M(III)Dy(III)3 (M = Fe(III), Co(III)) complexes: three-blade propellers exhibiting slow relaxation of magnetization.

[Dy(III)(HBpz(3))(2)](2+) moieties (HBpz(3)(-) = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate) and a 3d transition-metal ion (Fe(III) or Co(III)) have been rationally assembled using an dithiooxalato dianion ligand into 3d-4f [MDy(3)(HBpz(3))(6)(dto)(3)]·4CH(3)CN·2CH(2)Cl(2) (M = Fe (1), Co (2) complexes. Single-crystal X-ray studies reveal that three eight-coordinated Dy(III) centers in a square antiprismatic coordination environment are connecting to a central octahedral trivalent Fe or Co ion forming a propeller-type complex. The dynamics of the magnetization in the two isostructural compounds, modulated by the nature of the central M(III) metal ion, are remarkably different despite their analogous direct current (dc) magnetic properties. The slow relaxation of the magnetization observed for 2 mainly originates from isolated Dy ions, since a diamagnetic Co(III) metal ion links the magnetic Dy(III) ions. In the case of 1, the magnetic interaction between S = 1/2 Fe(III) ion and the three Dy(III) magnetic centers, although weak, generates a complex energy spectrum of magnetic states with low-lying excited states that induce a smaller energy gap than for 2 and thus a faster relaxation of the magnetization.

Cyano-bridged terbium(III)-chromium(III) bimetallic quasi-one-dimensional assembly exhibiting long-range magnetic ordering.

A new cyano-bridged Tb(III)-Cr(III) heterometallic complex [Tb(H(2)O)(2)(DMF)(4){Cr(CN)(6)}]·H(2)O (DMF = dimethylformamide) (1), assembled from paramagnetic hexacyanochromium(III) [Cr(CN)(6)](3-) building block and highly anisotropic terbium(III) ion has been prepared and structurally and magnetically characterized. Complex 1 shows one-dimensional (1D) zig-zag chain-like structural motif which is further extended into three-dimensional network through hydrogen-bonding interactions. The long-range magnetic ordering observed in complex 1, which is possibly due to interchain magnetic dipolar interactions, illuminates that this complex is a molecule-based magnet with critical temperature of about 5 K. This higher critical temperature among those of Ln(III)-Cr(III) heterometallic complexes exhibiting long-range magnetic ordering is probably due to the introduction of highly anisotropic terbium(III) ion.

A new enneanuclear nickel(II) cluster with a rectangular face-centered trigonal prism structure and cluster glass behavior.

An enneanuclear nickel(II) complex with a rectangular face-centered trigonal prism structure bridged by µ(2)-pyrazolate, µ(6)-CO(3)(2-) and µ(3)-OH(-) groups was synthesized. It displays cluster glass-like magnetic behavior assigned to the single molecule magnet properties of {Ni(9)} clusters and weak intercluster interaction.

Relaxation dynamics of dysprosium(III) single molecule magnets.

Over the past decade, lanthanide compounds have become of increasing interest in the field of Single Molecule Magnets (SMMs) due to the large inherent anisotropy of the metal ions. Heavy lanthanide metal systems, in particular those containing the dysprosium(III) ion, have been extensively employed to direct the formation of a series of SMMs. Although remarkable progress is being made regarding the synthesis and characterization of lanthanide-based SMMs, the understanding and control of the relaxation dynamics of strongly anisotropic systems represents a formidable challenge, since the dynamic behaviour of lanthanide-based SMMs is significantly more complex than that of transition metal systems. This perspective paper describes illustrative examples of pure dysprosium(III)-based SMMs, published during the past three years, showing new and fascinating phenomena in terms of magnetic relaxation, aiming at shedding light on the features relevant to modulating relaxation dynamics of polynuclear lanthanide SMMs.

Observation of slow magnetic relaxation in triple-stranded lanthanide helicates.

Two dinuclear triple-stranded helicates [Ln(2)L(3)](3+) (Ln = Dy and Tb) obtained via self-assembly from the ligand HL (2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol di(benzoylhydrazone)) and lanthanide perchlorate have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structural analysis demonstrates that three ligand strands wrap around a pseudo-threefold axis defined by the two metal ions, leading to a 'meso'-relation between the right- (Δ) and left-hand (Λ) configurations of [Ln(2)L(3)](3+) in the crystal. Each Ln(III) ion is coordinated by nine donor atoms in a distorted tricapped trigonal-prismatic arrangement. Alternating current (ac) susceptibility measurements of [Dy(2)L(3)](3+) reveal a frequency-dependent out-of-phase signal under a 700 Oe dc field, indicating the onset of the slow relaxation of magnetization with a roughly estimated activation energy of ∼5 K and τ(0) of 10(-7) s.

Strong axiality and Ising exchange interaction suppress zero-field tunneling of magnetization of an asymmetric Dy2 single-molecule magnet.

The high axiality and Ising exchange interaction efficiently suppress quantum tunneling of magnetization of an asymmetric dinuclear Dy(III) complex, as revealed by combined experimental and theoretical investigations. Two distinct regimes of blockage of magnetization, one originating from the blockage at individual Dy sites and the other due to the exchange interaction between the sites, are separated for the first time. The latter contribution is found to be crucial, allowing an increase of the relaxation time by 3 orders of magnitude.

A diabolo-shaped Dy9 cluster: synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties.

The reaction of Dy(NO(3))(3)·6H(2)O with the ligand 2-((1-hydroxybutan-2-ylimino)methyl)phenol (H(2)L, ) generates the nonanuclear compound [Dy(9)L(8)(µ(3)-OH)(8)(µ(4)-OH)(2)(CH(3)OH)(8)](OH)(CH(3)OH)(3) (Dy(9)), whose single-crystal X-ray structure reveals the presence of two square pyramidal pentanuclear units assembled via the apical metal center. The square pyramidal core of a previously reported [Dy(5)(µ(4)-OH)(µ(3)-OH)(4)(µ-η(2)-Ph(2)acac)(4)(η(2)-Ph(2)acac)(6)] (Dy(5); Ph(2)acac = dibenzoylmethanide), is structurally related to those herein described; however, the magnetic properties of Dy(9) and Dy(5) are drastically different. Indeed, Dy(5) shows slow relaxation of magnetization while no out-of-phase ac signal is noticed for Dy(9). The underlying mechanism is not clear due to the complexity of such systems; however, the different anisotropy of the respective structures, which is dictated by the combination of the metal topology, the ligands involved and the structural parameters of the molecule, is mostly responsible for the distinctive relaxation dynamics observed.

Heterometallic cubanes: syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of lanthanide(III)-nickel(II) architectures.

Reactions of lanthanide(III) perchlorate (Ln = Dy, Tb, and Gd), nickel(II) acetate, and ditopic ligand 2-(benzothiazol-2-ylhydrazonomethyl)-6-methoxyphenol (H(2)L) in a mixture of methanol and acetone in the presence of NaOH resulted in the successful assembly of novel Ln(2)Ni(2) heterometallic clusters representing a new heterometallic 3d-4f motif. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that all compounds are isostructural, with the central core composed of distorted [Ln(2)Ni(2)O(4)] cubanes of the general formula [Ln(2)Ni(2)(µ(3)-OH)(2)(OH)(OAc)(4)(HL)(2)(MeOH)(3)](ClO(4))·3MeOH [Ln = Dy (1), Tb (2), and Gd (3)]. The magnetic properties of all compounds have been investigated. Magnetic analysis on compound 3 indicates ferromagnetic Gd···Ni exchange interactions competing with antiferromagnetic Ni···Ni interactions. Compound 1 displays slow relaxation of magnetization, which is largely attributed to the presence of the anisotropic Dy(III) ions, and thus represents a new discrete [Dy(2)Ni(2)] heterometallic cubane exhibiting probable single-molecule magnetic behavior.

Pyrazine-bridged Dy2 single-molecule magnet with a large anisotropic barrier.

Utilization of the strong electron-withdrawing ligand, hfac, leads to a novel dinuclear dysprosium single-molecule magnet featuring a pyrazine bridge with a large anisotropic barrier.

Magnetic properties of dysprosium cubanes dictated by the M-O-M angles of the [Dy4(mu3-OH)4] core.

Two new dysprosium(III) coordination compounds, namely, [Dy(4)(HL)(4)(C(6)H(4)NH(2)COO)(2)(mu(3)-OH)(4)(mu-OH)(2)(H(2)O)(4)].4CH(3)CN.12H(2)O (1) and Dy(8)(HL)(10)(C(6)H(4)NH(2)COO)(2)(mu(3)-OH)(8)(OH)(2)(NO(3))(2)(H(2)O)(4)] (2), have been synthesized from the Schiff-base ligand 2-{[(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methylidene]amino}benzoic acid (H(2)L) and dysprosium chloride (1) or dysprosium nitrate (2). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that compound 1 exhibits a tetranuclear cubane-like structure and that 2 is an octanuclear, bis-cubane complex. The [Dy(4)(mu (3)-OH)(4)] cubane cores of 1 and 2 are structurally related; however, the magnetic properties of 1 and 2 are drastically different. Indeed, 2 shows slow relaxation of magnetization while no out-of-phase alternating current (ac) signal is noticed for 1. These significant disparities are most likely due to the different M-O-M angles observed for the respective cubane cores.

A linear tetranuclear dysprosium(III) compound showing single-molecule magnet behaviour.

The asymmetric Cole-Cole plots observed in a remarkable linear Dy(III) compound suggests the occurrence of multiple relaxations most likely associated with distinct anisotropic centres, thus opening new avenues for investigating the relaxation dynamics of lanthanide aggregates.

Two-step relaxation in a linear tetranuclear dysprosium(III) aggregate showing single-molecule magnet behavior.

A well-defined two-step relaxation, described by the sum of two modified Debye functions, is observed in a new alkoxido-bridged linear tetranuclear Dy(III) aggregate showing single-molecule magnet behavior with a remarkably large energy barrier. This compound represents a model molecular aggregate with a clear two-step relaxation evidenced by frequency-dependent susceptibility, which therefore may stimulate further investigations regarding the relaxation dynamics of lanthanide-based systems.

Praseodymium(III)-based bis-metallacalix[4]arene with host-guest behaviour.

The reaction of Pr(NO(3))(3).6H(2)O with the ligand 2-hydroxy-N-(2'-hydroxyethyl)-3-methoxybenzamide (H(3)L) in MeOH-MeCN generates the nonanuclear compound [Pr(9)(H(2)L)(8)(OH)(10)(NO(3))(8)](NO(3))(H(2)O)(2)(CH(3)CN) (), whose single-crystal X-ray structure reveals the presence of metallacalix[4]arene cavities that host guest molecules. The crystal packing of the antiferromagnetic Pr(9) cluster shows an intricate network of hydrogen bonds producing a one-dimensional supramolecular chain.

A promising new route towards single-molecule magnets based on the oxalate ligand.

A unique purely lanthanide-based single-molecule magnet (SMM) with an oxalate bridge has been designed through a rational synthetic approach. This strategy opens up new opportunities to design SMMs through the premeditated choice of a blocking ligand and suitable oxalate bridge.

Templated assembly of mu(5)-CO3(2-) decanuclear praseodymium and neodymium clusters through spontaneous fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Reactions of Ln(III) acetate (Ln = Pr and Nd) and a polydentate Schiff-base in a mixture of methanol and acetonitrile resulted in the unprecedented assembly of novel Ln(10) aggregates containing two Ln(5) pentagons templated by mu(5)-CO(3)(2-), introduced via spontaneous fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Magnetic analysis using an expression including the ligand field effects and molecular field approximation indicates weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the metal ions. This synthetic approach may represent a promising new route toward the design of new lanthanide clusters and novel multifunctional materials.

Observation of slow magnetic relaxation in discrete dysprosium cubane.

A discrete dysprosium cubane has been prepared and structurally characterized. Slow relaxation of magnetization in this complex is observed, which may stimulate further investigations into the dynamics of magnetization in lanthanide clusters with different topologies.

Four new lanthanide-nitronyl nitroxide (Ln(III) = Pr(III), Sm(III), Eu(III), Tm(III)) complexes and a Tb(III) complex exhibiting single-molecule magnet behavior.

Five new complexes based on rare-earth-radical [Ln(hfac)(3)(NIT-5-Br-3py)](2) (Ln = Pr (1), Sm (2), Eu (3), Tb (4), Tm (5); hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate; NIT-5-Br-3py = 2-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-3-oxylimidazoline-1-oxide)-5-bromo-3-pyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystal diffraction. The single-crystal structures show that these complexes have similar structures, in which a NIT-5-Br-3py molecule acts as a bridging ligand linking two Ln(III) ions through the oxygen atom of the N-O group and nitrogen atom from the pyridine ring to form a four-spin system. Both static and dynamic magnetic properties were measured for complex 4, which exhibits single-molecule magnetism behavior.

Three-dimensional 3d-4f polymers containing heterometallic rings: syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties.

Two novel three-dimensional (3D) 3d-4f mixed complexes [Ln(H(2)O)(4)][Ni(2)TTHA(SCN)(2)].H(3)O+ [Ln = Pr (1), Ce (2); H(6)TTHA = triethylenetetraaminehexaacetic acid], based on the building blocks of [Ni(2)TTHA(SCN)(2)](4-), were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystal diffraction and magnetic properties. The single-crystal structures show that these complexes form a 3D framework, comprised of an unusual infinite one-dimensional chain based on heterometallic Ln2Ni2 rings. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibilities were analyzed by an approximate model, leading to g = 2.06. Delta = 2.83, zJ' = -0.6 cm-1 for complex 1 and g = 2.07, Delta = 1.00, zJ' = -0.5 cm(-1) for complex 2.