)[M(I/II)(CN)(x)](y)}·sH(2)O, where L are the ligands 4-(4-alkoxyphenyl)pyridine, 4-(3,4-dialkoxyphenyl)pyridine, and 4-(3,4,5-trisalkoxyphenyl)pyridine, have been synthesized and characterized. The physical characterization has been carried out by means of EXAFS, X-ray powder diffraction, magnetic susceptibility, differential scanning measurements, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The 2D Fe(II) metallomesogens undergo incomplete and continuous thermally induced spin transition at T(1/2) ≈ 170 K and crystal-to-smectic transition above 370 K.

Thermal- and light-induced spin crossover in novel 2D Fe(II) metalorganic frameworks {Fe(4-PhPy)(2)[M(II)(CN)(x)](y)}.sH(2)O: spectroscopic, structural, and magnetic studies.

Five novel two-dimensional coordination polymers {Fe(4PhPy)(2)[M(II)(CN)(4)]}.sH(2)O (4PhyPy = 4-phenylpyridine; 1: M(II) = Pd, s = 0; 2: M(II) = Ni, s = 0; 3: M(II) = Pt, s = 1) and {Fe(4PhPy)(2)[M(I)(CN)(2)](2)}.sH(2)O (4: M(I) = Ag, s = 1; 5: M(I) = Au, s = 0.5) exhibiting spin-crossover properties have been synthesized. They were characterized at various temperatures using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The occurrence of a cooperative thermal spin transition detected by the magnetic method is located at critical temperatures T(c)( downward arrow)/T(c)( upward arrow) = 163 K/203 K (1), 135 K/158 K (2), and 172 K/221 K (3), and a less cooperative one is located at T(c) = 188 K (4) and 225 K (5). Compounds 1-5 show an abrupt color change from yellow (high-spin (HS) state) to red (low-spin (LS) state) upon spin-state conversion. The dehydration of the compounds changes the type of the spin transition, making it more abrupt and shifting the critical temperature to higher temperatures. For 1 and 2, XAS provides local structural information on the contraction of the FeN(6) coordination sphere upon the HS-to-LS transition, in line with the magnetic results. Variable-temperature characterization of 1 by X-ray diffraction evidences the very abrupt phase transition with a large hysteresis. A light-induced spin conversion (LIESST effect) is detected by magnetic measurements in 1-5 below 70 K.

Pressure-induced hysteresis in the high spin [Formula: see text] low spin transition in bis(2,4-bis(pyridin-2-yl)thiazole) iron(II) tetrafluoroborate.

Studies of the spin transition behavior of the mononuclear compound [Fe(pythiaz)(2)](BF(4))(2) have been carried out under hydrostatic pressures up to 9.13 kbar in the 5-300 K temperature range. Under ambient pressure this compound exhibits an approximately half-step (incomplete) HS [Formula: see text] LS transition with T(1/2) = 146 K without any thermal hysteresis. At pressures up to 4.5 kbar the behavior remains similar but with an upward displacement of T(1/2) and a slight decrease in the residual high spin fraction at low T. Application of higher pressures resulted in an almost complete two-step spin transition with several unusual pressure effects. Along with the expected pressure dependence of T(1/2) the surprising appearance of hysteresis in the spin transition curves was observed. It is suggested that the likely origin of this unprecedented behavior is a pressure-induced structural change.

One-dimensional iron(II) compounds exhibiting spin crossover and liquid crystalline properties in the room temperature region.

A novel series of 1D Fe(II) metallomesogens have been synthesized using the ligand 5-bis(alkoxy)- N-(4 H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)benzamide (C n -tba) and the Fe(X) 2. sH 2O salts. The polymers obey the general formula [Fe(C n -tba) 3](X) 2. sH 2O [X = CF 3SO 3 (-), BF 4 (-); n = 4, 6, 8, 10, 12]. The derivatives with n = 4, 6 exhibit spin transition behavior like in crystalline compounds, whereas those with n = 8, 10, 12 present a spin transition coexisting with the mesomorphic behavior in the room-temperature region. A columnar mesophase has been found for the majority of the metallomesogens, but also a columnar lamellar mesophase was observed for other derivatives. [Fe(C 12-tba) 3](CF 3SO 3) 2 represents a new example of a system where the phase transition directly influences the spin transition of the Fe(II) ions but is not the driving energy of the spin crossover phenomenon. The compounds display drastic changes of color from violet (low-spin state, LS) to white (high-spin state, HS). The compounds are fluid, and it is possible to prepare thin films from them.

Does the solid-liquid crystal phase transition provoke the spin-state change in spin-crossover metallomesogens?

Three types of interplay/synergy between spin-crossover (SCO) and liquid crystalline (LC) phase transitions can be predicted: (i) systems with coupled phase transitions, where the structural changes associated to the Cr<-->LC phase transition drives the spin-state transition, (ii) systems where both transitions coexist in the same temperature region but are not coupled, and (iii) systems with uncoupled phase transitions. Here we present a new family of Fe(II) metallomesogens based on the ligand tris[3-aza-4-((5-C(n))(6-R)(2-pyridyl))but-3-enyl]amine, with C(n) = hexyloxy, dodecyloxy, hexadecyloxy, octadecyloxy, eicosyloxy, R = hydrogen or methyl (C(n)-trenH or C(n)-trenMe), which affords examples of systems of types i, ii, and iii. Self-assembly of the ligands C(n)-trenH and C(n)-trenMe with Fe(A)2 x xH2O salts have afforded a family of complexes with general formula [Fe(C(n)-trenR)](A)2 x sH2O (s > or = 0), with A = ClO4(-), F-, Cl-, Br- and I-. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements have been performed on two derivatives of this family, named as [Fe(C6-trenH)](ClO4)2 (C(6)-1) and [Fe(C6-trenMe)](ClO4)2 (C(6)-2), at 150 K for C(6)-1 and at 90 and 298 K for C(6)-2. At 150 K, C(6)-1 displays the triclinic space group P, whereas at 90 and at 298 K C(6)-2 adopts the monoclinic P2(1)/c space group. In both compounds the iron atoms adopt a pseudo-octahedral symmetry and are surrounded by six nitrogen atoms belonging to imino groups and pyridines of the ligands C(n)-trenH and C(n)-trenMe. The average Fe(II)-N bonds (1.963(2) A) at 150 K denote that C(6)-1 is in the low-spin (LS) state. For C(6)-2 the average Fe(II)-N bonds (2.007(1) A) at 90 K are characteristic of the LS state, while at 298 K they are typical for the high-spin (HS) state (2.234(3) A). Compound C(6)-1 and [Fe(C18-trenH)](ClO4)2 (C(18)-1) adopts the LS state in the temperature region between 10 and 400 K, while compound C(6)-2 and [Fe(Cn-trenMe)](ClO4)2 (n = 12 (C(12)-2), 18 (C(18)-2)) exhibit spin crossover behavior at T(1/2) centered around 140 K. The thermal spin transition is accompanied by a pronounced change of color from dark red (LS) to orange (HS). The light-induced excited spin state trapping (LIESST) effect has been investigated in compounds C(6)-2, C(12)-2 and C(18)-2. The T(1/2)LIESST is 56 K (C(6)-2), 48 K (C(16)-2), and 56 K (C(18)-2). On the basis of differential scanning calorimetry, optical polarizing microscopy, and X-ray diffraction findings for C(18)-1, C(12)-2, and C(18)-2 at high temperature a smectic mesophase SX has been identified with layered structures similar to C(6)-1 and C(6)-2. The compounds [Fe(C(n)-trenH)](Cl)2 x sH2O (n = 16 (C(16)-3, s = 3.5, C(16)-4, s = 0.5, C(16)-5, s = 0), 18 (C(18)-3, s = 3.5, C(18)-4, s = 0.5, C(18)-5, s = 0), 20 (C(20)-3, s = 3.5, C(20)-4, s = 0.5, C(20)-5, s = 0)) and [Fe(C18-tren)](F)2 x sH2O (C(18)-6, s = 3.5, C(18)-7, s = 0) show a very particular spin-state change, while [Fe(C18-tren)](Br)2 x 3H2O (C(18)-8) together with [Fe(C18-tren)](I)2 (C(18)-9) are in the LS state (10-400 K) and present mesomorphic behavior like that observed for the complexes C(18)-1, C(12)-2, and C(18)-2. In compounds C(n)-3 50% of the Fe(II) ions undergo spin-state change at T(1/2) = 375 K induced by releasing water, and in partially dehydrated compounds (s = 0.5) the Cr-->SA phase transition occurs at 287 K (C(16)-4), 301 K (C(18)-4) and 330 K (C(20)-4). For the fully dehydrated materials C(n)-5 50% of the Fe(II) ions are in the HS state and show paramagnetic behavior between 10 and 400 K. In the partially dehydrated C(n)-4 the spin transition is induced by the change of the aggregate state of matter (solid<-->liquid crystal). For compound C(18)-6 the full dehydration to C(18)-7 provokes the spin-state change of nearly 50% of the Fe(II) ions. The compounds C(n)-3 and C(18)-6 are dark purple in the LS state and become light purple-brown when 50% of the Fe(II) atoms are in the HS state.

57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy predicts superstructure for K0.08[Cu(II)(N,N'app)Cl]2[Fe(III)(CN)6].0.92H3O.3H2O.

The compound [Cu(N,N'app)Cl](2)[Fe(CN)(6)].xH(2)O, with N,N'app being bis(N,N'-3-aminopropylpiperazine), was prepared and its structure determined by single crystal X-ray analysis, confirming a ratio of two copper complexes to one iron complex; (57)Fe Mössbauer spectra showed three quadrupole doublets typical of iron(iii) low spin species which call for the presence of a superstructure.

Study of thermal spin crossover in [Fe(II)(isoxazole)(6)](BF(4))(2) with Mössbauer spectroscopy.

(57)Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy of the mononuclear [Fe(II)(isoxazole)(6)](BF(4))(2) compound has been studied to reveal the thermal spin crossover of Fe(II) between low-spin (S = 0) and high-spin (S = 2) states. A temperature-dependent spin transition curve has been constructed with the least-square fitted data obtained from the Mössbauer spectra measured at various temperatures in the 240-60 K range during the cooling and heating cycle. The compound exhibits a temperature-dependent two-step spin transition phenomenon with T(SCO) (step 1) = 92 and T(SCO) (step 2) = 191 K. The compound has three high-spin Fe(II) sites at the highest temperature of study; among them, two have slightly different coordination environments. These two Fe(II) sites are found to undergo a spin transition, while the third Fe(II) site retains the high-spin state over the whole temperature range. Possible reasons for the formation of the two steps in the spin transition curve are discussed. The observations made from the present study are in complete agreement with those envisaged from earlier magnetic and structural studies made on [Fe(II)(isoxazole)(6)](BF(4))(2), but highlights the nature of the spin crossover mechanism.

Spin crossover of ferric complexes with catecholate derivatives. Single-crystal X-ray structure, magnetic and Mössbauer investigations.

Complexes of general formula [(TPA)Fe(R-Cat)]X.nS were synthesised with different catecholate derivatives and anions (TPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, R-Cat2- = 4,5-(NO2)2-Cat2- denoted DNC(2-); 3,4,5,6-Cl4-Cat2- denoted TCC2-; 3-OMe-Cat(2-); 4-Me-Cat(2-) and X = BPh4-; NO3-; PF6-; ClO4-; S = solvent molecule). Their magnetic behaviours in the solid state show a general feature along the series, viz., the occurrence of a thermally-induced spin crossover process. The transition curves are continuous with transition temperatures ranging from ca. 84 to 257 K. The crystal structures of [(TPA)Fe(DNC)]X (X = PF6-; BPh4-) and [(TPA)Fe(TCC)]X.nS (X = PF6-; NO3- and n= 1, S = H2O; ClO4- and n= 1, S = H2O; BPh4- and n= 1, S = C3H6O) were solved at 100 (or 123 K) and 293 K. For those two systems, the characteristics of the [FeN(4)O(2)] coordination core and those of the dioxolene ligands appear to be consistent with a prevailing Fe(III)-catecholate formulation. This feature is in contrast with the large quantum mixing between Fe(III)-catecholate and Fe(II)-semiquinonate forms recently observed with the more electron donating simple catecholate dianion. The thermal spin crossover process is accompanied by significant changes of the molecular structures as shown by the average variation of the metal-ligand bond distances which can be extrapolated for a complete spin conversion from ca. 0.123 to 0.156 A. The different space groups were retained in the low- and high-temperature phases.

Jarosite and hematite at Meridiani Planum from Opportunity's Mossbauer Spectrometer.

Mossbauer spectra measured by the Opportunity rover revealed four mineralogical components in Meridiani Planum at Eagle crater: jarosite- and hematite-rich outcrop, hematite-rich soil, olivine-bearing basaltic soil, and a pyroxene-bearing basaltic rock (Bounce rock). Spherules, interpreted to be concretions, are hematite-rich and dispersed throughout the outcrop. Hematitic soils both within and outside Eagle crater are dominated by spherules and their fragments. Olivine-bearing basaltic soil is present throughout the region. Bounce rock is probably an impact erratic. Because jarosite is a hydroxide sulfate mineral, its presence at Meridiani Planum is mineralogical evidence for aqueous processes on Mars, probably under acid-sulfate conditions.

Mineralogy at Gusev Crater from the Mössbauer spectrometer on the Spirit Rover.

Mössbauer spectra measured on Mars by the Spirit rover during the primary mission are characterized by two ferrous iron doublets (olivine and probably pyroxene) and a ferric iron doublet (tentatively associated to nanophase ferric iron oxide). Two sextets resulting from nonstoichiometric magnetite are also present, except for a coating on the rock Mazatzal, where a hematite-like sextet is present. Greater proportions of ferric-bearing phases are associated with undisturbed soils and rock surfaces as compared to fresh rock surfaces exposed by grinding. The ubiquitous presence of olivine in soil suggests that physical rather than chemical weathering processes currently dominate at Gusev crater.

Large orbital moments and internal magnetic fields in lithium nitridoferrate(I).

The iron nitridometalates Li2[(Li(1-x)Fe(I)(x))N] display ferromagnetic ordering and spin freezing. Large magnetic moments up to 5.0mu(B)/Fe are found in the magnetization. In Mössbauer effect studies huge hyperfine magnetic fields up to 696 kOe are observed at specific Fe sites. These extraordinary fields and moments originate in an unusual ligand field splitting for those Fe species leading [within local spin density approximation (LSDA)] to a localized orbitally degenerate doublet. Including spin-orbit interaction and strong intra-atomic electron correlation (LDA+SO+U) gives rise to a large orbital momentum.

Pressure- and temperature-induced valence tautomeric interconversion in a o-dioxolene adduct of a cobalt-tetraazamacrocycle complex.

An electronic switch at the molecular level has been realized by using a class of ionic compounds of the formula [Co(L)(diox)]Y (L = tetraazamacrocyclic ligand, Y = mononegative anion). Such compounds undergo temperature- and pressure-induced intramolecular one-electron transfer equilibria. The transition temperature of interconversion varies with the nature of the counterions Y (Y = PF6, BPh4, I). Surprisingly the effect of the anion on the transition temperature is not only governed by its volume but also by its coulombic interaction.

Carbon nanotube bags: catalytic formation, physical properties, two-dimensional alignment and geometric structuring of densely filled carbon tubes.

The catalytic CVD synthesis, using propyne as carbon precursor and Fe(NO3)3 as catalyst precursor inside porous alumina, gives carbon nanotube (CNT) bags in a well-arranged two-dimensional order. The tubes have the morphology of bags or fibers, since they are completely filled with smaller helicoidal CNTs. This morphology has so far not been reported for CNTs. Owing to the dense filling of the outer mother CNTs with small helicoidal CNTs, the resulting CNT fibers appear to be stiff and show no sign of inflation, as sometimes observed with hollow CNTs. The fiber morphology was observed by raster electron microscopy (REM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The carbon material is graphitic as deduced from spectroscopic studies (X-ray diffraction, Raman and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS)). From Mössbauer studies, the presence of two different oxidation states (Fe0 and FeIII) of the catalyst is proven. Geometric structuring of the template by two different methods has been studied. Inkjet catalyst printing shows that the tubes can be arranged in defined areas by a simple and easily applied technique. Laser-structuring creates grooves of nanotube fibers embedded in the alumina host. This allows the formation of defined architectures in the microm range. Results on hydrogen absorption and field emission properties of the CNT fibers are reported.

The stable diiron(2.5) complex ion [(NC)(5)Fe(mu-tz)Fe(CN)5](5-), tz = 1,2,4,5-tetrazine, and its neighboring oxidation states.

The conceptually simple mixed-valent diiron compound (NEt(4))(5)[(NC)(5)Fe(mu-tz)Fe(CN)(5)] with the 1,2,4,5-tetrazine (tz) bridging ligand was obtained as a thermally and air-stable material that displays large and highly variable electrochemical comproportionation constants between about 10(8) (in water) and 10(19.0) (in acetonitrile). Strong metal-metal interaction is also evident from spectroscopic results obtained for the solid and for the dissolved species. The rather intense intervalence charge-transfer band occurs around 2400 nm; infrared and Mössbauer spectra reveal the high spectroscopic symmetry of the system according to an (Fe(2.5))(2) formulation. DFT calculations on the [(NC)(5)Fe(mu-tz)Fe(CN)(5)](6-) ion confirm the presence of very low-lying pi(tz) and high-lying d(Fe) orbitals.

Electronic relaxation phenomena following (57)Co(EC)(57)Fe nuclear decay in [Mn(II)(terpy)2](ClO4)2.(1/2)H2O and in the spin crossover complexes [Co(II)(terpy)2]X2.nH2O (X = Cl and ClO4): a Mössbauer emission spectroscopic study.

The valence states of the nucleogenic (57)Fe arising from the nuclear disintegration of radioactive (57)Co by electron capture decay, (57)Co(EC)(57)Fe, have been studied by Mössbauer emission spectroscopy (MES) in the (57)Co-labeled systems: [(57)Co/Co(terpy)(2)]Cl(2).5H(2)O (1), [(57)Co/Co(terpy)(2)](ClO(4))(2).(1)/(2)H(2)O (2), and [(57)Co/Mn(terpy)(2)](ClO(4))(2). (1)/(2)H(2)O (3) (terpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine). The compounds 1, 2, and 3 were labeled with ca. 1 mCi of (57)Co and were used as the Mössbauer sources at variable temperatures between 300 K and ca. 4 K. [Fe(terpy)(2)]X(2) is a diamagnetic low-spin (LS) complex, independent of the nature of the anion X, while [Co(terpy)(2)]X(2) complexes show gradual spin transition as the temperature is varied. The Co(II) ion in 1 "feels" a somewhat stronger ligand field than that in 2; as a result, 83% of 1 stays in the LS state at 321 K, while in 2 the high-spin (HS) state dominates at 320 K and converts gradually to the LS state with a transition temperature of T(1/2) approximately 180 K. Variable-temperature Mössbauer emission spectra for 1, 2, and 3 showed only LS-(57)Fe(II) species at 295 K. On lowering the temperature, metastable HS Fe(II) species generated by the (57)Co(EC)(57)Fe process start to grow at ca. 100 K in 1, at ca. 200 K in 2, and at ca. 250 K in 3, reaching maximum values of 0.3 at 20 K in 1, 0.8 at 50 K in 2, and 0.86 at 100 K in 3, respectively. The lifetime of the metastable HS states correlates with the local ligand field strength, and this is in line with the "inverse energy gap law" already successfully applied in LIESST relaxation studies.

Hydroxo hydrido complexes of iron and cobalt (Sn-Fe-Sn, Sn-Co-Sn): probing agostic Sn...H-M interactions in solution and in the solid state

Bis(toluene)iron 9 reacts with Lappert's stannylene [Sn[CH(SiMe3)2]2] (4) to form the paramagnetic bis-stannylene complex [[(eta6-toluene)Fe-Sn-[CH(SiMe3)2]2]2] (10). Compound 10 reacts with H2O to form the hydroxo hydrido complex [(eta6-C7H8)(mu-OH)(H)-Fe-[Sn[CH(SiMe3)2]2]2] (12) in high yield; its solid-state structure has been elucidated by X-ray and neutron diffraction analysis. In agreement with the 1H NMR results, 12 contains a hydridic ligand whose exact coordination geometry could be determined by neutron diffraction. The 1H and 119Sn NMR analysis of 12 suggested a multicenter Sn/Sn/H/Fe bonding interaction in solution, based on significantly large values of J(Sn,H,Fe) = 640+/-30 Hz and J(119Sn,119Sn) = 4340+/-100 Hz. In solution, complex 12 exists as two diastereomers in a ratio of about 2:1. Neutron diffraction analysis has characterized 12 as a classical metal hydride complex with very little Sn...H interaction and a typical Fe-H single bond (1.575(8) A). This conclusion is based on the fact that the values of the Sn...H contact distances (2.482(9) and 2.499(9) A) are not consistent with strong Fe-H...Sn interactions. This finding is discussed in relation to other compounds containing M-H...Sn units with and without strong three-center interactions. The neutron diffraction analysis of 12 represents the first determination of a Sn-H atomic distance employing this analytical technique. The cobalt analogues [(eta5-Cp)(mu-OH)(H)Co-[Sn[CH(SiMe3)2]2]2] (15) and [(eta5-Cp)(OD)(D)Co-[Sn[CH-(SiMe3)2]2]2] [D2]15, which are isolobal with 12, were prepared by the reaction of [(eta5-Cp)Co-Sn[CH(SiMe3)2]2] (14) with H2O and D2O, respectively. The magnitude of J(Sn,H) (539 Hz) in 15 is in the same range as that found for 12. The molecular structure of 15 has been determined by X-ray diffraction which reveals it to be isostructural with 12. The coordination geometries of the Co(Fe)-Sn1-O-Sn2 arrangements in 12 and 15 are fully planar within experimental error. Compounds 10 and 15 are rare examples of fully characterized complexes obtained as primary products from water activation reactions.

Experimental and theoretical investigations on the synthesis, structure, reactivity, and bonding of the stannylene-iron complex Bis bis(2-tert-butyl-4,5,6-trimethyl-phenyl)SnFe (eta6-toluene) (Sn-Fe-Sn)

The pi-(arene)bis(stannylene) complex bis(bis(2-tert-butyl-4,5,6-trimethylphenyl)SnFe(eta6-toluene) (Sn-Fe-Sn, 15) is accessible in high yields by a metal-atom-mediated synthesis between iron atoms, toluene, and the stannylene [bis(2-tert-butyl-4,5,6-trimethylphenyl)Sn](3). Complex 15 has a half-sandwich structure with short Fe -Sn bonds (2.432(1) A) and a trigonal-planar coordination at both the Fe and Sn atoms. The distance between the two Sn centers is 3.56 A. Complex 15 is stable under ambient conditions and displays a pi-arene lability, so far rarely observed for (arene)iron complexes; this leads to an irreversible substitution of the arene and formation of fivefold-coordinated zerovalent iron complexes. The pi-arene lability of the title compound is a result of the Fe-Sn bonding situation, which can be interpreted, on the basis of an extended Huckel molecular orbital calculation, as being solely a donation of the 5sigma lone-pair of Sn into empty or half-filled acceptor d orbitals on Fe. As the calculations reveal, there is little backbonding from the iron to the tin, and the strong sigma donation leads to an increased occupation of the pi-antibonding orbitals of the eta6-arene, which are mainly responsible for the experimentally observed arene lability. Fe and Sn Mossbauer spectra support the polar character of Sn(sigma+)-->Fe(sigma-) with strong sigma donation from tin to iron, but significantly low iron-to-tin pi backdonation.

Hybrid molecular magnets obtained by insertion of decamethyl-metallocenium cations into layered, bimetallic oxalate complexes:

A new series of hybrid organometallic - inorganic layered magnets with the formula [Z(III)Cp*2][M(II)M(III)(ox)3] (Z(III) = Co, Fe; M(III) = Cr, Fe; M(II) = Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn; ox = oxalate; Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) has been prepared. All of these compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/m, as found by X-ray structure analysis. Their structure consists of an eclipsed stacking of the bimetallic oxalate-based extended layers separated by layers of organometallic cations. These salts show spontaneous magnetization below To, which corresponds to the presence of ferro-, ferri-, or canted antiferromagnetism. Compounds in which the paramagnetic deca-methylferrocenium is used instead of the diamagnetic decamethylcobaltocenium are good examples of chemically constructed magnetic multilayers with alternating ferromagnetic and paramagnetic layers. The physical properties of this series have been thoroughly studied by means of magnetic measurements and ESR and Mossbauer spectroscopy. We have found that the two layers are electronically quasiindependent. As a consequence, the bulk properties of these magnets have not been significantly affected by the insertion of a paramagnetic layer of S = 1/2 spins in between the extended layers. In fact, the critical temperatures remain unchanged even when comparing [MCp*2]+ derivatives with [XR4]+ compounds (X = N, P; R = Ph, nPr, nBu). Nevertheless, the presence of the paramagnetic layer has been shown to have some influence on the hysteresis loops of these compounds. In the same context, the spin polarization of the paramagnetic units (which arises from the internal magnetic field created by the bimetallic layers in the ordered state) has been observed by Mossbauer and ESR spectroscopy.