Halide mediated modulation of magnetic interaction and anisotropy in dimeric Co(II) complexes.

The burgeoning interest in the field of molecular magnetism is to perceive the high magnetic anisotropy in different geometries of metal complexes and hence to draw a magneto-structural correlation. Despite a handful of examples to exemplify the magnetic anisotropy in various coordination geometries of mononuclear complexes, the magnetic anisotropies for two different coordination geometries are underexplored. Employing an appropriate synthetic strategy utilizing the ligand LH2 [2,2'-{(1E,1'E)-pyridine2,6-diyl-bis(methaneylylidine)}-bis(azaneylylidine)diphenol] and cobalt halide salts in a 1 : 2 stoichiometric ratio in the presence of triethylamine allowed us to report a new family of dinuclear cobalt complexes [CoII2X2(L)(P)(Q)]·S with varying terminal halides [X = Cl, P = CH3CN, Q = H2O, S = H2O (1), X = Br, P = CH3CN, Q = H2O, S = H2O (2), X = I, P = CH3CN, and Q = CH3CN (3)]. All these complexes are characterized through single crystal X-ray crystallography, which reveals their crystallization in the monoclinic system P21/n space group with nearly identical structural features. These complexes share vital components, including Co(II) centers, a fully deprotonated ligand [L]2-, halide ions, and solvent molecules. The [L]2- ligand contains two Co(II) centers, where phenolate oxygen atoms bridge the Co(II) centers, forming a Co2O2 four-membered ring. Co1 demonstrates a distorted pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry with axial positions for solvent molecules, while Co2 displays a distorted tetrahedral geometry involving phenolate oxygen atoms and halide ions. Temperature-dependent dc magnetic susceptibility measurements were conducted on 1-3 within a range of 2 to 300 K at 1 kOe. The χmT vs. T plots exhibit similar trends, with χmT values at 300 K higher than the spin-only value, signifying a significant orbital contribution. As the temperature decreases, χmT decreases smoothly in all the complexes; however, no clear saturation at low temperatures is observed. Field-dependent magnetization measurements indicate a rapid increase below 20 kOe, with no hysteresis and a low magnetic blocking temperature. DFT and CASSCF/NEVPT2 theoretical calculations were performed to perceive the magnetic interaction and single-ion anisotropies of Co(II) ions in various ligand-field environments.

Tetranuclear CoII4O4 Cubane Complex: Effective Catalyst Toward Electrochemical Water Oxidation.

The reaction of Co(OAc)2·6H2O with 2,2'-[{(1E,1'E)-pyridine-2,6-diyl-bis(methaneylylidene)bis(azaneylylidene)}diphenol](LH2) a multisite coordination ligand and Et3N in a 1:2:3 stoichiometric ratio forms a tetranuclear complex Co4(L)2(µ-η1:η1-OAc)2(η2-OAc)2]· 1.5 CH3OH· 1.5 CHCl3 (1). Based on X-ray diffraction investigations, complex 1 comprises a distorted Co4O4 cubane core consisting of two completely deprotonated ligands [L]2- and four acetate ligands. Two distinct types of CoII centers exist in the complex, where the Co(2) center has a distorted octahedral geometry; alternatively, Co(1) has a distorted pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry. Analysis of magnetic data in 1 shows predominant antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -2.1 cm-1), while the magnetic anisotropy is the easy-plane type (D1 = 8.8, D2 = 0.76 cm-1). Furthermore, complex 1 demonstrates an electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with an overpotential of 325 mV and Tafel slope of 85 mV dec-1, required to attain a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and moderate stability under alkaline conditions (pH = 14). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies reveal that compound 1 has a charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 2.927 Ω, which is comparatively lower than standard Co3O4 (5.242 Ω), indicating rapid charge transfer kinetics between electrode and electrolyte solution that enhances higher catalytic activity toward OER kinetics.

Field induced single ion magnet behavior in CoII complexes in a distorted square pyramidal geometry.

We report three CoII-based complexes with the general formula [CoII(L)(X)2] by changing the halide/pseudo-halide ions [X = NCSe (1SeCN); Cl (2Cl) and Br (3Br)]. The obtained τ5 and CShM values confirm a distorted square pyramidal geometry around the CoII ion in all these complexes. In these three complexes, the central CoII ion is situated above the basal plane of the square pyramidal geometry. The extent of distortion from the ideal SPY-5 geometry differs upon changing the coordinating halide/pseudo-halide ion in these complexes. This essentially results in the alteration of the anisotropic parameter D and hence impacts the magnetic properties in these complexes. This phenomenon has been corroborated with the aid of theoretical investigations. All these complexes display field-induced SIM behaviour with magnetic relaxation occurring through a combination of processes depending on the applied dc magnetic field values and dilution.

Facile water oxidation by dinuclear mixed-valence CoIII/CoII complexes: the role of coordinated water.

Rational design of a catalyst using earth abundant transition metals that can facilitate the smooth O-O bond formation is crucial for developing efficient water oxidation catalysts. The coordination environment around the metal ion of the catalyst plays a pivotal role in this context. We have chosen dinuclear mixed-valence CoIIICoII complexes of the general formula of [CoIIICoII(LH2)2(X)(H2O)] (X = OAc or Cl) which bear a coordinated water molecule in the primary coordination sphere. We anticipated that the water molecule in the primary sphere can take part in the proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism which can accelerate the facile formation of the O-O bond under strong alkaline conditions (1 M NaOH). To understand the role of the coordinated water molecule we have generated an analogous complex, [CoIIICoII(LH2)2(o-vanillin)] (o-vanillin = 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde), without coordinated water. Interestingly, we have found that the water coordinated complexes show better oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity and stability.

A tetranuclear cobalt(ii) phosphate possessing a D4R core: an efficient water oxidation catalyst.

The reaction of Co(OAc)2·4H2O with a sterically hindered phosphate ester, LH2, afforded a tetranuclear complex, [CoII(L)(CH3CN)]4·5CH3CN (1) [LH2 = 2,6-(diphenylmethyl)-4-isopropyl-phenyl phosphate]. The molecular structure of 1 reveals that it is a tetranuclear assembly where the Co(ii) centers are present in the alternate corners of a cube. The four Co(ii) centers are held together by four di-anionic [L]2- ligands. The fourth coordination site on Co(ii) is taken by an acetonitrile ligand. Changing the Co(ii) precursor from Co(OAc)2·4H2O to Co(NO3)2·6H2O afforded a mononuclear complex [CoII(LH)2(CH3CN)2(MeOH)2](MeOH)2 (2). In 2, the Co(ii) centre is surrounded by two monoanionic [LH]- ligands and a pair of methanol and acetonitrile solvents in a six-coordinate arrangement. 1 has been found to be an efficient catalyst for electrochemical water oxidation under highly basic conditions while the mononuclear analogue, 2, does not respond to electrochemical water oxidation. The tetranuclear catalyst has excellent electrochemical stability and longevity, as established by chronoamperometry and >1000 cycle durability tests under highly alkaline conditions. Excellent current densities of 1 and 10 mA cm-2 were achieved with overpotentials of 354 and 452 mV respectively. The turnover frequency of this catalyst was calculated to be 5.23 s-1 with an excellent faradaic efficiency of 97%, indicating the selective oxygen evolution reaction (OER) occurring with the aid of this catalyst. A mechanistic insight into the higher activity of complex 1 towards the OER compared to that of complex 2 is also provided using density functional theory based calculations.

Disappeared supramolecular isomer reappears with perylene guest.

Among different types of polymorphism, disappearing polymorphism deals with the metastable kinetic form which can not be reproduced after its first isolation. In the world of coordination polymers (CPs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), despite the fact that many types of supramolecular isomerism exist, we are unaware of disappearing supramolecular isomerism akin to disappearing polymorphism. This work reports a MOF with dia topology that could not be reproduced, but subsequent synthesis yielded another supramolecular isomer, a double-pillared-layer MOF. When perylene was added in the same reaction, the disappeared dia MOF reappeared with perylene as a guest in the channels. Interestingly, the photoluminescence of the dia MOF with a perylene guest is dominated by the emission of the guest molecule. The influence of guest molecules on the stabilization of the supramolecular isomers of a MOF opens up a strategy to access MOFs with different structures.

Molecular enneanuclear CuII phosphates containing planar hexanuclear and trinuclear sub-units: syntheses, structures, and magnetism.

Highly symmetric enneanuclear copper(ii) phosphates [Cu9(Pz)6(µ-OH)3(µ3-OH)(ArOPO3)4(DMF)3] (PzH = pyrazole, Ar = 2,6-(CHPh2)2-4-R-C6H2; R = Me, 2MeAr; Et, 2EtAr; iPr, 2iPrAr; and Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3, 2Dip) comprising nine copper(ii) centers and pyrazole, hydroxide and DMF as ancillary ligands were synthesized by a reaction involving the arylphosphate monoester, 1, copper(i)chloride, pyrazole, and triethylamine in a 4 : 9 : 6 : 14 ratio. All four complexes were characterized by single crystal structural analysis. The complexes contain two distinct structural motifs within the multinuclear copper scaffold: a hexanuclear unit and a trinuclear unit. In the latter, the three Cu(ii) centres are bridged by a µ3-OH. Each pair of Cu(ii) centers in the trinuclear unit are bridged by a pyrazole ligand. The hexanuclear unit is made up of three dinuclear Cu(ii) motifs where the two Cu(ii) centres are bridged by an -OH and a pyrazole ligand. The three dinuclear units are connected to each other by phosphate ligands. The latter also aid the fusion of the trinuclear and the hexanuclear motifs. Magnetic studies reveal a strong antiferromagnetic exchange between the Cu(ii) centres of the dinuclear units in the hexanuclear part and a strong spin frustration in the trinuclear part leading to a degenerate ground state.

Structural Diversity in Supramolecular Organization of Anionic Phosphate Monoesters: Role of Cations.

Syntheses and structures of anionic arylphosphate monoesters [ArOP(O)2(OH)]- (Ar = 2,6-CHPh2-4-R-C6H2; R = Me/Et/iPr/tBu) with different counter cations are reported. The counter cations were varied systematically: imidazolium cation, 2-methyl imidazolium cation, N-methyl imidazolium cation, N,N'-alkyl substituted imidazolium cation, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-1-ium cation, 4,4'-bipyridinium dication, and magnesium(II) dication. The objective was to examine if the supramolecular structure of anionic arylphosphate monoesters could be modulated by varying the cation. It was found that an eight-membered P2O4H2-hydrogen-bonded dimeric motif involving intermolecular H-bonding between the [P(O)(OH)] unit of the anionic phosphate monoester along with the counter cation is formed with 2-methyl imidazolium cation, N-methyl imidazolium cation, N,N'-alkyl substituted imidazolium cation, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-1-ium cation, and magnesium(II) dication; both discrete and polymeric H-bonded structures are observed. In the case of imidazolium cations and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-1-ium cation, the formation of one-dimensional polymers (single lane/double lane) was observed. On the other hand, two types of phosphate motifs, intermolecular H-bonded dimer and an open-form, were observed in the case of 4,4'-bipyridinium dication.

Heterometallic 3d-4f Complexes as Single-Molecule Magnets.

Heterometallic 3d-4f complexes are being investigated, for some time, as being useful in molecular magnetism, particularly as single-molecule magnets (SMMs). This interest is primarily because of the possibility of an increased ligand-mediated super-exchange phenomenon between the 3d and 4f metal ions. Such an interaction, apart from bestowing a favorable ground-state spin to the complex, also assists in reducing quantum tunneling of magnetization that is widely prevalent in SMMs making them to lose magnetization. However, assembling both 3d as well as 4f ions using same ligand system is challenging and involves the design of multi-site coordination ligands with specific coordination compartments for the 3d and the 4f metal ions while at the same time allowing these disparate metal ions to be linked to each other through a bridging ligating atom. This review presents a summary of the 3d-4f complexes primarily derived from the author's work while alluding to important examples from the literature. We also provide an outlook for the future design of such complexes.

Lanthanide(III)-Based Single-Ion Magnets.

Mononuclear lanthanide-based single-ion magnets (SIMs) are known since 2003 with the discovery of SIM properties in a bis-(phthalocyaninato)lanthanide complex. A recent report on [Dy(Cpttt)2][BC6F5] indicating that it exhibits the highest known blocking temperature (60 K) has spurred fresh interest in this area. In this article, we discuss about the various requirements of lanthanide-based SIMs along with representative examples. Specifically, we describe the complexes whose coordination numbers vary from 2 to 8. We also discuss the representative examples of organometallic lanthanide complexes that can function as molecular magnets.

Heterometallic Heptanuclear [Cu5Ln2] (Ln = Tb, Dy, and Ho) Single-Molecule Magnets Organized in One-Dimensional Coordination Polymeric Network.

The reaction of a multisite coordination ligand, LH3, with Cu(II) salts and Ln(NO3)3·nH2O in a 1:2:1 stoichiometric ratio in the presence of triethylamine was found to afford a series of one-dimensional heterometallic [{Cu5Ln2(L)2(µ3-OH)4(ClO4)(NO3)3(OH2)5}(ClO4)2(H2O)x]∞ [Ln = Tb(1), Dy(2) and Ho(3), x = 4.25, 5.5, and 5 for 1-3, respectively] coordination polymers. Complexes 1-3 have been characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The detailed study of the magnetic properties has also been performed and compared with the parent [Cu5Ln2] molecular analogues. The ac susceptibility measurements for complexes 1-3 confirm their SMM behavior with the following characteristics: Δeff/kB = 23.4 K, τ0 = 1.1 × 10-6 s and Δeff/kB = 27.9 K, τ0 = 6.6 × 10-7 s under 0 and 1200 Oe dc fields, respectively for 1; Δeff/kB = 8.3 K, τ0 = 3.1 × 10-6 s for 2 under 0 dc field. For 3, the fast QTM below 4 K prevents the estimation of the SMM energy barrier. Remarkably, the magnetic and SMM properties of the previously reported molecular [Cu5Ln2] analogues are preserved after their assembly in these coordination networks.

Decanuclear Ln10 Wheels and Vertex-Shared Spirocyclic Ln5 Cores: Synthesis, Structure, SMM Behavior, and MCE Properties.

The reaction of a Schiff base ligand (LH3) with lanthanide salts, pivalic acid and triethylamine in 1:1:1:3 and 4:5:8:20 stoichiometric ratios results in the formation of decanuclear Ln10 (Ln = Dy (1), Tb (2), and Gd (3)) and pentanuclear Ln5 complexes (Ln = Gd (4), Tb (5), and Dy (6)), respectively. The formation of Ln10 and Ln5 complexes are fully governed by the stoichiometry of the reagents used. Detailed magnetic studies on these complexes (1-6) have been carried out. Complex 1 shows a SMM behavior with an effective energy barrier for the reversal of the magnetization (Ueff) = 16.12(8) K and relaxation time (τo) = 3.3×10(-5) s under 4000 Oe direct current (dc) field. Complex 6 shows the frequency dependent maxima in the out-of-phase signal under zero dc field, without achieving maxima above 2 K. Complexes 3 and 4 show a large magnetocaloric effect with the following characteristic values: -ΔSm = 26.6 J kg(-1) K(-1) at T = 2.2 K for 3 and -ΔSm = 27.1 J kg(-1) K(-1) at T = 2.4 K for 4, both for an applied field change of 7 T.

Amending the anisotropy barrier and luminescence behavior of heterometallic trinuclear linear [M(II) -Ln(III) -M(II) ] (Ln(III) =Gd, Tb, Dy; M(II) =Mg/Zn) complexes by change from divalent paramagnetic to diamagnetic metal ions.

The sequential reaction of a multisite coordinating compartmental ligand [2-(2-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)-5-methylbenzylideneamino)-2-methylpropane-1,3-diol] (LH4 ) with appropriate lanthanide salts followed by the addition of [Mg(NO3 )2 ]⋅6 H2 O or [Zn(NO3 )2 ]⋅6 H2 O in a 4:1:2 stoichiometric ratio in the presence of triethylamine affords a series of isostructural heterometallic trinuclear complexes containing [Mg2 Ln](3+) (Ln=Dy, Gd, and Tb) and [Zn2 Ln](3+) (Ln=Dy, Gd, and Tb) cores. The formation of these complexes is demonstrated by X-ray crystallography as well as ESI-MS spectra. All complexes are isostructural possessing a linear trimetallic core with a central lanthanide ion. The comprehensive studies discussed involve the synthesis, structure, magnetism, and photophysical properties on this family of trinuclear [Mg2 Ln](3+) and [Zn2 Ln](3+) heterometallic complexes. [Mg2 Dy](3+) and [Zn2 Dy](3+) show slow relaxation of the magnetization below 12 K under zero applied direct current (dc) field, but without reaching a neat maximum, which is due to the overlapping with a faster quantum tunneling relaxation mediated through dipole-dipole and hyperfine interactions. Under a small applied dc field of 1000 Oe, the quantum tunneling is almost suppressed and temperature and frequency dependent peaks are observed, thus confirming the single-molecule magnet behavior of complexes [Mg2 Dy](3+) and [Zn2 Dy](3+) .

Linear {NiII-LnIII-NiII} complexes containing twisted planar Ni(µ-phenolate)2 Ln fragments: synthesis, structure, and magnetothermal properties.

Sequential reaction of a multisite LH(4) ligand {2-[2-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)-5-methylbenzylideneamino]-2-methylpropane-1,3-diol} with appropriate lanthanide salts followed by the addition of Ni(NO(3))(2)⋅6 H(2)O in a 4:1:2 stoichiometric ratio in the presence of triethylamine afforded four heterobimetallic trinuclear complexes [Ni(2)Gd(LH(3))(4)]⋅3NO(3)⋅3 MeOH⋅H(2)O⋅CH(3)CN (1), [Ni(2)Tb(LH(3))(4)]⋅(3 )NO(3)⋅3 MeOH⋅CH(3)CN (2), [Ni(2)Dy(LH(3))(4)]⋅3 NO(3)⋅3 MeOH⋅H(2)O⋅CH(3)CN (3), and [Ni(2)Ho(LH(3))(4)]⋅3 NO(3)⋅3 MeOH⋅H(2)O⋅CH(3)CN (4). Complexes 1-4 possess linear trimetallic cores with a central lanthanide ion. Magnetic studies revealed a predominant ferromagnetic interaction between the Ni and Ln centers. Alternating current susceptibility measurements of complex 3 showed a small frequency dependence of the out-of-phase signal, χ''(M), under zero direct current field, but without achieving a net maximum above 2 K. Magnetic studies on 1 revealed that it has a significant magnetocaloric effect.

Molecular magnets based on homometallic hexanuclear lanthanide(III) complexes.

The reaction of lanthanide(III) chloride salts (Gd(III), Dy(III), Tb(III), and Ho(III)) with the hetero donor chelating ligand N'-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-6-(hydroxymethyl)picolinohydrazide (LH3) in the presence of triethylamine afforded the hexanuclear Ln(III) complexes [{Ln6(L)2(LH)2}(µ3-OH)4][MeOH]p[H2O]q[Cl]4·xH2O·yCH3OH (1, Ln = Gd(III), p = 4, q = 4, x = 8, y = 2; 2, Ln = Dy(III), p = 2, q = 6, x = 8, y = 4; 3, Ln = Tb(III), p = 2, q = 6, x = 10, y = 4; 4, Ln = Ho(III), p = 2, q = 6, x = 10, y = 2). X-ray diffraction studies revealed that these compounds possess a hexanuclear [Ln6(OH)4](14+) core consisting of four fused [Ln3(OH)](8+) subunits. Both static (dc) and dynamic (ac) magnetic properties of 1-4 have been studied. Single-molecule magnetic behavior has been observed in compound 2 with an effective energy barrier and relaxation time pre-exponential parameters of Δ/kB = 46.2 K and τ0 = 2.85 × 10(-7) s, respectively.

Hydroxide-free cubane-shaped tetranuclear [Ln4] complexes.

The reaction of the lanthanide(III) chloride salts [Gd(III), Tb(III), and Dy(III)] with a new chelating, flexible, and sterically unencumbered multisite coordinating compartmental Schiff-base ligand (E)-2-((6-(hydroxymethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyleneamino)phenol (LH2) and pivalic acid (PivH) in the presence of triethylamine (Et3N) affords a series of tetranuclear Ln(III) coordination compounds, [Ln4(L)4(µ2-η(1)η(1)Piv)4]·xH2O·yCH3OH (1, Ln = Gd(III), x = 3, y = 6; 2, Ln = Tb(III), x = 6, y = 2; 3, Ln = Dy(III), x = 4, y = 6). X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the molecular structure contains a distorted cubane-like [Ln4(µ3-OR)4](+8) core, which is formed by the concerted coordination action of four dianionic L(2-) Schiff-base ligands. Each lanthanide ion is eight-coordinated (2N, 6O) to form a distorted-triangular dodecahedral geometry. Alternating current susceptibility measurements of complex 3 reveal frequency- and temperature-dependent two-step out-of-phase signals under zero direct current (dc) field, which is characteristic of single-molecule magnet behavior. Analysis of the dynamic magnetic data under an applied dc field of 1000 Oe to fully or partly suppress the quantum tunneling of magnetization relaxation process affords the anisotropic barriers and pre-exponential factors: Δ/kB = 73(2) K, τ0 = 4.4 × 10(-8) s; Δ/kB = 47.2(9) K, τ0 = 5.0 × 10(-7) s for the slow and fast relaxations, respectively.

Tetranuclear lanthanide (III) complexes containing dimeric subunits: single-molecule magnet behavior for the Dy4 analogue.

The reaction of the lanthanide(III) salts [Dy(III), Tb(III), and Gd (III)] with a hetero donor chelating ligand N'-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-6-(hydroxymethyl) picolinohydrazide (LH3) and pivalic acid (PivH) in the presence of tetra-n-butylammonium hydroxide (TBAH) afforded the tetranuclear Ln(III) coordination compounds, [Ln4(LH)2(LH2)2(µ2-η(1)η(1)Piv)2(η(1)Piv)4]·2CHCl3 [Ln = Dy(1), Tb(2), and Gd(3)]. The molecular structure of these complexes reveals that the tetranuclear derivatives are composed of two dinuclear subunits which are interconnected through the coordination action of the picolinoyl hydrazine ligand. Within each subunit two different types of Ln(III) ions are present. One of these is eight-coordinate in a distorted triangular dodecahedral geometry while the other is nine-coordinate in a distorted spherical capped square antiprism geometry. Alternating current (ac) susceptibility measurements of complex 1 reveal a frequency- and temperature-dependent two step out-of-phase signals under 1kOe DC field which is characteristic of a single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior. Analysis of the magnetic data afforded the anisotropic barriers and relaxation times: Δ/kB = 62.6 K, τ0 = 8.7 × 10(-7) s; Δ/kB = 26.3 K, τ0 = 1.26 × 10(-6) s for the slow and fast relaxations respectively.

Slow magnetic relaxation in Co(III)-Co(II) mixed-valence dinuclear complexes with a Co(II)O5X (X = Cl, Br, NO3) distorted-octahedral coordination sphere.

The reaction of the multisite coordination ligand (LH4) with CoX2·nH2O in the presence of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide affords a series of homometallic dinuclear mixed-valence complexes, [Co(III)Co(II)(LH2)2(X)(H2O)](H2O)m (1, X = Cl and m = 4; 2, X = Br and m = 4; 3, X = NO3 and m = 3). All of the complexes have been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Both cobalt ions in these dinuclear complexes are present in a distorted-octahedral geometry. Detailed magnetic studies on 1-3 have been carried out. M vs H data at different temperatures can be fitted with S = 3/2, the best fit leading to D(3/2) = -7.4 cm(-1), |E/D| < 1 × 10(-3), and g = 2.32 for 1 and D(3/2) = -9.7 cm(-1), |E/D| <1 × 10(-4), and g = 2.52 for 2. In contrast to 1 and 2, M vs H data at different temperatures suggest that compound 3 has comparatively little magnetic anisotropy. In accordance with the large negative D values observed for compounds 1 and 2, they are single-molecule magnets (SMMs) and exhibit slow relaxation of magnetization at low temperatures under an applied magnetic field of 1000 Oe with the following energy barriers: 7.9 cm(-1) (τo = 6.1 × 10(-6) s) for 1 and 14.5 cm(-1) (τo = 1.0 × 10(-6) s) for 2. Complex 3 does not show any SMM behavior, as expected from its small magnetic anisotropy. The τo values observed for 1 and 2 are much larger than expected for a SMM, strongly suggesting that the quantum pathway of relaxation at very low temperatures is not fully suppressed by the effects of the applied field.

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of a family of heterometallic heptanuclear [Cu5Ln2] (Ln = Y(III), Lu(III), Dy(III), Ho(III), Er(III), and Yb(III)) complexes: observation of SMM behavior for the Dy(III) and Ho(III) analogues.

Sequential reaction of the multisite coordination ligand (LH3) with Cu(OAc)2·H2O, followed by the addition of a rare-earth(III) nitrate salt in the presence of triethylamine, afforded a series of heterometallic heptanuclear complexes containing a [Cu5Ln2] core {Ln = Y(1), Lu(2), Dy(3), Ho(4), Er(5), and Yb(6)}. Single-crystal X-ray crystallography reveals that all the complexes are dicationic species that crystallize with two nitrate anions to compensate the charge. The heptanuclear aggregates in 1-6 are centrosymmetrical complexes, with a hexagonal-like arrangement of six peripheral metal ions (two rare-earth and four copper) around a central Cu(II) situated on a crystallographic inversion center. An all-oxygen environment is found to be present around the rare-earth metal ions, which adopt a distorted square-antiprismatic geometry. Three different Cu(II) sites are present in the heptanuclear complexes: two possess a distorted octahedral coordination sphere while the remaining one displays a distorted square-pyramidal geometry. Detailed static and dynamic magnetic properties of all the complexes have been studied and revealed the single-molecule magnet behavior of the Dy(III) and Ho(III) derivatives.