{GdIII7} and {GdIII14} Cluster Formation Based on a Rhodamine 6G Ligand with a Magnetocaloric Effect.

Heptanuclear {GdIII7} (complex 1) and tetradecanuclear {GdIII14} (complex 2) were synthesized using the rhodamine 6G ligand HL (rhodamine 6G salicylaldehyde hydrazone) and characterized. Complex 1 has a rare disc-shaped structure, where the central Gd ion is connected to the six peripheral GdIII ions via CH3O-/µ3-OH- bridges. Complex 2 has an unexpected three-layer double sandwich structure with a rare µ6-O2- ion in the center of the cluster. Magnetic studies revealed that complex 1 exhibits a magnetic entropy change of 17.4 J kg-1 K-1 at 3 K and 5 T. On the other hand, complex 2 shows a higher magnetic entropy change of 22.3 J kg-1 K-1 at 2 K and 5 T.

Chiral Zn3Ln3 Hexanuclear Clusters of an Achiral Flexible Ligand.

Multifunctional single-molecule magnets (SMMs) have sparked great interest, but chiral SMMs obtained via spontaneous resolution are rarely reported. We synthesized a series of chiral trinuclear hepta-coordinate lanthanide complexes [ZnII3LnIII3] (1 for Dy, 2 for Tb, 3 for Gd, and 4 for Dy0.07Y0.93) using the achiral flexible ligand H2L (2,2'-[1,2-ethanediylbis[(ethylimino)methylene]]bis[3,5-dimethylphenol]). The complexes crystallize in the chiral P63 group space, and two enantiomers of different chirality are spontaneously resolved. Three [Zn(L)Cl]- anions utilize the two phenoxy oxygen atoms of each L2- to coordinate with three lanthanide ions, respectively, and the three hepta-coordinate D5h lanthanide ions are arranged in a triangle. The chirality comes from the propeller arrangement of the peripheral three bidentate chelate L2- ligands like octahedral [M(AA)3]n+/- (M = transition metal ions; AA = bidentate chelate ligands, e.g., 2,2'-bipyridine, 1,10-phenathroline, ethylenediamine, acac- or oxalate). Complex 1 exhibits an AC susceptibility signal and is frequency-dependent, which is typical of SMMs. Complex 4, doped with a large amount of diamagnetic Y(III) in Dy(III), exhibits Ueff = 48.3 K and τ0 = 4.4 × 10-8 s in experiments. Complex 2 shows circularly polarized luminescence and apparent photoluminescence, typical of the f-f transitions of Tb(III).

Magnetooptical Properties of Lanthanide(III) Metal-Organic Frameworks Based on an Iridium(III) Metalloligand.

Integrating magnetic and optical properties into a metal-organic framework (MOF) remains a great challenge. Herein, we have reasonably constructed two 3D magnetooptical MOFs by incorporating a [IrIII(ppy)2(bpy)]+-based fluorescent metalloligand and magnetic LnIII centers. The alternating arrangements of Δ- or Λ-[IrIII(ppy)2(bpy)]+ endow these MOFs with enhanced optical properties. Moreover, the use of DyIII leads to field-induced slow magnetic relaxation. This work provides an effective strategy for the preparation of magnetooptical bifunctional MOFs.

Assembly of a Heterotrimetallic Zn2Dy2Ir Pentanuclear Complex toward Multifunctional Molecular Materials.

Rational selection of metal ions and organic ligands to synthesize metal-organic complexes (MOCs) is necessary for constructing multifunctional materials. Herein, we have obtained a novel heterotrimetallic Zn2Dy2Ir pentanuclear MOC by the assembly of DyIII, luminescent ZnII(valpn), and [IrIII(H2L)(ppy)2]Cl metalloligands (Hppy = 2-phenylpyridine, H2L = 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-di-p-benzoic acid). Single-crystal structural analysis shows that the central [IrIII(L)(ppy)2]- bridges two ZnDy moieties using two carboxylates of L2-. Measurements of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) show that the maximum luminance is 284.2 cd/m2 and the turn-on voltage is 6 V. Magnetic studies reveal that Zn2Dy2Ir is a field-induced single-molecule magnet (SMM) with an energy barrier of 19.1(2) K under a 2 kOe dc field. Zn2Dy2Ir shows luminescence sensing with a quenching efficiency of up to 99.0% for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP).

Structural Modulation of Fluorescent Rhodamine-Based Dysprosium(III) Single-Molecule Magnets.

Two rhodamine 6G-based mononuclear dysprosium complexes, [Dy(LR)(LA)2](ClO4)3·Et2O·1.5MeOH·0.5H2O (1) and [Dy(LR)(H2O)4(MeCN)](ClO4)3·2H2O·MeCN (2) (LR = salicylaldehyde rhodamine 6G hydrazone, LA = 2-pyridylcarboxaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone), are synthesized, aiming at improving the magnetic behavior by modulating their coordination environment. Both complexes own one exclusive short Dy-Ophenoxy coordination bond as the predominant bond and exhibit single-molecule magnet behavior under zero dc field with the energy barrier (Ueff/kB) of 90 K (1) and 320 K (2) and apparent hysteresis at 1.9 K. The ab initio calculations indicate that the short Dy-Ophenoxy bond determines the direction of magnetic anisotropic axis for 1 and 2. The quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) between the ground Kramers doublets (KDs) in 1 cannot be neglected, leading to an experimental Ueff/kB much lower than the calculated energy of the first excited state (318.2 K). For 2, the stronger magnetic anisotropy and negligible QTM between the ground KDs guarantees that the energy barrier is close to the calculated energy of first KDs (320.8 K). On the other hand, the presence of ring-opened xanthene moiety makes complexes 1 and 2 in the solid state emit red light with emission bands of 645 and 658 nm, respectively.

Rhodamine 6G-Labeled Pyridyl Aroylhydrazone Fe(II) Complex Exhibiting Synergetic Spin Crossover and Fluorescence.

Here, we use a pyridinecarbaldehyde rhodamine 6G hydrazone ligand (L) to synthesize an Fe(II) complex 1 for the search of new fluorescent-spin crossover (SCO) materials. Single-crystal structural determinations suggest that the Fe(II) ion is chelated by two ring-opened ligands (L-o) to form a FeN4O2 coordination environment, and intermolecular π---π contacts of the xanthene groups connect the adjacent molecules to form a supramolecular one-dimensional chain. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on complex 1 show that three-step SCO takes place in the temperature range of 120-350 K, and its desolvated form 1-d exhibits SCO around room temperature ( Tc↑ = 343 K and Tc↓ = 303 K) with a wide hysteresis loop of 40 K. Moreover, complex 1-d displays light-induced excited spin-state trapping phenomenon. Intriguingly, the fluorescence intensity of the maximum emission at 560 nm for complex 1-d displays discontinuous variation in the range of 250-400 K, indicative of the occurrence of synergetic fluorescence and SCO.

Rhodamine Salicylaldehyde Hydrazone Dy(III) Complexes: Fluorescence and Magnetism.

Three new dysprosium(III) complexes [Dy2(HL1-o)2(L1)(NO3)3][Dy(NO3)5]·1.5ACE·0.5Et2O (1), [Dy(L1)3]·2.5MeOH·MeCN (2), and [Dy(L2)3]·MeOH·MeCN (3) (HL1 = rhodamine B salicylaldehyde hydrazine, HL2 = rhodamine B 3-methylsalicylaldehyde hydrazine) were synthesized and characterized. Purple complex 1 contains two ring-open ligands HL1-o and shows fluorescence of the rhodamine amide moiety, whereas yellow complexes 2 and 3 are comprised of ring-close ligands (L1/2)- and display fluorescence of the salicylaldehyde Schiff base part. For 2 and 3, Dy(III) ions are nine coordinated by the six oxygen and three nitrogen atoms of three chelate (L1/2)- ligands, but the arrangements of the three ligands are different owing to the methyl substituent on HL2. There are three short predominant Dy-Ophenoxy bonds in 2 and 3. The largest Ophenoxy-Dy-Ophenoxy angle is 148.64(17)° for 2 and 89.63(13)° for 3. Magnetic studies reveal that complex 2 is a field-induced single-molecule magnet ( Ueff = 104.2 K under a dc magnetic field of 2000 Oe), and 3 exhibits only a magnetic relaxation behavior owing to the quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM). Furthermore, ab initio calculations illustrate that the disposition of predominant Dy-Ophenoxy bonds affects the magnetic anisotropy of the Dy(III) ions and relaxation processes of complexes 2 and 3.

Slow Magnetic Relaxation in a Mononuclear Ruthenium(III) Complex.

The development of magnetic molecules with long spin reversal/decoherence times highly depends on the understanding of relaxation behavior under different external conditions. Herein, a magnetic study on a RuIII complex (1) is presented. Detailed analysis of the relaxation time and the magneto-heat capacity data suggests that the resonant phonon trapping process dominates the magnetic relaxation in the crystalline sample of 1, slowing down the spin relaxation rate, as further confirmed by the measurements on a ground sample and frozen solution. Thus, it provides a rare example showing that 4d metal-centered mononuclear compounds without second-order anisotropy can display slow magnetic relaxation.

Porous Coordination Polymers Based on {Mn6} Single-Molecule Magnets.

In this paper, three isostructural porous coordination polymers, namely, [Mn6(µ3-O)2(sao)6(DMF)4(L(1))2/3]·4DMF·2H2O·2CH3OH (1), [Mn6(µ3-O)2(sao)6(DMF)4(L(2))2/3]·4DMF·2H2O·2CH3OH (2), and [Mn6(µ3-O)2(sao)6(DMF)4(L(3))2/3]·4DMF·4H2O·2CH3OH (3) (DMF = dimethylformamide, H2sao = salicylaldoxime, H3L(1) = benzene-1,3,5-trisbenzoic acid, H3L(2) = 4,4',4″-s-triazine-2,4,6-triyltribenzoic acid, and H3L(3) = 2,4,6-tris(4-carboxyphenoxy)-1,3,5-s-triazine), based on the oximato-bridged {Mn6} single-molecule magnet (SMM) and tricarboxylic acid ligands, were designed and synthesized. X-ray structural analysis shows that they possess a two-dimensional layered structure, where the {Mn6} moieties are linked by the corresponding (L(x))(3-) carboxylate ligands (x = 1, 2, 3) forming a huge honeycomb layer. These compounds not only show the SMM behavior as confirmed by alternative current susceptibility measurements but also show selectivity for CO2 over N2 at 273 K. On the basis of the magnetic fitting to the magnetic susceptibilities and the field dependence of magnetization for complexes 1-3, the spin ground states are S = 4. Compared with isolated {Mn6} SMMs with S = 4, the out-of-phase susceptibilities of 1-3 show obvious peaks only under the external direct-current field of 2 kOe. However, no peaks in χm″ are observed in the partially desolvated sample of compound 1.

Slow magnetization relaxation in Ni(II)Dy(III)Fe(III) molecular cycles.

Two cyano- and phenoxo-bridged hexanuclear Ni(II)2Dy(III)2Fe(III)2 (1) and octanuclear Ni(II)4Dy(III)2Fe(III)2 (2) trimetallic cyclic complexes have been obtained. They are the first trimetallic metallocycles. Magnetic studies reveal that 1 and 2 exhibit single-molecule-magnet behavior with an energy barrier of 17.9 K for complex 1 in a 2000 Oe static field and 25.0 K for complex 2 in a zero static field.

Toward higher nuclearity: tetranuclear cobalt(II) metallogrid exhibiting spin crossover.

Supramolecular strategy was employed to achieve the highest nuclearity Co(II) cluster exhibiting spin-crossover (SCO) behavior. Magnetic susceptibility characterization of the Co4(II) complex shows that two different spin-transition processes occur. The SCO behavior is directed by the partially deprotonated polydentate ligand, which favors the structural distortion required by the spin transition.

Integrating spin-dependent emission and dielectric switching in FeII catenated metal-organic frameworks.

Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) including famous catenanes show switchable physical properties and attract continuous research interest due to their potential application in molecular devices. The advantages of using spin crossover (SCO) materials here are enormous, allowing for control through diverse stimuli and highly specific functions, and enabling the transfer of the internal dynamics of MIMs from solution to solid state, leading to macroscopic applications. Herein, we report the efficient self-assembly of catenated metal-organic frameworks (termed catena-MOFs) induced by stacking interactions, through the combination of rationally selected flexible and conjugated naphthalene diimide-based bis-pyridyl ligand (BPND), [MI(CN)2]- (M = Ag or Au) and Fe2+ in a one-step strategy. The obtained bimetallic Hofmann-type SCO-MOFs [FeII(BPND){Ag(CN)2}2]·3CHCl3 (1Ag) and [FeII(BPND{Au(CN)2}2]·2CHCl3·2H2O (1Au) possess a unique three-dimensional (3D) catena-MOF constructed from the polycatenation of two-dimensional (2D) layers with hxl topology. Both complexes undergo thermal- and light-induced SCO. Significantly, abnormal increases in the maximum emission intensity and dielectric constant can be detected simultaneously with the switching of spin states. This research opens up SCO-actuated bistable MIMs that afford dual functionality of coupled fluorescence emission and dielectricity.

Spin transitions in Fe(II) metallogrids modulated by substituents, counteranions, and solvents.

Two bis(tridentate) Schiff base ligands H2L(x) were used to construct three 2×2 grid-type tetranuclear Fe(II) complexes 1-3 to obtain polynuclear spin-crossover materials. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that the spin states of the complexes are related to the substituents of H2L(x), and that spin transition occurs only in complexes 1 and 2, which are derived from a bulky ligand, whereas complex 3 is diamagnetic. The transition temperatures of complexes 1 and 2 are close to room temperature and are dependent on counteranions. The spin transition of complex 1 can be reversibly tuned by the dehydration and hydration process.

Mesoporous α-Fe2O3 nanospheres: structural evolution and investigation of magnetic properties.

A solvothermal route is adopted to produce mesoporous α-Fe(2)O(3) nanospheres by using polyethylene glycol as soft template and n-butanol/H(2)O as mixed solvent. The mesoporous α-Fe(2)O(3) nanospheres are subjected to calcination at different temperatures, and the specific surface area, pore size, and magnetic properties of the as-prepared nanospheres are investigated. The studies reveal that the pore sizes of the mesoporous α-Fe(2)O(3) nanospheres increase with higher calcination temperature, and high-temperature calcination brings about tightness of the pore wall. Magnetic studies show that aggregation of the small particles raises the Morin transition temperature.

Pyrazine-2-amidoxime Ni(II) complexes: from ferromagnetic cluster to antiferromagnetic layer.

Tetranuclear [Ni(4)(Hpzaox)(2)(pzaox)(2)(py)(4)](ClO(4))(2)·2py (1), [Ni(4)(Hpzaox)(2)(pzaox)(2)(py)(4)](NO(3))(2)·4py (2), and two-dimensional (2D) [Ni(4)(Hpzaox)(2)(pzaox)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(2)·2H(2)O (3) are prepared via the reaction of NiX(2)·6H(2)O and pyrazine-2-amidoxime (H(2)pzaox). All compounds contain [Ni(4)(Hpzaox)(2)(pzaox)(2)](2+) fragments, which assemble to form a tetranuclear or polymeric network. Magnetic studies show that the tetranuclear compounds display usual ferromagnetic coupling via the oxime N-O bridges, and the 2D compound displays unusual antiferromagnetic behavior.

Heterotrimetallic Ni2Ln2Fe3 chain complexes based on [Fe(1-CH3im)(CN)5]2.

Two phenoxo- and cyanido-bridged one-dimensional complexes NiII2GdIII2FeIII3 (1) and NiII2DyIII2FeIII3 (2) have been prepared. They are the first pentacyanidoferrite-bridged heterotrimetallic complexes. Magnetic studies reveal that overall ferromagnetic interactions are present in complexes 1 and 2, and complex 2 shows single-molecule magnet (SMM) behaviour with an energy barrier of 14.8 K.

Macroscopic Polarization Change via Electron Transfer in a Valence Tautomeric Cobalt Complex.

Polarization change induced by directional electron transfer attracts considerable attention owing to its fast switching rate and potential light control. Here, we investigate electronic pyroelectricity in the crystal of a mononuclear complex, [Co(phendiox)(rac-cth)](ClO4)·0.5EtOH (1·0.5EtOH, H2phendiox = 9, 10-dihydroxyphenanthrene, rac-cth = racemic 5, 5, 7, 12, 12, 14-hexamethyl-1, 4, 8, 11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), which undergoes a two-step valence tautomerism (VT). Correspondingly, pyroelectric current exhibits double peaks in the same temperature domain with the polarization change consistent with the change in dipole moments during the VT process. Time-resolved Infrared (IR) spectroscopy shows that the photo-induced metastable state can be generated within 150 ps at 190 K. Such state can be trapped for tens of minutes at 7 K, showing that photo-induced polarization change can be realized in this system. These results directly demonstrate that a change in the molecular dipole moments induced by intramolecular electron transfer can introduce a macroscopic polarization change in VT compounds.

Cu(ii) complexes of N-rich aroylhydrazone: magnetism and catalytic activity towards microwave-assisted oxidation of xylenes.

The new aroylhydrazone N'-(di(pyridin-2-yl)methylene)pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide (HL) species, rich in N-donor sites, has been used to synthesize Cu(ii) compounds with different nuclearities, viz. the binuclear [Cu2(µ-1κN3,2κN2O-L)(Cl)3(MeOH)] (1), the octanuclear [Cu4(µ-1κN3,2κN2O-L)2(µ-Cl)3(Cl)3]2 (2) and the 1D coordination polymer [Cu3(µ3-1κN3,2κN2O,3κN-L)(µ-NO3)(NO3)3(H2O)3]n·nNO3 (3). They have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The magnetic properties of 2 and 3 have been explored using variable temperature magnetic measurements. The catalytic performances of the compounds were evaluated towards the peroxidative oxidation of o-, p- and m-xylenes under microwave irradiation, leading to the formation of the corresponding methyl benzyl alcohol, tolualdehyde and toluic acid as the major products. Complex 3 exhibits the best catalytic activity towards the oxidation of p-xylene with a total yield of 37% (4-methylbenzyl alcohol + p-tolualdehyde + p-toluic acid).

Two new cobalt(II) rhodamine 6G hydrazone complexes: structure, fluorescence and magnetism.

Two new CoII complexes, namely bis{N-[(6-bromopyridin-2-yl)methylidene]-2-[6-ethylamino-3-(ethyliminiumyl)-2,7-dimethyl-3H-xanthen-9-yl]benzene-1-carbohydrazonate}cobalt(II) bis(perchlorate)-dichloromethane-methanol (1/1/2), [Co(C32H30BrN5O2)2](ClO4)2·CH2Cl2·2CH3OH or [CoII(L)2](ClO4)2·CH2Cl2·2CH3OH, (1), and the bis(tetrafluoridoborate) salt, [Co(C32H30BrN5O2)2](BF4)2·CH2Cl2·2CH3OH or [CoII(L)2](BF4)2·CH2Cl2·2CH3OH, (2) (L is commonly 6-bromopyridine-2-carbaldehyde rhodamine 6G hydrazone), have been successfully constructed and characterized. The crystal structure analysis revealed that complexes (1) and (2) are mononuclear and have a CoIIN4O2 distorted octahedral structure. The large π-conjugated xanthene moiety of the L ligand causes strong intermolecular π-π stacking interactions, yielding a supramolecular one-dimensional chain. Complexes (1) and (2) display an obvious fluorescence emission near 560 nm in the solid state. Magnetic investigations show that both (1) and (2) are paramagnetic, dominated by the structural distortion and spin-orbit coupling of CoII.

Poly[mu2-(N-hydroxypyridine-2-carboxamidine)-mu2-nitrato-silver(I)].

In the title complex, [Ag(NO3)(C6H7N3O)]n or [Ag(NO3)(pyaoxH2)] (pyaoxH2 is N-hydroxypyridine-2-carboxamidine), the Ag+ ion is bridged by the pyaoxH2 ligands and nitrate anions, giving rise to a two-dimensional molecular structure. Each pyaoxH2 ligand coordinates to two Ag+ ions using its pyridyl and carboxamidine N atoms, and the OH and the NH2 groups are uncoordinated. Each nitrate anion uses two O atoms to coordinate to two Ag+ ions. The Ag...Ag separation via the pyaoxH2 bridge is 2.869 (1) A, markedly shorter than that of 6.452 (1) A via the nitrate bridge. The two-dimensional structure is fishscale-like, and can be described as pyaoxH2-bridged Ag2 nodes that are further linked by nitrate anions. Hydrogen bonding between the amidine groups and the nitrate O atoms connects adjacent layers into a three-dimensional network.