Effect of the Mn Oxidation State on Single-Molecule-Magnet Properties: Mn(III) vs Mn(IV) in Biologically Inspired DyMn3O4 Cubanes.

Inspired by the ferromagnetic coupling in the cubane model CaMn(IV)3O4 of the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II, 3d-4f mixed-metal DyMn3O4 clusters were prepared for investigation of the magnetic properties. For comparison, YMn(IV)3O4 and YMn(IV)2Mn(III)O4 clusters were investigated as well and showed ferromagnetic interactions, like the calcium analogue. DyMn(IV)3O4 displays single-molecule-magnet properties, while the one-electron-reduced species (DyMn(IV)2Mn(III)O4) does not, despite the presence of a Mn(III) center with higher spin and single-ion anisotropy.

Systematic study of the synthesis and coordination of 2-(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-pyridine to Fe(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II); ion-induced folding into helicates, mesocates and larger architectures, and application to magnetism and self-selection.

With its facile synthesis, the pyridine-1,2,3-triazole chelate is an attractive building block for coordination-driven self-assembly. When two such chelates are bridged by a spacer and exposed to cations of octahedral geometrical preference, they generally self-assemble into dinuclear triple-stranded structures in the solid state and in solution in the presence of non-coordinating counter-ions. In solution, a wider range of architectures may nevertheless form, depending on the nature of the spacer. A systematic study of the spacer and substitution pattern is therefore presented, which allows assessing the various factors affecting self-assembly around the pyridine-1,2,3-triazole chelate, as well as the stereochemical control in these architectures. Applications to chirality, magnetism and system selection are discussed, and involve Fe(ii), Ni(ii), Zn(ii) and Cu(i) cations.

Slow Magnetic Relaxation Observed in Dysprosium Compounds Containing Unsupported Near-Linear Hydroxo- and Fluoro-Bridges.

The encapsulating N1,N3-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)diethylenetriamine (H2valdien) ligand was employed to isolate two novel Dy(III) compounds which contain rare bridging pathways for lanthanide systems. Compound 1, [Na2Dy(III)2(valdien)2(µ-OH)(dbm)2(H2O)2][Na2Dy(III)2(valdien)2(µ-OH)(NO3)2(dbm)2], where dbm(-) is dibenzoylmethanido, and compound 2, [Na3Dy(III)2(valdien)2(µ-F)(µ3-F)2(Cl)2(MeOH)2]n·0.5(MeOH)·(H2O), both exhibit linear lone hydroxo- and fluoro-bridges, respectively, between the metal centers. The unit cell of 1 comprises two discrete dinuclear molecules, which differ slightly, forming a cation-anion pair, while 2 forms a coordination polymer. The magnetic investigations indicate that both compounds display ferromagnetic coupling between the Dy(III) ions. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range 1.8-300 K reveal that the Dy(III) ions in 1 are weakly coupled, resulting in a mononuclear single-molecule magnet-like behavior under an applied field. In the case of 2, the stronger coupling arising from the fluoride-bridge, leads to zero-field single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior with a non-negligible anisotropy barrier (Ueff) of 42 K.

Ambivalent binding between a radical-based pincer ligand and iron.

A complex exhibiting valence delocalization was prepared from 3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,6-thiatriazinyl (), an inherently redox active pincer-type ligand, coordinated to iron ( ()). Complex can be prepared via two routes, either from the reaction of the neutral radical with FeCl2 or by treatment of the anionic ligand () with FeCl3, demonstrating its unique redox behaviour. Electrochemical studies, solution absorption and solid-state diffuse reflectance measurements along with X-ray crystallography were carried out to elucidate the molecular and solid-state properties. Temperature- and field-dependent Mössbauer spectroscopy coupled with magnetic measurements revealed that exhibits an isolated S = 5/2 ground spin state for which the low-temperature magnetic behaviour is dominated by exchange interactions between neighbouring molecules. This ground state is rationalized on the basis of DFT calculations that predict the presence of strong electronic interactions between the redox active ligand and metal. This interaction leads to the delocalization of ß electron density over the two redox active centres and highlights the difficulty in assigning formal charges to .

Inducing magnetic communication in caged dinuclear Co(II) systems.

The synthesis, structural, electronic and magnetic characterization of five dinuclear Co(II) azacryptand compounds (1-5) bridged through different ions are reported. The magnetic exchange interactions, 2J values, obtained from theoretical computations show that the variation of the intermetallic angles and distances lead to antiferromagnetic behaviours. Magneto-structural correlations show a trend, where the angles Co(II)-bridge-Co(II) closer to 180° favour an increase in the superexchange pathway leading to higher AF interaction values.

Exposing the intermolecular nature of the second relaxation pathway in a mononuclear cobalt(II) single-molecule magnet with positive anisotropy.

The investigation of a pentagonal bipyramidal Co(ii) complex with large positive anisotropy (D ≈ +30 cm(-1)) revealed field induced Single-Molecule Magnet behaviour with Ueff ≈ 50 K at 1.0 kOe. This compound belongs to a group of only a handful of complexes which exhibit this unique magnetic property while possessing easy-plane anisotropy. At high applied fields, a second relaxation process with an intermolecular nature has been exposed using magnetic dilution studies with varying percentages of Zn(ii) analogue. The disappearance of the second relaxation process at low frequency can be followed using magnetically diluted samples at 25%, 10% and 5% Co(ii) concentrations.

Structural rearrangement through lanthanide contraction in dinuclear complexes.

A new series of lanthanide complexes was synthesized, and the geometry and preliminary magnetic measurements of the complexes were explored. The specific ligand used (N'-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)benzhydrazide) (H2hmb) was synthesized using a Schiff-base approach and was employed due to the presence of a coordination pocket that is able to accommodate magnetically selective lanthanide ions. The series can be divided into two groups that are categorized by a drastic structural rearrangement. The first group, Type I, contains six analogous complexes with the formula [M(III)2(Hhmb)3(NCS)3]·2MeOH·py (M = Y 1, Eu 2, Gd 3, Tb 4, Dy 5, Ho 6), while the second group, Type II, contains two dinuclear complexes with formula [M(III)2(Hhmb)2(NCS)4(MeOH)2] (M = Er 7, and Yb 8). Single-crystal X-ray analysis revealed that all M(III) ions in Type I exhibit monocapped distorted square antiprismatic geometries, while those of Type II exhibit distorted dodecahedron geometry. The direct current and alternating current magnetic measurements were carried out on all complexes, with 5, 7, and 8 exhibiting slow relaxation of the magnetization under an applied optimum dc field. Furthermore, complex 8 is the first example of a dinuclear Yb-based single-molecule magnet showing field-dependent multiple relaxation processes.

Hybrid nanomaterials: anchoring magnetic molecules on naked gold nanocrystals.

The pairing of molecular magnets and nanomaterials couples top-down and bottom-up approaches to nanotechnology; facilitating a unique methodology to the controlled study of interfacial magnetic properties. Attaching Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) to "naked" gold nanoparticles is a novel method of exploring various avenues of magnetic nanotechnology, such as drug delivery, information storage, catalysis, and assembly of magnetic-nanostructural motifs. Herein we report the successful capping of laser ablation synthesized "naked" gold nanoparticles with a dinuclear dysprosium complex, while introducing new information regarding the changes in molecular magnetic properties upon surface attachment. We anticipate that this methodology in producing these magneto-plasmonic nanostructures not only provides answers to fundamental questions but also has the potential to provide new avenues to applications including information storage, multimodal imaging, biomedicine, and optoelectronics.

Influence of the ligand field on slow magnetization relaxation versus spin crossover in mononuclear cobalt complexes.

The electronic and magnetic properties of the complexes [Co(terpy)Cl2 ] (1), [Co(terpy)(NCS)2 ] (2), and [Co(terpy)2 ](NCS)2 (3) were investigated. The coordination environment around Co(II) in 1 and 2 leads to a high-spin complex at low temperature and single-molecule magnet properties with multiple relaxation pathways. Changing the ligand field and geometry with an additional terpy ligand leads to spin-crossover behavior in 3 with a gradual transition from high spin to low spin.

Significant enhancement of energy barriers in dinuclear dysprosium single-molecule magnets through electron-withdrawing effects.

The effect of electron-withdrawing ligands on the energy barriers of Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) is investigated. By introducing highly electron-withdrawing atoms on targeted ligands, the energy barrier was significantly enhanced. The structural and magnetic properties of five novel SMMs based on a dinuclear {Dy2} phenoxo-bridged motif are explored and compared with a previously studied {Dy2} SMM (1). All complexes share the formula [Dy2(valdien)2(L)2]·solvent, where H2valdien = N1,N3-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene) diethylenetriamine, the terminal ligand L = NO3(-) (1), CH3COO(-) (2), ClCH2COO(-) (3), Cl2CHCOO(-) (4), CH3COCHCOCH3(-) (5), CF3COCHCOCF3(-) (6), and solvent = 0.5 MeOH (4), 2 CH2Cl2 (5). Systematic increase of the barrier was observed for all complexes with the most drastic increase seen in 6 when the acac ligand of 5 was fluorinated resulting in a 7-fold enhancement of the anisotropic barrier. Ab initio calculations reveal more axial g tensors as well as higher energy first excited Kramers doublets in 4 and 6 leading to higher energy barriers for those complexes.

Study of an S = 1 Ni(II) pincer electrocatalyst precursor for aqueous hydrogen production based on paramagnetic 1H NMR.

A tridentate NNN Ni(II) complex, shown to be an electrocatalyst for aqueous H2 production at low overpotentials, is studied by using temperature-dependent paramagnetic (1)H NMR. The NMR T1 relaxation rates, temperature dependence of the chemical shifts, and dc SQUID magnetic susceptibility are correlated to DFT chemical shifts and compared with the properties of a diamagnetic Zn analogue complex. The resulting characterization provides an unambiguous assignment of the six proton environments in the meridionally coordinating tridentate NNN ligand. The demonstrated NMR/DFT methodology should be valuable in the search for appropriate ligands to optimize the reactivity of 3d metal complexes bound to attract increasing attention in catalytic applications.

Novel Co-based metal-organic frameworks and their magnetic properties using asymmetrically binding 4-(4'-carboxyphenyl)-1,2,4-triazole.

Two novel Co-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were synthesised and characterised using an asymmetrically binding ligand, 4-(4'-carboxyphenyl)-1,2,4 triazole (Hcpt). The isolated [Co3(II)(µ3-O)(OH)(cpt)3(H2O)2]n·xH2O·yDMF, Co-MOF1, exhibits a rhombohedral crystal structure (space group, P63/mc), with a trinuclear cobalt core that resembles the MIL88 series. This MOF shows paramagnetic behaviour down to 2 K with no saturation of magnetisation up to 7 T. This is presumably due to a geometrically frustrated triangular arrangement of Co spins. The two-dimensional complex, [Co(II)(cpt)(N3)]n, Co-MOF2, crystallises in a monoclinic crystal system (space group, C2/m). The magnetic measurements reveal metamagnetic behaviour for this complex with a critical field in the range of 700-1000 Oe.

High-temperature spin crossover behavior in a nitrogen-rich Fe(III)-based system.

A nitrogen-rich ligand bis(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)amine (H(3)bta) was employed to isolate a new Fe(III) complex, Na(2)NH(4)[Fe(III)(Hbta)(3)]·3DMF·2H(2)O (1). Single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that complex 1 consists of Fe(III) ions in an octahedral environment where each metal ion is coordinated by three Hbta(2-) ligands forming the [Fe(III)(Hbta)(3)](3-) core. Each unit is linked to two one-dimensional (1-D) Na(+)/solvent chains creating a two-dimensional (2-D) network. In addition, the presence of multiple hydrogen bonds in all directions between ammonium cation and ligands of different [Fe(III)(Hbta)(3)](3-) units generates a three-dimensional (3-D) network. Magnetic measurements confirmed that the Fe(III) center undergoes a Spin Crossover (SCO) at high temperature (T(1/2) = 460(10) K).

Turning on single-molecule magnet behavior in a linear {Mn3} compound.

The synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties are reported for a new manganese compound with a mixed-valent {Mn(3)} core arranged in a linear fashion. The previously reported complex 1, [Mn(IV)(3)(dpo)(6)]·2MeCN, where H(2)dpo is (E)-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphenylpropan-2-one oxime, served as a starting point for the isolation of a {Mn(3)} compound with an analogous core arrangement through the reaction of Mn(OAc)(2)·4H(2)O, H(3)oxol ((E)-2,5-dihydroxy-2,5-dimethylhexan-3-one oxime), and NaOH in MeOH and MeCN. By using these reaction conditions, compound 2, Na[Mn(IV)(2)Mn(III)(Hoxol)(6)](n)·MeOH·H(2)O, was successfully isolated revealing a central Mn(III) ion thereby introducing structural and magnetic anisotropy to the system. The structure of 2 reveals linear trinuclear Mn(IV)-Mn(III)-Mn(IV) units connected through Na(+) ions forming a linear one-dimensional coordination polymer. The Jahn-Teller axes of each trinuclear unit are aligned parallel within the same chain and form a 75° angle between the two symmetry related chains. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1 and 2 in the temperature range 1.9-300 K reveal that only the reduced compound, 2, is a single-molecule magnet (SMM) largely due to the anisotropy introduced by the Jahn-Teller distortions on the Mn(III) ions, which effectively induce this magnet behavior. Weak antiferromagnetic interactions along the chains through the Na(+) cations lead to a modulation of the intrinsic properties of the Mn(IV)-Mn(III)-Mn(IV) SMMs.

Lessons learned from dinuclear lanthanide nano-magnets.

The quest for higher density information storage has led to the investigation of Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) as potential molecules to be applied in materials such as hard discs. In order for this to occur, one must first design metal complexes which can retain magnetic information at temperatures where these applications become possible. This can only be achieved through answering and understanding fundamental questions regarding the observed physical properties of SMMs. While mononuclear lanthanide complexes have shown promise in obtaining high energy barriers for the reversal of the magnetisation they are limited to Single-Ion Magnet behaviour intrinsic to one metal centre with a limited number of unpaired electrons. As a way of increasing the effective anisotropic barrier, systems with higher nuclearity have been sought to increase the spin ground state of the molecule. Dinuclear complexes are presented as key compounds in studying and understanding the nature of magnetic interactions between metal ions. This tutorial review will span a number of dinuclear 4f complexes which have been critical in our understanding of the way in which lanthanide centres in a complex interact magnetically. It will examine key bridging moieties from the more common oxygen-based groups to newly discovered radical-based bridges and draw conclusions regarding the most effective superexchange pathways allowing the most efficient intracomplex interactions.

Predictable self-assembled [2×2] Ln(III)4 square grids (Ln = Dy,Tb)-SMM behaviour in a new lanthanide cluster motif.

The ditopic carbohydrazone ligand (L1) produces the square, self-assembled [2×2] grids [Dy(4)(L1)(4)(OH)(4)]Cl(2) (1) and [Ln(4)(L1)(4)(µ(4)-O)(µ(2)-1,1-N(3))(4)] (Ln = Dy (2), Tb (3)), with 2 exhibiting SMM behaviour. Two relaxation processes occur with U(eff) = 51 K, 91 K in the absence of an external field, and one with U(eff) = 270 K in the presence of a 1600 Oe optimum field.

Lanthanide complexes of tritopic bis(hydrazone) ligands: single-molecule magnet behavior in a linear Dy(III)3 complex.

Tritopic pyridinebis(hydrazone)-based ligands typically produce square M(9) [3 × 3] grid complexes with first-row transition-metal ions (e.g., M = Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn), but with larger lanthanide ions, such coordination motifs are not produced, and instead linear trinuclear complexes appear to be a preferred option. The reaction of 2pomp [derived from pyridine-2,6-bis(hydrazone) and 2-acetylpyridine] with La(III), Gd(III), and Dy(III) salts produces helical linear trinuclear [Ln(3)(2pomp)(2)]-based complexes, where each metal ion occupies one of the three tridentate ligand pockets. Two ligands encompass the three metal ions, and internal connections between metal ions occur through µ-O(hydrazone) bridges. Coligands include benzoate, nitrate, and N,N-dimethylformamide. The linear Dy(III)(3) complex exhibits single-molecule magnet behavior, demonstrated through alternating-current susceptibility measurements. Slow thermal magnetic relaxation was detected in an external field of 1800 Oe, where quantum-tunneling effects were suppressed (U(eff) = 14 K).

A novel high-spin tridecanuclear Ni(II) cluster with an azido-bridged core exhibiting disk-like topology.

A high-spin tridecanuclear Ni(II) cluster, [Ni(II)(13)(N(3))(18)(dpo)(4)(Hdpo)(2)(H(2)hpo)(4)(H(2)O)(MeOH)] [Ni(II)(13)(N(3))(18)(dpo)(4)(Hdpo)(2)(H(2)hpo)(4)(H(2)O)(2)] (1) (Hdpo = 1-(dimethylamino)propan-2-one oxime and H(2)hpo = 1-(hydroxyamino)propan-2-one oxime) with a purely azido-bridged core, is reported with dominant ferromagnetic coupling between Ni(II) ions. The latter molecule exhibits a unique planar core topology with the largest N(3)(-):Ni(II) ratio reported to date.

Planar tetranuclear Dy(III) single-molecule magnet and its Sm(III), Gd(III), and Tb(III) analogues encapsulated by salen-type and ß-diketonate ligands.

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties are reported for four new lanthanide clusters [Sm(4)(µ(3)-OH)(2)L(2)(acac)(6)]·4H(2)O (1), [Gd(4)(µ(3)-OH)(2)L(2)(acac)(6)]·4CH(3)CN (2), and [Ln(4)(µ(3)-OH)(2)L(2)(acac)(6)]·2H(2)L·2CH(3)CN (3, Ln = Tb; 4, Ln = Dy) supported by salen-type (H(2)L = N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine) and ß-diketonate (acac = acetylacetonate) ligands. The four clusters were confirmed to be essentially isomorphous by infrared spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their crystal structures reveal that the salen-type ligand provides a suitable tetradentate coordination pocket (N(2)O(2)) to encapsulate lanthanide(III) ions. Moreover, the planar Ln(4) core is bridged by two µ(3)-hydroxide, four phenoxide, and two ketonate oxygen atoms. Magnetic properties of all four compounds have been investigated using dc and ac susceptibility measurements. For 4, the static and dynamic data indicate that the Dy(4) complex exhibits slow relaxation of the magnetization below 5 K associated with single-molecule magnet behavior.

The use of magnetic dilution to elucidate the slow magnetic relaxation effects of a Dy2 single-molecule magnet.

The magnetic dilution method was employed in order to elucidate the origin of the slow relaxation of the magnetization in a Dy(2) single-molecule magnet (SMM). The doping effect was studied using SQUID and micro-SQUID measurements on a Dy(2) SMM diluted in a diamagnetic Y(2) matrix. The quantum tunneling of the magnetization that can occur was suppressed by applying optimum dc fields. The dominant single-ion relaxation was found to be entangled with the neighboring Dy(III) ion relaxation within the molecule, greatly influencing the quantum tunneling of the magnetization in this complex.