Cyanide-Bridged Rope-like Chains Based on Trigonal-Bipyramidal [Fe2Cu3] Subunits.

Extending a selected cyanometalate block into a higher dimensional framework continues to present intriguing challenges in the fields of chemistry and material science. Here, we prepared two rope-like chain compounds of {[(Tp*Me)Fe(CN)3]2Cu2X2(L)}·sol (1, X = Cl, L = (MeCN)0.5(H2O/MeOH)0.5, sol = 2MeCN·1.5H2O; 2, X = Br, L = MeOH, sol = 2MeCN·0.75H2O; Tp*Me = tris(3, 4, 5-trimethylpyrazole)borate) in which the cyanide-bridged trigonal-bipyramidal [Fe2Cu3] subunits were linked with the adjacent ones via two vertex Cu(II) centers, providing a new cyanometallate chain archetype. Direct current magnetic study revealed the presence of ferromagnetic couplings between Fe(III) and Cu(II) ions and uniaxial anisotropy due to a favorable alignment of the anisotropic tricyanoiron(III) units. Moreover, compound 1 exhibits single-chain magnet behavior with an appreciable energy barrier of 72 K, while 2 behaves as a metamagnet, likely caused by the subtle changes in the interchain interactions.

Thermochromic and photoresponsive cyanometalate Fe/Co squares: toward control of the electron transfer temperature.

Two structurally related and photoresponsive cyanide-bridged Fe/Co square complexes, {Fe2Co2}, are reported: {[(Tp(Me))Fe(CN)3]2[Co(bpy)2]2[(Tp(Me))Fe(CN)3]2}·12H2O (2) and {[(Tp(Me))Fe(CN)3]2[Co(bpy)2]2[BPh4]2}·6MeCN (3), where Tp(Me) and bpy are hydridotris(3-methylpyrazol-1-yl)borate and 2,2'-bipyridine, respectively. Through electrochemical and spectroscopic studies, the Tp(Me) ligand appears to be a moderate σ donor in comparison to others in the [NEt4][(Tp(R))Fe(III)(CN)3] series [where Tp(R) = Tp, hydridotris(pyrazol-1-yl)borate; Tp(Me) = hydridotris(3-methylpyrazol-1-yl)borate; pzTp = tetrakis(pyrazol-1-yl)borate; Tp* = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate; Tp*(Me) = hydridotris(3,4,5-trimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate]. The spectroscopic, structural, and magnetic data of the {Fe2Co2} squares indicate that thermally-induced intramolecular electron transfer reversibly converts {Fe(II)LS(µ-CN)Co(III)LS} pairs into {Fe(III)LS(µ-CN)Co(II)HS} units near ca. 230 and 244 K (T1/2) for 2 and 3, respectively (LS: low spin; HS: high spin). These experimental results show that 2 and 3 display light-induced {Fe(III)LS(µ-CN)Co(II)HS} metastable states that relax to thermodynamic {Fe(II)LS(µ-CN)Co(III)LS} ones at ca. 90 K. Ancillary Tp(R) ligand donor strength appears to be the dominant factor for tuning electron transfer properties in these {Fe2Co2} complexes.

Thermo- and photo-induced electron transfer in a series of [Fe2Co2] capsules.

Recently, a family of [Fe2Co2] molecular capsules that display tunable electron transfer-coupled spin transition (ETCST) behavior were reported via a smart approach through Schiff-base condensation of aldehyde-functionalized 2,2-bipyridines (bpyCHO) and 1,7-heptanediamine (H2N(CH2)7NH2). Here, three more capsule complexes {[(TpR)Fe(CN)3]2[Co(bpyCN(CH2)nNCbpy)]2[ClO4]2}·n(solvent) (1, TpR = Tp*, n = 5, sol = 8DMF; 2, TpR = TpMe, n = 9, sol = 5MeCN; and 3, TpR = Tp*, n = 11, sol = 5MeCN), where Tp* = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate and TpMe = hydridotris(3-methylpyrazol-1-yl)borate are reported, demonstrating a successful extension of such an approach with other alkyldiamines of different lengths. Combined X-ray crystallographic, infrared spectroscopic and magnetic studies reveal incomplete electron transfer with either changing temperature or upon light exposure.

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of a novel mer-[(bbp)Fe(III)(CN)3](2-) building block (bbp: bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine dianion) and its related heterobimetallic Fe(III)-Ni(II) complexes.

A new symmetrical tricyanide building block mer-[Fe(bbp)(CN)3](2-) [1; bbp = bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine dianion] has been prepared and structurally and magnetically characterized. It forms a new low-spin meridionally capped {Fe(III)L(CN)3} fragment with the tridentate bbp ligand. The reaction of 1 with Ni(II) salts in the presence of various ancillary ligands affords several new cyanido-bridged complexes: a trinuclear complex {[Ni(ntb)(MeOH)]2[Fe(bbp)(CN)3][ClO4]2}·2MeOH (2), a tetranuclear compound {[Ni(tren)]2[Fe(bbp)(CN)3]2}·7MeOH (3), and a one-dimensional heterobimetallic system: {[Ni(dpd)2]2[Fe(bbp)(CN)3]2}·9MeOH·3H2O (4) [ntb = tris(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)amine, tren = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, and dpd = 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine]. The structural data shows that 2 is a linear complex in which a central Fe(III) ion links two adjacent Ni(II) ions via axial cyanides, while 3 is a molecular square that contains cyanido-bridged Ni(II) and Fe(III) ions at alternate corners. Complex 4 is a one-dimensional system that is composed of alternating cyanido-bridged Ni(II) and Fe(III) centers. Compounds 2-4 display extensive hydrogen bonding and moderately strong π-π stacking interactions in the solid state. Magnetic studies show that ferromagnetic exchange is operative within the Fe(III)LS(µ-CN)Ni(II) units of 2-4.

Pyrazolylborates and their importance in tuning single-molecule magnet properties of {Fe(III)2Ni(II)} complexes.

A new tricyanoferrate(III) building block and a trinuclear single-molecule magnet derivative are described. The treatment of a 2:1 ratio of [NEt(4)][(Tp*(Bn))Fe(III)(CN)(3)]·H(2)O·MeOH [1; Tp*(Bn) = tris(3,5-dimethyl-4-benzyl)pyrazolylborate] with nickel(II) trifluoromethanesulfonate gives {[(Tp*(Bn))Fe(III)(CN)(3)](2)[Ni(II)(DMF)(4)]}·2DMF (2; DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide). The symmetry-equivalent Fe(III)(LS) ions lead to a favorable alignment of anisotropy tensors (i.e., Fe···B axes) in 2, and an energy barrier of Δ(eff)/k(B) = 16.7 K is found for the S(T) = 2 complex.

Synthesis and characterization of di- and trivalent pyrazolylborate ß-diketonates and cyanometalates.

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of a series of di- and trivalent hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate (Tp*) cyanomanganates are described. Treatment of tris(acetylacetonate)manganese(III) [Mn(acac)(3)] with KTp* and tetra(ethyl)ammonium cyanide affords [NEt(4)][(Tp*)Mn(II)(κ(2)-acac)(CN)] (1), as the first monocyanomanganate(II) complex; attempted oxidation of 1 with iodine affords {(Tp*)Mn(II)(κ(2)-acac(3-CN))}(n) (2) as a one-dimensional chain and bimetallic {[NEt(4)][(Tp*)Mn(II)(κ(2)-acac(3-CN))](2)(µ-CN) (3) as the major and minor products, respectively. A fourth complex, [NEt(4)][(Tp*)Mn(II)(η(2)-acac(3-CN))(η(1)-NC-acac)] (4), is obtained via treatment of Mn(acac(3-CN))(3) with KTp* and [NEt(4)]CN, while [NEt(4)](2)[Mn(II)(CN)(4)] (5) was prepared from manganese(II) trifluoromethanesulfonate and excess [NEt(4)]CN. Tricyanomanganate(III) complexes, [cat][(Tp*)Mn(III)(CN)(3)] [cat = NEt(4)(+), 7; PPN(+), 8], are prepared via sequential treatment of Mn(acac(3-CN))(3) with KTp*, followed by [NEt(4)]CN, or [cat](3)[Mn(III)(CN)(6)] with (Tp*)SnBu(2)Cl. Magnetic measurements indicate that 1, 2, and 4 contain isotropic Mn(II) (S = (5)/(2); g = 2.00) centers, and no long-range magnetic ordering is found above 1.8 K. Compounds 7 and 8 contain S = 1 Mn(III) centers that adopt singly degenerate spin ground states without orbital contributions to their magnetic moments.

First structurally characterized tricyanomanganate(III) and its magnetic {Mn(III)(2)M(II)(2)} complexes (M(II) = Mn, Ni).

Treatment of tris(3-cyano-2,4-pentanedionato)manganese(III) with KTp*, followed by [NEt(4)]CN affords [NEt(4)][(Tp*)Mn(III)(CN)(3)] (1); subsequent treatment of 1 with divalent triflates (OTf) and 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) affords {Mn(III)(2)M(II)(2)} complexes (M(II) = Mn, 2; Ni, 3). Magnetic measurements show that 1-3 exhibit S(T) = 1, 3, and 4 spin ground states, respectively.

Magnetic and optical bistability driven by thermally and photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer in a molecular cobalt-iron prussian blue analogue.

A soluble molecular analogue of photoresponsive Co/Fe Prussian blues is described within this report. As judged via a variety of spectroscopic, magnetic, and crystallographic methods, electron transfer within the octanuclear complex (below 250 K) converts paramagnetic red crystals into green diamagnetic ones. The color and magnetic changes are associated with the transformation of FeIIILS-CN-CoIIHS units into FeIILS-CN-CoIIILS fragments in manner that is identical to that found for the An[Co(OH2)(6-6m)][Fe(CN)6]m.xH2O (An = alkali metal cation) family of three-dimensional Prussian blues. Moreover, this intramolecular electron transfer can be quantitatively circumvented via rapid thermal quenching and reversed via simple white light irradiation at low temperatures. Remarkably the data suggests that thermally or photoinduced paramagnetic metastable phases are identical and exhibit long relaxation times that approach 10 years at 120 K.

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic characterization of dicyanometalate(II) building blocks: [NEt4][(Tp*)MII(CN)2] [MII = Cr, Co, Ni; Tp* = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate].

The syntheses and structures of three dicyanometalate(II) complexes, [NEt(4)][(Tp*)M(II)(CN)(2)].nMeCN.(1/2)Et(2)O (M(II) = Cr, 1, n = (1/2); Co, 2, n = 1; Ni, 3, n = 1) are described; magnetic studies indicate that 3 is diamagnetic while 1 and 2 are paramagnetic high- and low-spin S = 2 and (1/2) complexes, respectively.

Irreversible solvent-driven conversion in cyanometalate {Fe2Ni}n (n=2, 3) single-molecule magnets.

Two cyano-bridged single-molecule magnets of {Fe(III)(4)Ni(II)(2)} and {Fe(III)(6)Ni(II)(3)} stoichiometry are described via their magnetic properties described in the frame of geometrical core distortions and orientations of their local anisotropy axes.

A cyano-based octanuclear {Fe(III)(4)Ni(II)(4)} single-molecule magnet.

A new low symmetry octanuclear cyano-based {Fe(III)(4)Ni(II)(4)} single-molecule magnet (SMM) is described. This SMM exhibits the highest energy barrier (Delta/k(B) approximately 33 K) for magnetization reversal seen for any first-row cyanide-based complex. The importance of anisotropy axes alignment and their impact on SMM properties are illustrated when cubic {Fe(III)(4)Ni(II)(4)} boxes are compared to octanuclear complexes of lower overall symmetry.

Molecular electrodes at the exposed edge of metal/insulator/metal trilayer structures.

Producing reliable electrical contacts of molecular dimensions has been a critical challenge in the field of molecule-based electronics. Conventional thin film deposition and photolithography techniques have been utilized to construct novel nanometer-sized electrodes on the exposed vertical plane on the edge of a thin film multilayer structure (metal/insulator/metal). Via thiol surface attachment to metal leads, an array of paramagnetic, cyanide-bridged octametal complexes, [(pzTp)FeIII(CN)3]4[NiII(L)]4[O3SCF3]4 (1) [(pzTp) = tetra(pyrazol-1-yl)borate; L = 1-S(acetyl)tris(pyrazolyl)decane], were covalently linked onto the electrodes forming a dominant conduction pathway. A series of molecule-based devices were fabricated using Ni, NiFe, Ta, and Au as metal electrodes separated by insulating Al2O3 spacers, followed by treatment with 1. A series of control experiments were also performed to demonstrate that the conduction path was through tethered metal clusters. The molecular current was analyzed via the Simmons tunnel model, and calculations are consistent with electron tunneling through the alkane ethers to the central metal core. With a Ni/Al2O3/Au molecular electrode, the tether binding was found to be reversible to the top Au layer, allowing for a new class of chemical detection based on the steric bulk of coordinating analytes to disconnect the molecular current path. Simple and economical photolithography/liftoff/self-assembly fabrication techniques afford robust molecular junctions with high reproducibility (>90%) and long operational lifetimes (>1 year).

Ancillary ligand functionalization of cyanide-bridged S = 6 Fe(III)4Ni(II)4 complexes for molecule-based electronics.

Treatment of 1-chloro-6-iodohexane or 1-chloro-10-iododecane with lithium tris(pyrazolyl)methanide, followed by potassium thioacetate, affords bifunctional 1-S(acetyl)-tris(pyrazolyl)alkanes (L) (pz)3C(CH2)nSAc (n = 6, 1; 10, 2). Magnetic studies of {[(pzTp)Fe(III)(CN)3]4[Ni(II)L]4[OTf]4}.solvent (4, L = 1; 5, L = 2) boxes suggest that -(CH2)6 chains (4) limit intermolecular interactions while -(CH2)10 chains in 5 introduce crystallographic disorder and a distribution of relaxation times; 4 and 5 exhibit slow relaxation of the magnetization.

An S = 2 cyanide-bridged trinuclear Fe(III)2Ni(II) single-molecule magnet.

Treatment of [NEt4][(pzTp)Fe(III)(CN)3] (1) with Ni(II)(OTf)2 (OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate) and 1,5,8,12-tetraazadodecane (L) affords {[(pzTp)Fe(III)(CN)3]2[Ni(II)L]} x 1/2MeOH (2), while 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) affords {[(pzTp)Fe(III)(CN)3]2[Ni(II)(bipy)2]} x 2 H2O (3). Magnetic measurements indicate that 2 and 3 have S = 2 ground states and that 3 exhibits slow relaxation of the magnetization above 2 K.

Synthesis and spectroscopic and magnetic characterization of tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate iron tricyanide building blocks, a cluster, and a one-dimensional chain of squares.

The synthesis and spectroscopic and magnetic characterization of several hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1yl)borate (Tp*) iron(II) and iron(III) tricyanide complexes, a rectangular cluster, and a one-dimensional chain of squares are described. Treatment of [NEt4][(Tp*)Fe(III)(CN)3] (3) with manganese(II) triflate in dimethylformamide (DMF) affords rectangular clusters (6, {[(Tp)Fe(CN)2(mu-CN)Mn(DMF)4]2[OTf]2}.2DMF), while tosylate salts afford one-dimensional networks (5, {Mn(II)(DMF)2(mu-OTs)(mu-NC)2(NC)Fe(III)(Tp*)}n) containing embedded [(Tp*)2Fe(III)2Mn(II)2(CN)6]2+ clusters via in situ trapping; the cluster and network crystallize in the monoclinic (6, P2(1)/n) and triclinic (5, P1) space groups, respectively. The 1-D network (5) appears to be derived from {cis-(mu-O3SC6H4Me)2Mn(II)(DMF)4}n (4, P2(1)/n), which is obtained via crystallization of Mn(OTs)2 from DMF/Et2O mixtures. For 4, magnetic studies indicate that the Mn(II) centers are magnetically isolated, with calculated J, g, and theta constants of 6.7 x 10(-3) cm(-1), 2.03, and -0.52 K. Additional magnetic studies of 5 and 6 indicate that the [(Tp*)Fe(III)(CN)3]- centers are highly anisotropic (g = 2.9) and are antiferromagnetically coupled to adjacent Mn(II) centers. For 5 and 6, fitting of the chiT vs T data via the Curie-Weiss expression affords Curie (6.25 and 10.8 cm(3) K mol(-1)) and Weiss (-14.37 and -8.80 K) constants that are consistent with antiferromagnetically coupled low-spin Fe(III) and high-spin Mn(II) centers; least-squares fitting of the chiT vs T data using molecular field theory affords g(avg.), J1, J2, and J' values of 2.25, -1.72, -0.58, and -0.12 cm(-1) for 5. Overall, bridging tosylates appear to be poor communicators of spin information. For 6, the g, J1, and J2 (2.15, -2.02, and -0.78 cm(-1)) values were obtained via least-squares fitting of the chiT vs T data using an expression derived using the Kambe vector coupling method; simulations of the data via MAGPACK afford g(avg.) and J(iso) values of 2.1 and -2.1 cm(-1).

Early metal di- and tricyanometalates: Useful building blocks for constructing magnetic clusters.

Treatment of mer-VCl3(THF)3 with KTp [Tp = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate], followed by [NEt4]CN in acetonitrile, affords [NEt4][(Tp)V(III)(CN)3].H2O (1.H2O); aerobic oxidation affords [NEt4][(Tp)V(IV)(O)(CN)2] (2). Subsequent treatment of 2 with Mn(II)(OTf)2 (OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate) and 2,2'-bipyridine affords {[(Tp)V(O)(CN)2]2[Mn(II)(bipy)2]2[OTf]2}.2MeCN (3). Magnetic measurements indicate that 1-3 exhibit S = 1, (1/2), and 4 spin ground states, respectively.

An S = 6 cyanide-bridged octanuclear FeIII4NiII4 complex that exhibits slow relaxation of the magnetization.

The synthesis and structural and magnetic characterization of an S = 6 cyanide-bridged octanuclear FeIII4NiII4 (1) complex is described. Ac susceptibility and mu-SQUID measurements suggest that fast magnetization relaxation is present in zero-field due to quantum tunneling of the ground spin state (QTM) while application of small magnetic fields induces slow relaxation of the magnetization.

A two-dimensional octacyanomolybdate(V)-based ferrimagnet: {[Mn(II)(DMF)4]3[Mo(V)(CN)8]2}n.

Treatment of [HNBu3]3[Mo(V)(CN)8] with manganese(II) p-toluenesulfonate in N,N'-dimethylformamide (DMF) affords {[Mn(II)(DMF)4]3[Mo(V)(CN)8]2}n (1) as a two-dimensional network. The structure of 1 consists of [cis-Mn(II)(DMF)4(mu-NC)2]2+ and [trans-Mn(II)(DMF)4(mu-NC)2]2+ units that are linked via cyanides to three-connected [Mo(V)(CN)5(mu-CN)3]3- centers in a 4:2:6 ratio, forming 12-membered rings. Magnetic measurements indicate that 1 is a ferrimagnet (TN = 8 K) that exhibits frequency-dependent behavior in chi". Heating of 1 affords an additional magnetic phase (TN = 21 K) that is absent of linkage isomerism.