Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of a series of Ln(iii) complexes with radical-anionic iminopyridine ligands: effect of lanthanide ions on the slow relaxation of the magnetization.

We report the investigation of synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of a series of homoleptic Ln(iii) complexes coordinated by radical-anionic iminopyridine ligands of general formula [Ln(IPy)3]·solv (IPy = iminopyridine; Ln = Tb, Dy, Er, Y, Gd). The dysprosium analogue exhibits a zero-field Single-Molecule Magnet (SMM) behavior.