Luminescent Single-Molecule Magnets as Dual Magneto-Optical Molecular Thermometers.

Luminescent thermometry allows the remote detection of the temperature and holds great potential in future technological applications in which conventional systems could not operate. Complementary approaches to measuring the temperature aiming to enhance the thermal sensitivity would however represent a decisive step forward. For the first time, we demonstrate the proof-of-concept that luminescence thermometry could be associated with a complementary temperature readout related to a different property. Namely, we propose to take advantage of the temperature dependence of both magnetic (canonical susceptibility and relaxation time) and luminescence features (emission intensity) found in Single-Molecule Magnets (SMM) to develop original dual magneto-optical molecular thermometers to conciliate high-performance SMM and Boltzmann-type luminescence thermometry. We highlight this integrative approach to concurrent luminescent and magnetic thermometry using an air-stable benchmark SMM [Dy(bbpen)Cl] (H2 bbpen=N,N'-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N,N'-bis(2-methylpyridyl)ethyl-enediamine)) exhibiting Dy3+ luminescence. The synergy between multiparametric magneto-optical readouts and multiple linear regression makes possible a 10-fold improvement in the relative thermal sensitivity of the thermometer over the whole temperature range, compared with the values obtained with the single optical or magnetic devices.

Using N-Heterocyclic Carbenes as Weak Equatorial Ligands to Design Single-Molecule Magnets: Zero-Field Slow Relaxation in Two Octahedral Dysprosium(III) Complexes.

We report the synthesis, structures, and magnetic investigations of two new octahedral dysprosium complexes, based on the original N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) tridentate bis(phenoxide) ligand, of the respective formulas mer-[DyL(THF)2Cl] (1) and mer-[DyL(THF)3][BPh4] (2), where L = 1,3-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-oxidophenyl)-5,5-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-1-ium chloride and THF = tetrahydrofuran. The short Dy-O distances in the axial direction in association with the weak donor ability of the NHC moiety provide a suitable environment for slow relaxation of magnetization, overcoming the previous single-molecule magnets based on NHC ligands.

New Luminescent Tetranuclear Lanthanide-Based Silsesquioxane Cage-Like Architectures.

The synthesis, structure, magnetic, and luminescence properties investigations of four new cage-like lanthanide-based silsesquioxanes (Cat)2 [(PhSiO1.5 )8 (LnO1.5 )4 (O)(NO2.5 )6 (EtOH)2 (MeCN)2 ] (where Cat+ =Et4 N+ , PPh4 P+ and Ln3+ =Eu3+ , Tb3+ and (Ph4 P)4 [(PhSiO1.5 )8 (TbO1.5 )4 (O)2 (NO2.5 )8 ]⋅10MeCN are reported. They present an unusual prism-like topology of cage architectures and lanthanide-characteristic emission, which makes them the first luminescent cage-like lanthanide silsesquioxanes. One of the Tb3+ -based cages presents a magnetic spin-flip transition.

New Luminescent Tetranuclear Lanthanide-Based Silsesquioxane Cage-Like Architectures.

Invited for the cover of this issue are Alexey N. Bilyachenko, Joulia Larionova and co-workers at the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, and University of Montpellier. The image depicts lanthanide-based cage-like silsesquioxanes exhibiting magnetic and luminescence properties that could constitute a particularly interesting new family related to multifunctional nanomaterials. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202003351.

Fashioning Prussian Blue Nanoparticles by Adsorption of Luminophores: Synthesis, Properties, and in Vitro Imaging.

We report the postsynthetic functionalization of Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles by two different luminophores (2-aminoanthracene and rhodamine B). We show that the photoluminescence properties of the fluorophores are modified by a confinement effect upon adsorption and demonstrate that such multifunctional nanosized systems could be used for in vitro imaging.

A Switch in the Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Gas-Adsorption Character of Prussian Blue Analogues: An Affinity Control for Smart Gas Sorption.

Porous coordination polymers are molecule-based materials presenting a high degree of tunability, which offer many advantages for targeted applications over conventional inorganic materials. This work demonstrates that the hydrophilic/hydrophobic character of Prussian blue analogues having a lipophilic feature may be tuned to optimize the gas adsorption properties. The role of the coordinatively unsaturated metal sites is emphasized through a combination of theoretical and experimental study of water, ethanol, and n-hexane adsorption.

Dysprosium Single-Molecule Magnets with Bulky Schiff Base Ligands: Modification of the Slow Relaxation of the Magnetization by Substituent Change.

The synthesis, and magnetic and photoluminescence investigations of two bifunctional dysprosium complexes based on tridentate Schiff base ligands is reported. Magnetic investigations reveal a genuine single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior, with out-of-phase signals up to 60 K, and tunable emission arising from the Schiff base ligands.

Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia Induced by Trastuzumab Emtansine: Role of Emtansine?

Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody targeted against the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) overexpressed in some breast cancer. This targeted therapy significantly improves the prognosis of these cancers. Recently an anti-HER2 antibodydrug conjugate was shaped in order to facilitate the targeted delivery of potent cytotoxic drug to cancer cells and to reduce resistance. This formulation, called trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), consists of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab linked to a cytotoxic drug (a derivative of maytansine) via a chemical linker. Little is known about adverse reactions due to this new formulation. Herein we described the case of a woman suffering from a HER2-positive breast cancer, treated with trastuzumab for 30 months followed by T-DM1 monotherapy. After 12 months of T-DM1 treatment, a nodular regenerative hyperplasia confirmed by liver biopsy occurred. T-DM1 was stopped and medical imagery showed a resolution of the nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Unfortunately, hepatic metastasis progressed. Few cases of nodular regenerative hyperplasia induced by T-DM1 have been described so far. Further studies are needed to explore pathogenesis of nodular regenerative hyperplasia with this new antibody-drug conjugate treatment.

Engineered Au Core@Prussian Blue Analogous Shell Nanoheterostructures: Their Magnetic and Optical Properties.

We report a new approach for the synthesis of multifunctional Au core@Prussian Blue analogous (PBA) shell nanoheterostructures that involves PBA shell growth on the surface of cyanide-stabilized gold nanoparticles. It permits the assembly of Au@KNiII [FeII (CN)6 ] core@shell and Au@KNiII [FeII (CN)6 ]@KNiII [CrIII (CN)6 ] core@shell@shell heterostructures with well-defined and size-controlled gold cores and PBA shells. These heterostructures exhibit tunable size- and shape-dependent magnetic and optical properties: (i) the surface plasmon resonance band position and intensity mainly depend on the PBA shell thickness, and (ii) the magnetic properties (the transition temperature, the coercivity, and magnetic regime) depend in a complex manner on the thickness as well as the particular morphology of the magnetic shell.

Prussian Blue Analogues for the Separation of Hydrocarbons in Humid Conditions.

The relative affinity of a series of Prussian Blue analogues presenting various chemical compositions for the adsorption of different gases, such as water vapor and hydrocarbons, was studied. The ability of Co[CoIII(CN)6]0.66·5.2H2O for the separation of hydrocarbons in a humid atmosphere was demonstrated.

Family of Polynuclear Nickel Cagelike Phenylsilsesquioxanes; Features of Periodic Networks and Magnetic Properties.

A new family of bi-, tetra-, penta-, and hexanickel cagelike phenylsilsesquioxanes 1-6 was obtained by self-assembly and transmetalation procedures. Their crystal structures were established by single-crystal X-ray analysis, and features of crystal packing relevant to the network formation were studied by a topological analysis. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 are isolated architectures, while 3, 5, and 6 present extended 1D and 3D networks. The investigation of magnetic properties revealed the presence of ferro- (1 and 3-5) or antiferromagnetic (2 and 6) interactions between Ni(II) ions, giving rise in the most cases (1, 2, and 4-6) to the presence of a slow relaxation of the magnetization, which can originate from the spin frustration.

Electrochemical Li-Ion Intercalation in Octacyanotungstate-Bridged Coordination Polymer with Evidence of Three Magnetic Regimes.

Discovery of novel compounds capable of electrochemical ion intercalation is a primary step toward development of advanced electrochemical devices such as batteries. Although cyano-bridged coordination polymers including Prussian blue analogues have been intensively investigated as ion intercalation materials, the solid-state electrochemistry of the octacyanotungstate-bridged coordination polymer has not been investigated. Here, we demonstrate that an octacyanotungstate-bridged coordination polymer Tb(H2O)5[W(CN)8] operates as a Li(+)-ion intercalation electrode material. The detailed magnetic measurements reveal that the tunable amount of intercalated Li(+) ion in the solid-state redox reaction between paramagnetic [W(V)(CN)8](3-) and diamagnetic [W(IV)(CN)8](4-) in the framework enables the electrochemical control of different magnetic regimes. While the initial ferromagnetic long-range ordering is irreversibly lost upon lithium insertion, electrochemical switching between paramagnetic and short-range ordering regimes can be achieved.

Rhamnose-coated superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles: an evaluation of their in vitro cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity.

Tumor recurrence after the incomplete removal of a tumor mass inside brain tissue is the main reason that scientists are working to identify new strategies in brain oncologic therapy. In particular, in the treatment of the most malignant astrocytic tumor glioblastoma, the use of magnetic nanoparticles seems to be one of the most promising keys in overcoming this problem, namely by means of magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) treatment. However, the major unknown issue related to the use of nanoparticles is their toxicological behavior when they are in contact with biological tissues. In the present study, we investigated the interaction of glioblastoma and other tumor cell lines with superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles covalently coated with a rhamnose derivative, using proper cytotoxic assays. In the present study, we focused our attention on different strategies of toxicity evaluation comparing different cytotoxicological approaches in order to identify the biological damages induced by the nanoparticles. The data show an intensive internalization process of rhamnose-coated iron oxide nanoparticles by the cells, suggesting that rhamnose moiety is a promising biocompatible coating in favoring cells' uptake. With regards to cytotoxicity, a 35% cell death at a maximum concentration, mainly as a result of mitochondrial damages, was found. This cytotoxic behavior, along with the high uptake ability, could facilitate the use of these rhamnose-coated iron-oxide nanoparticles for future MFH therapeutic treatments.

Cage-like Fe,Na-Germsesquioxanes: Structure, Magnetism, and Catalytic Activity.

A series of four unprecedented heterometallic metallagermsesquioxanes were synthesized. Their cage-like architectures have a unique type of molecular topology consisting of the hexairon oxo {Fe6 O19 } core surrounded in a triangular manner by three cyclic germoxanolates [PhGe(O)O]5 . This structural organization induces antiferromagnetic interactions between the FeIII ions through the oxygen atoms. Evaluated for this first time in catalysis, these compounds showed a high catalytic activity in the oxidation of alkanes and the oxidative formation of benzamides from alcohols.

Heterometallic Na6Co3 Phenylsilsesquioxane Exhibiting Slow Dynamic Behavior in its Magnetization.

A heterometallic phenylsilsesquioxane [(PhSiO1,5)22(CoO)3(NaO0.5)6]⋅(EtOH)6⋅(H2O) 1 cage architecture of Co(II) ions in a triangular topology exhibits a slow dynamic behavior in its magnetization, induced by the freezing of the spins of individual molecules.

An Organoytterbium(III) Complex Exhibiting Field-Induced Single-Ion-Magnet Behavior.

We present a new mononuclear half-sandwich complex, [Cp*Yb(DAD)(THF)]·C7H8 (1), based on a paramagnetic Yb(III) ion coordinated by diamagnetic Cp* and enediamido[2,6-Me2C6H3NCH═CHNC6H3Me2-2,6](2-) (DAD) ligands exhibiting field-induced single-ion-magnet behavior.

A high-temperature molecular ferroelectric Zn/Dy complex exhibiting single-ion-magnet behavior and lanthanide luminescence.

Multifunctional molecular ferroelectrics are exciting materials synthesized using molecular chemistry concepts, which may combine a spontaneous electrical polarization, switched upon applying an electric field, with another physical property. A high-temperature ferroelectric material is presented that is based on a chiral Zn(2+) /Dy(3+) complex exhibiting Dy(3+) luminescence, optical activity, and magnetism. We investigate the correlations between the electric polarization and the crystal structure as well as between the low-temperature magnetic slow relaxation and the optical properties.

Iodine capture by Hofmann-Type clathrate Ni(II)(pz)[Ni(II)(CN)4].

The thermally stable Hofmann-type clathrate framework Ni(II)(pz)[Ni(II)(CN)4] (pz = pyrazine) was investigated for the efficient and reversible sorption of iodine (I2) in the gaseous phase and in solution with a maximum adsorption capacity of 1 mol of I2 per 1 mol of Ni(II)(pz)[Ni(II)(CN)4] in solution.

Nanosized heterostructures of Au@Prussian blue analogues: towards multifunctionality at the nanoscale.

Access to multifunctionality at the nanoscale requires the development of hybrid nanostructures that combine materials of different natures. In this line of thought, current research on coordination polymers is not only focusing on their synthesis at the nanoscale, but also on combining these polymers with other materials. According to a novel and rational approach, single-layer Au@Prussian blue analogue (PBA) and double-layer Au@PBA@PBA' core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) may be obtained through the growth of a cyano-bridged coordination network on the gold surface. The nanosized heterostructures combine the plasmonic optical properties of the gold core and the magnetic properties of the PBA shell. Whereas the single-layer nanoparticles are paramagnetic, the double-layer nanostructures display ferromagnetism; therefore, the overall structural motif may be considered as multifunctional. The developed synthetic concept also includes an easy access to hollow PBA NPs.

Enhanced cooperative interactions at the nanoscale in spin-crossover materials with a first-order phase transition.

We analyzed the size effect on a first-order spin transition governed by elastic interactions. This study was performed in the framework of a nonextensive thermodynamic core-shell model. When decreasing the particle size, differences in surface energies between the two phases lead to the shrinking of the thermal hysteresis width, the lowering of the transition temperature, and the increase of residual fractions at low temperature, in good agreement with recent experimental observations on spin transition nanomaterials. On the other hand, a modification of the particle-matrix interface may allow for the existence of the hysteresis loop even at very low sizes. In addition, an unexpected reopening of the hysteresis, when the size decreases, is also possible due to the hardening of the nanoparticles at very small sizes, which we deduced from the size dependence of the Debye temperature of a series of coordination nanoparticles.