Raising the spin-reversal barrier in cyano-bridged single-molecule magnets: linear Mn(III)(2)M(III)(CN)(6) (M = Cr, Fe) species incorporating [(5-Brsalen)Mn](+) units

Reactions between K(3)[M(CN)(6)] and [Mn(5-Brsalen)(H(2)O)(2)](+) (5-Brsalen = N,N'-ethylenebis(5-bromosalicylidene)aminato dianion) in a mixture of methanol and water afford the compounds K[(5-Brsalen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)Mn(2)M(CN)(6)].2H(2)O, with M = Cr (1) or Fe (2). The two compounds are isostructural, each containing a molecular cluster with a linear Mn(III)-NC-M(III)-CN-Mn(III) core and tetragonally elongated coordination about the Mn(III) centers. Magnetic data indicate the presence of weak exchange interactions within the clusters, giving rise to ground states of S = (5)/(2) and (9)/(2) with significant zero-field splitting. Despite the proximity of spin-excited states, ac susceptibility data reveal frequency-dependent out-of-phase signals characteristic of single-molecule magnets with spin-reversal barriers of U(eff) = 16 and 25 cm(-)(1), respectively.     

Fe(bpym)(CN)4]-: a new building block for designing single-chain magnets

We herein present the preparation, crystal structure, magnetic properties, and theoretical study of new heterobimetallic chains of formula {[Fe(III)(bpym)(CN4)]2M(II)(H2O)2}.6H2O [bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine; M = Zn (2), Co (3), Cu (4), and Mn (5)] which are obtained by using the building block PPh4[Fe(bpym)(CN)4].H2O (1) (PPh4+= tetraphenylphosphonium) as a ligand toward the fully solvated MII ions. The structure of complex 1 contains mononuclear [Fe(bpym)(CN)4]- anions. Compounds 2-5 are isostructural 4,2-ribbonlike bimetallic chains where the [Fe(bpym)(CN)4]- unit acts as a bis-monodenate ligand through two of its four cyanide ligands toward the M atom. Water hexamer clusters (4) and regular alternating fused six- and four-membered water rings with two dangling water molecules (2, 3, and 5) are trapped between the cyanide-bridged 4,2-ribbonlike chains. 1 and 2 behave as magnetically isolated low-spin iron(III) centers. 3 behaves as a single-chain magnet (SCM) with intrachain ferromagnetic coupling, slow magnetic relaxation, hysteresis effects, and frequency-dependent ac signals at T < 7 K). As expected for a thermally activated process, the nucleation field (Hn) in 3 increases with decreasing T and increasing v. Below 1.0 K, Hn becomes temperature independent but remains strongly sweep rate dependent. In this temperature range, the reversal of the magnetization may be induced by a quantum nucleation of a domain wall that then propagates due to the applied field. 4 and 5 are ferro- and ferrimagnetic chains respectively, with metamagnetic-like behavior (4). DFT-type calculations and QMC methodology provided a good understanding of the magnetic properties of 3-5.     

Cyanide-bridged Fe(III)-Mn(III) chain with metamagnetic properties and significant magnetic anisotropy

The assembling of [Mn(5-MeOsalen)(H2O)]+ and [(Tp)Fe(CN)3]- affords the one-dimensional zigzag chain [(Tp)Fe(CN)3Mn(5-MeOsalen).2CH3OH]n [1; Tp- = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate and 5-MeOsalen2- = N,N'-ethylenebis(5-methoxysalicylideneiminate)]. The corroborated experimental and ab initio data indicate ferromagnetic Fe(III)-Mn(III) couplings and D < 0 anisotropy on Mn(III). The field-induced metamagnetic behavior is due to interchain effects.     

Cyanido-bridged Fe(III)-Mn(III) heterobimetallic materials built from Mn(III) Schiff base complexes and di- or tri-cyanido Fe(III) precursors

The reaction of [Fe(III)L(CN)(3)](-) (L being bpca = bis(2-pyridylcarbonyl)amidate, pcq = 8-(pyridine-2-carboxamido)quinoline) or [Fe(III)(bpb)(CN)(2)](-) (bpb = 1,2-bis(pyridine-2-carboxamido)benzenate) ferric complexes with Mn(III) salen type complexes afforded seven new bimetallic cyanido-bridged Mn(III)-Fe(III) systems: [Fe(pcq)(CN)(3)Mn(saltmen)(CH(3)OH)]·CH(3)OH (1), [Fe(bpca)(CN)(3)Mn(3-MeO-salen)(OH(2))]·CH(3)OH·H(2)O (2), [Fe(bpca)(CN)(3)Mn(salpen)] (3), [Fe(bpca)(CN)(3)Mn(saltmen)] (4), [Fe(bpca)(CN)(3)Mn(5-Me-saltmen)]·2CHCl(3) (5), [Fe(pcq)(CN)(3)Mn(5-Me-saltmen)]·2CH(3)OH·0.75H(2)O (6), and [Fe(bpb)(CN)(2)Mn(saltmen)]·2CH(3)OH (7) (with saltmen(2-) = N,N'-(1,1,2,2-tetramethylethylene)bis(salicylideneiminato) dianion, salpen(2-) = N,N'-propylenebis(salicylideneiminato) dianion, salen(2-) = N,N'-ethylenebis(salicylideneiminato) dianion). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were carried out for all these compounds indicating that compounds 1 and 2 are discrete dinuclear [Fe(III)-CN-Mn(III)] complexes while systems 3-7 are heterometallic chains with {-NC-Fe(III)-CN-Mn(III)} repeating units. These chains are connected through π-π and short contact interactions to form extended supramolecular networks. Investigation of the magnetic properties revealed the occurrence of antiferromagnetic Mn(III)···Fe(III) interactions in 1-4 while ferromagnetic Mn(III)···Fe(III) interactions were detected in 5-7. The nature of these Mn(III)···Fe(III) magnetic interactions mediated by a CN bridge appeared to be dependent on the Schiff base substituent. The packing is also strongly affected by the nature of the substituent and the presence of solvent molecules, resulting in additional antiferromagnetic interdinuclear/interchain interactions. Thus the crystal packing and the supramolecular interactions induce different magnetic properties for these systems. The dinuclear complexes 1 and 2, which possess a paramagnetic S(T) = 3/2 ground state, interact antiferromagnetically in their crystal packing. At high temperature, the complexes 3-7 exhibit a one-dimensional magnetic behavior, but at low temperature their magnetic properties are modulated by the supramolecular arrangement: a three-dimensional antiferromagnetic order with a metamagnetic behavior is observed for 3, 4, and 7, and Single-Chain Magnet properties are detected for 5 and 6.     

Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) as a versatile building block for the design of heterometallic systems: synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of PPh(4)[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)] x H(2)O, [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)M(II)(H(2)O)(4)] x 4H(2)O, and [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)Zn(II)] x 2H(2)O [bipy = 2,2'-Bipyridine; M = Mn and Zn

The new cyano complexes of formulas PPh(4)[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)] x H(2)O (1), [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)M(II)(H(2)O)(4)] x 4H(2)O with M = Mn (2) and Zn (3), and [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)Zn(II)] x 2H(2)O (4) [bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine and PPh(4) = tetraphenylphosphonium cation] have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The structure of complex 1 is made up of mononuclear [Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) anions, tetraphenyphosphonium cations, and water molecules of crystallization. The iron(III) is hexacoordinated with two nitrogen atoms of a chelating bipy and four carbon atoms of four terminal cyanide groups, building a distorted octahedron around the metal atom. The structure of complexes 2 and 3 consists of neutral centrosymmetric [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)M(II)(H(2)O)(4)] heterotrinuclear units and crystallization water molecules. The [Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) entity of 1 is present in 2 and 3 acting as a monodentate ligand toward M(H(2)O)(4) units [M = Mn(II) (2) and Zn(II) (3)] through one cyanide group, the other three cyanides remaining terminal. Four water molecules and two cyanide nitrogen atoms from two [Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) units in trans positions build a distorted octahedron surrounding Mn(II) (2) and Zn(II) (3). The structure of the [Fe(phen)(CN)(4)](-) complex ligand in 2 and 3 is close to that of the one in 1. The intramolecular Fe-M distances are 5.126(1) and 5.018(1) A in 2 and 3, respectively. 4 exhibits a neutral one-dimensional polymeric structure containing two types of [Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) units acting as bismonodentate (Fe(1)) and trismonodentate (Fe(2)) ligands versus the divalent zinc cations through two cis-cyanide (Fe(1)) and three fac-cyanide (Fe(2)) groups. The environment of the iron atoms in 4 is distorted octahedral as in 1-3, whereas the zinc atom is pentacoordinated with five cyanide nitrogen atoms, describing a very distorted square pyramid. The iron-zinc separations across the single bridging cyanides are 5.013(1) and 5.142(1) A at Fe(1) and 5.028(1), 5.076(1), and 5.176(1) A at Fe(2). The magnetic properties of 1-3 have been investigated in the temperature range 2.0-300 K. 1 is a low-spin iron(III) complex with an important orbital contribution. The magnetic properties of 3 correspond to the sum of two magnetically isolated spin triplets, the antiferromagnetic coupling between the low-spin iron(III) centers through the -CN-Zn-NC- bridging skeleton (iron-iron separation larger than 10 A) being very weak. More interestingly, 2 exhibits a significant intramolecular antiferromagnetic interaction between the central spin sextet and peripheral spin doublets, leading to a low-lying spin quartet.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of 3-D [Ru(II/III)(2)(O(2)CMe)(4)](3)[M(III)(CN)(6)] (M = Cr,Fe, Co)

Three-dimensional network structures of [Ru(II/III)(2)(O(2)CMe)(4)](3)[M(III)(CN)(6)] (M = Cr, Fe, Co) composition have been formed and their magnetic properties characterized. [Ru(II/III)(2)(O(2)CMe)(4)](3)[M(III)(CN)(6)] (M = Cr, Fe, Co) have nu(CN) IR absorptions at 2138, 2116, and 2125 cm(-1) and have body-centered unit cells (a = 13.34, 13.30, and 13.10 A, respectively) with -M-Ctbd1;N-Ru=Ru-Ntbd1;C-M- linkages along all three Cartesian axes. [Ru(II/III)(2)(O(2)CMe)(4)](3)[Cr(III)(CN)(6)] magnetically orders as a ferrimagnet (T(c) = 33 K) and has an unusual constricted hysteresis loop.     

Syntheses, structure, and magnetic properties of hexanuclear Mn(III)(2)M(III)(4) (M = Y, Gd, Tb, Dy) complexes

The synthesis and characterizations of a family of isomorphous [Mn(III)(2)M(III)(4)L(2)(μ(4)-O)(2)(N(3))(2)(CH(3)O)(2)(CH(3)OH)(4)(NO(3))(2)]·2H(2)O (M = Y(1), Gd(2), Tb(3), Dy(4)) are reported, where H(4)L = N,N'-dihydroxyethyl-N,N'-(2-hydroxy-4,5-dimethylbenzyl)ethylenediamine. They were obtained from the reactions of H(4)L with M(NO(3))(3)·6H(2)O, Mn(ClO(4))(2)·6H(2)O, NaN(3) and NEt(3) in a 1?:?1?:?1?:?2?:?2 molar ratio. The core structure consists of a Mn(2)M(4) unit. The four M(III) ions that are held together by two μ(4)-bridging oxygen atoms form a butterfly M(4) moiety. The M(4) core is further connected to the two five-coordinate trigonal-bipyramidal Mn(III) ions via one μ(4)-O(2-), two alkyloxo and one methoxo triple bridges. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate the presence of intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions in complex 2, and overall intramolecular ferromagnetic interactions in complexes 3 and 4. The alternating current (AC) magnetic susceptibility studies revealed that complexes 3 and 4 showed frequency-dependent out-of-phase signals, which indicates that they exhibit slow relaxation of the magnetization.     

Cyanide-bridged Mn(III)-Fe(III) bimetallic complexes based on the pentacyano(1-methylimidazole)ferrate(III) building block: structure and magnetic characterizations

Seven cyanide-bridged bimetallic complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of [Fe(1-CH3im)(CN)5]2- with Mn(III) Schiff base complexes. Their crystal structure and magnetic properties have been characterized. Five complexes, [Mn2(5-Brsalen)2Fe(CN)5(1-CH3im)] x H2O (1), [Mn2(5-Clsalen)2(H2O)2Fe(CN)5(1-CH3im)] x H2O (2), [Mn2(5-Clsaltn)2(H2O)2Fe(CN)5(1-CH3im)] (3), [Mn2(5-Clsaltmen)2(H2O)2Fe(CN)5(1-CH3im)] x H2O (4), and [Mn2(5-Brsaltmen)2(H2O)2Fe(CN)5(1-CH3im)] x CH3OH (5), are neutral and trinuclear with two [Mn(SB)]+ (SB2- = Schiff base ligands) and one [Fe(1-CH3im)(CN)5]2-. Complex {[Et4N][Mn(acacen)Fe(CN)5(1-CH3im)]}n x 6nH2O (6) is one-dimensional with alternate [Mn(acacen)]+ and [Fe(CN)5(1-CH3im)]2- units. The two-dimensional complex {[Mn4(saltmen)4Fe(CN)5(1-CH3im)]}n[ClO4]2n x 9nH2O (7) consists of Mn4Fe units which are further connected by the phenoxo oxygen atoms. Magnetic studies show the presence of ferromagnetic Mn(III)-Fe(III) coupling in the trinuclear compounds with the magnetic coupling constant (J) ranging from 4.5 to 6.0 cm-1, based on the Hamiltonian H = -2JSFe(SMn(1) + SMn(2)). Antiferromagnetic interaction has been observed in complex 6, whereas ferromagnetic coupling occurs in complex 7. Complexes 6 and 7 exhibit long-range magnetic ordering with a TN value of 4.0 K for 6 and Tc of 4.8 K for 7. Complex 6 shows metamagnetic behavior at 2 K, and complex 7 possesses a hysteresis loop with a coercive field of 500 Oe, typical of a soft ferromagnet.     

Magneto-structural studies on heterobimetallic malonate-bridged M(II)Re(IV) complexes (M = Mn, Co, Ni and Cu)

The mononuclear Re(IV) compound of formula (PPh(4))(2)[ReBr(4)(mal)] (1) was used as a ligand to obtain the heterobimetallic species [ReBr(4)(μ-mal)Co(dmphen)(2)]· MeCN (2), [ReBr(4)(μ-mal)Ni(dmphen)(2)] (3), [ReBr(4)(μ-mal)Mn(dmphen)(2)] (4a), [ReBr(4)(μ-mal)Mn(dmphen)(H(2)O)(2)]·dmphen·MeCN·H(2)O (4b), [ReBr(4)(μ-mal)Cu(phen)(2)]·1/4H(2)O (5) and [ReBr(4)(μ-mal)Cu(bipy)(2)] (6) (mal = malonate dianion, dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine). The structures of 2 and 5 (single-crystal X-ray diffraction) are made up of neutral [ReBr(4)(μ-mal)M(AA)] dinuclear units [AA = dmphen with M = Co (2) and AA = phen with M = Cu (5)] where the metal ions are connected through a malonate ligand which exhibits simultaneously the bidentate [at the Re(IV)] and monodentate [at the M(II)] coordination modes. The carboxylate-malonate group in them adopts the anti-syn conformation with intramolecular ReM separation of 5.098(8) (2) and 4.947(2) ? (5). The magnetic properties of 1-6 were investigated in the temperature range 1.9-295 K. The magnetic behaviour of 1 is the expected for a magnetically isolated Re(IV) complex with a large value of the zero-field splitting (2D ca. -70 cm(-1)) whereas weak antiferromagnetic interactions between Re(IV) and M(II) are observed in the heterobimetallic compounds 2 (J = -0.63 cm(-1)), 3 (J = -1.37 cm(-1)), 4a (J = -1.29 cm(-1)), 5 (J = -1.83 cm(-1)) and 6 (J = -0.26 cm(-1)). Remarkably, 4b behaves as a ferrimagnetic chain with regular alternating Re(IV) and Mn(II) cations (J = -2.64 cm(-1)).     

Theoretical insights into the ferromagnetic coupling in oxalato-bridged chromium(III)-cobalt(II) and chromium(III)-manganese(II) dinuclear complexes with aromatic diimine ligands

Two novel heterobimetallic complexes of formula [Cr(bpy)(ox)(2)Co(Me(2)phen)(H(2)O)(2)][Cr(bpy)(ox)(2)]·4H(2)O (1) and [Cr(phen)(ox)(2)Mn(phen)(H(2)O)(2)][Cr(phen)(ox)(2)]·H(2)O (2) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, and Me(2)phen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) have been obtained through the "complex-as-ligand/complex-as-metal" strategy by using Ph(4)P[CrL(ox)(2)]·H(2)O (L = bpy and phen) and [ML'(H(2)O)(4)](NO(3))(2) (M = Co and Mn; L' = phen and Me(2)phen) as precursors. The X-ray crystal structures of 1 and 2 consist of bis(oxalato)chromate(III) mononuclear anions, [Cr(III)L(ox)(2)](-), and oxalato-bridged chromium(III)-cobalt(II) and chromium(III)-manganese(II) dinuclear cations, [Cr(III)L(ox)(μ-ox)M(II)L'(H(2)O)(2)](+)[M = Co, L = bpy, and L' = Me(2)phen (1); M = Mn and L = L' = phen (2)]. These oxalato-bridged Cr(III)M(II) dinuclear cationic entities of 1 and 2 result from the coordination of a [Cr(III)L(ox)(2)](-) unit through one of its two oxalato groups toward a [M(II)L'(H(2)O)(2)](2+) moiety with either a trans- (M = Co) or a cis-diaqua (M = Mn) configuration. The two distinct Cr(III) ions in 1 and 2 adopt a similar trigonally compressed octahedral geometry, while the high-spin M(II) ions exhibit an axially (M = Co) or trigonally compressed (M = Mn) octahedral geometry in 1 and 2, respectively. Variable temperature (2.0-300 K) magnetic susceptibility and variable-field (0-5.0 T) magnetization measurements for 1 and 2 reveal the presence of weak intramolecular ferromagnetic interactions between the Cr(III) (S(Cr) = 3/2) ion and the high-spin Co(II) (S(Co) = 3/2) or Mn(II) (S(Mn) = 5/2) ions across the oxalato bridge within the Cr(III)M(II) dinuclear cationic entities (M = Co and Mn) [J = +2.2 (1) and +1.2 cm(-1) (2); H = -JS(Cr)·S(M)]. Density functional electronic structure calculations for 1 and 2 support the occurrence of S = 3 Cr(III)Co(II) and S = 4 Cr(III)Mn(II) ground spin states, respectively. A simple molecular orbital analysis of the electron exchange mechanism suggests a subtle competition between individual ferro- and antiferromagnetic contributions through the σ- and/or π-type pathways of the oxalato bridge, mainly involving the d(yz)(Cr)/d(xy)(M), d(xz)(Cr)/d(xy)(M), d(x(2)-y(2))(Cr)/d(xy)(M), d(yz)(Cr)/d(xz)(M), and d(xz)(Cr)/d(yz)(M) pairs of orthogonal magnetic orbitals and the d(x(2)-y(2))(Cr)/d(x(2)-y(2))(M), d(xz)(Cr)/d(xz)(M), and d(yz)(Cr)/d(yz)(M) pairs of nonorthogonal magnetic orbitals, which would be ultimately responsible for the relative magnitude of the overall ferromagnetic coupling in 1 and 2.     

Structural and photophysical properties of coordination networks combining [Ru(Bpym)(CN)4]2- or [[Ru(CN)4]2(mu-bpym)]4- anions (bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine) with lanthanide(III) cations: sensitized near-infrared luminescence from Yb(III), Nd(III), and Er(III) following Ru-to-lanthanide energy transfer

Reaction of the cyanoruthenate anions [Ru(bpym)(CN)4]2- and [[Ru(CN)4]2(mu-bpym)]4- (bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine) with lanthanide(III) salts resulted in the crystallization of coordination networks based on Ru-CN-Ln bridges. Four types of structure were obtained: [Ru(bpym)(CN)4][Ln(NO3)(H2O)5] (Ru-Ln; Ln = Sm, Nd, and Gd) are one-dimensional helical chains; [Ru(bpym)(CN)4]2[Ln(NO3)(H2O)2][Ln(NO3)(0.5)(H2O)(5.5)](NO3)(0.5).5.5H2O (Ru-Ln; Ln = Er and Yb) are two-dimensional sheets containing cross-linked chains based on Ru2Ln2(mu-CN)4 diamond units, which are linked into one-dimensional chains via shared Ru atoms; [[Ru(CN)4]2(mu-bpym)][Ln(NO3)(H2O)5]2.3H2O (Ru2-Ln; Ln = Nd and Sm) are one-dimensional ladders with parallel Ln-NC-Ru-CN-Ln-NC strands connected by the bipyrimidine "cross pieces" acting as rungs on the ladder; and [[Ru(CN)4]2(mu-bpym)][Ln(H2O)6](0.5)[Ln(H2O)4](NO3)(0.5).nH2O (Ru2-Ln; Ln = Eu, Gd, and Yb; n = 8.5, 8.5, and 8, respectively) are three-dimensional networks in which two-dimensional sheets of Ru2Ln2(mu-CN)4 diamonds are connected via cyanide bridges to Ln(III) ions between the layers. Whereas Ru-Gd shows weak triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (3MLCT) luminescence in the solid state from the Ru-bipyrimidine chromophore, in Ru-Nd, Ru-Er, and Ru-Yb, the Ru-based emission is quenched, and all of these show, instead, sensitized lanthanide-based near-IR luminescence following a Ru --> Ln energy transfer. Similarly, Ru2-Nd and Ru2-Yb show lanthanide-based near-IR emission following excitation of the Ru-bipyrimidine chromophore. Time-resolved luminescence measurements suggest that the Ru --> Ln energy-transfer rate is faster (when Ln = Yb and Er) than in related complexes based on the [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- chromophore, because the lower energy of the Ru-bpym 3MLCT provides better spectroscopic overlap with the low-energy f-f states of Yb(III) and Er(III). In every case, the lanthanide-based luminescence is relatively short-lived as a result of the CN oscillations in the lattice.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of a new family of heterometallic cyanide-bridged Fe(III)2M(II)2 (M=Mn, Ni, and Co) square complexes

New heterobimetallic tetranuclear complexes of formula [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Mn(II)(bpy)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·CH(3)CN (1), [Fe(III){HB(pz)(3)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Ni(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (2a), [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Ni(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (2b), [Fe(III){HB(pz)(3)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Co(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (3a), and [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Co(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (3b), [HB(pz)(3)(-) = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate, B(Pz)(4)(-) = tetrakis(1-pyrazolyl)borate, dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine] have been synthesized and structurally and magnetically characterized. Complexes 1-3b have been prepared by following a rational route based on the self-assembly of the tricyanometalate precursor fac-[Fe(III)(L)(CN)(3)](-) (L = tridentate anionic ligand) and cationic preformed complexes [M(II)(L')(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) (L' = bidentate α-diimine type ligand), this last species having four blocked coordination sites and two labile ones located in cis positions. The structures of 1-3b consist of cationic tetranuclear Fe(III)(2)M(II)(2) square complexes [M = Mn (1), Ni (2a and 2b), Co (3a and 3b)] where corners are defined by the metal ions and the edges by the Fe-CN-M units. The charge is balanced by free perchlorate anions. The [Fe(L)(CN)(3)](-) complex in 1-3b acts as a ligand through two cyanide groups toward two divalent metal complexes. The magnetic properties of 1-3b have been investigated in the temperature range 2-300 K. A moderately strong antiferromagnetic interaction between the low-spin Fe(III) (S = 1/2) and high-spin Mn(II) (S = 5/2) ions has been found for 1 leading to an S = 4 ground state (J(1) = -6.2 and J(2) = -2.7 cm(-1)), whereas a moderately strong ferromagnetic interaction between the low-spin Fe(III) (S = 1/2) and high-spin Ni(II) (S = 1) and Co(II) (S = 3/2) ions has been found for complexes 2a-3b with S = 3 (2a and 2b) and S = 4 (3a and 3b) ground spin states [J(1) = +21.4 cm(-1) and J(2) = +19.4 cm(-1) (2a); J(1) = +17.0 cm(-1) and J(2) = +12.5 cm(-1) (2b); J(1) = +5.4 cm(-1) and J(2) = +11.1 cm(-1) (3a); J(1) = +8.1 cm(-1) and J(2) = +11.0 cm(-1) (3b)] [the exchange Hamiltonian being of the type H? = -J(S?(i)·S?(j))]. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to substantiate the nature and magnitude of the exchange magnetic coupling observed in 1-3b and also to analyze the dependence of the exchange magnetic coupling on the structural parameters of the Fe-C-N-M skeleton.     

Nine non-symmetric pyrazine-pyridine imide-based complexes: reversible redox and isolation of [M(II/III)(pypzca)2](0/+) when M = Co, Fe

The non-symmetric imide ligand Hpypzca (N-(2-pyrazylcarbonyl)-2-pyridinecarboxamide) has been deliberately synthesised and used to produce nine first row transition metal complexes: [M(II)(pypzca)(2)], M = Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe; [M(III)(pypzca)(2)]Y, M = Co and Y = BF(4), M = Fe and Y = ClO(4); [Cu(II)(pypzca)(H(2)O)(2)]BF(4), [Mn(II)(pypzca)(Cl)(2)]HNEt(3). These are the first deliberately prepared complexes of a non-symmetric imide ligand. X-ray crystal structures of [Cu(II)(pypzca)(2)]·H(2)O, [Co(II)(pypzca)(2)], [Co(III)(pypzca)(2)]BF(4), [Cu(II)(pypzca)(H(2)O)(2)]BF(4)·H(2)O and [Mn(II)(pypzca)Cl(2)]HNEt(3) show that each of the (pypzca)(-) ligands binds in a meridional fashion via the N(3) donors. In the first three complexes, two such ligands are bound such that the 'spare' pyrazine nitrogen atoms are positioned approximately orthogonally to one another and also to the imide oxygen atoms. In MeCN the [M(II/III)(pypzca)(2)](0/+) complexes, where M = Ni, Co or Fe, exhibit one reversible metal based M(II/III) process and two distinct, quasi-reversible ligand based reduction processes, the latter also observed for M(II) = Zn. [Mn(II)(pypzca)Cl(2)]HNEt(3) displays a quasi-reversible oxidation process in MeCN, along with several irreversible processes. Both copper(II) complexes show only irreversible processes. Variable temperature magnetic measurements show that [Fe(III)(pypzca)(2)]ClO(4) undergoes a gradual spin crossover from partially high spin at 298 K (3.00 BM) to fully low spin at 2 K (1.96 BM), and that [Co(II)(pypzca)(2)] remains high spin from 298 to 4 K. All of the complexes are weakly coloured, other than [Fe(II)(pypzca)(2)] which is dark purple and absorbs strongly in the visible region.     

Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of three 1D chain complexes based on high-spin metal-cyanide clusters: [Mn(III)6M(III)] (M = Cr, Fe, Co)

On the basis of high-spin metal-cyanide clusters of Mn(III)(6)M(III) (M = Cr, Fe, Co), three one-dimensional (1D) chain complexes, [Mn(salen)](6)[Cr(CN)(6)](2)·6CH(3)OH·H(2)O (1), [Mn(5-CH(3))salen)](6)[Fe(CN)(6)](2)·2CH(3)CN·10H(2)O (2), and [Mn(5-CH(3))salen)](6)[Co(CN)(6)](2)·2CH(3)CN·10H(2)O (3) [salen = N,N'-ethylenebis(salicylideneiminato) dianion], have been synthesized and characterized structurally as well as magnetically. Complexes 2 and 3 are isomorphic but slightly different from complex 1. All three complexes contain a 1D chain structure which is comprised of alternating high-spin metal-cyanide clusters of [Mn(6)M](3+) and a bridging group [M(CN)(6)](3-) in the trans mode. Furthermore, the three complexes all exhibit extended 3D supramolecular networks originating from short intermolecular contacts. Magnetic investigation indicates that the coupling mechanisms are intrachain antiferromagnetic interactions for 1 and ferromagnetic interactions for 2, respectively. Complex 3 is a magnetic dilute system due to the diamagnetic nature of Co(III). Further magnetic investigations show that complexes 1 and 2 are dominated by the 3D antiferromagnetic ordering with T(N) = 7.2 K for 1 and 9.5 K for 2. It is worth noting that the weak frequency-dependent phenomenon of AC susceptibilities was observed in the low-temperature region in both 1 and 2, suggesting the presence of slow magnetic relaxations.     

Crystal structures and magnetic properties of two low-dimensional materials constructed from [Mn(III)(salen)H2O]+ and [M(CN)8](3-/4-) (M = Mo or W) precursors

The syntheses, X-ray structures, and magnetic behaviors of two new cyano-bridged assemblies, the molecular [Mn(III)(salen)H2O]3[W(V)(CN)8].H2O (1) and one-dimensional [Mn(salen)(H2O)2]2[[Mn(salen)(H2O)][Mn(salen)]2[Mo(CN)(8)]].0.5ClO4.0.5OH.4.5H2O (2), are presented. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, has space group P2(1)/c, and has unit cell constants a = 13.7210(2) A, b = 20.6840(4) A, c = 20.6370(2) A, and Z = 4. Compound 2 crystallizes in the triclinic system, has space group P, and has unit cell dimensions a = 18.428(4) A, b = 18.521(3) A, c = 18.567(4) A, and Z = 2. The structure of 1 consists of the asymmetric V-shaped Mn-NC-W-NC-Mn-O(phenolate)-Mn molecules, where W(V) coordinates with [Mn(salen)H2O] and singly phenolate-bridged [Mn(salen)H2O]2 moieties through the neighboring cyano bridges. The [W(V)(CN)8]3- ion displays distorted square-antiprism geometry. The structure of 2 consists of the cyano-bridged [Mn3(III)Mo(IV)]n- repeating units linked by double phenolate bridges into one-dimensional zigzag chains. The Mn(III) centers are bound to Mo(IV) of square-antiprism geometry through the neighboring cyano bridges. The magnetic studies of 1 reveal the antiferromagnetic intramolecular interactions through the CN and phenolate bridges and the relatively weak intermolecular interactions. Compound 1 becomes antiferromagnetically ordered below TN = 4.6 K. The presence of the magnetic anisotropy is documented with the MH measurements carried out for both polycrystalline and single-crystal samples. At T = 1.9 K, the spin-flop transition is observed in the field of 18 kOe applied parallel to the bc plane, which is the easy plane of magnetization. Field dependence of magnetization of 1 shows field-induced metamagnetic behavior from the antiferromagnetic ground state of ST = 3/2 to the state of ST = 5/2. The magnetic properties of 2 indicate a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between Mn(III) centers in double-phenolate-bridged [Mn(III)(salen)]2 dinuclear subunits and a very weak ferromagnetic interaction between them through the diamagnetic [Mo(IV)(CN)8]4- spacer.     

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic characterizations of cyanide-bridged Fe(III)Mn(III) chains constructed by mer-Fe(III)tricyanide and Mn(III) Schiff bases: magnetostructural relationship

Five Fe(III)Mn(III) bimetallic compounds [Fe(iqc)(CN)(3)][Mn(5-Xsalen)]·pMeOH·qMeCN·rH(2)O [Hiqc = N-(quinolin-8-yl)isoquinoline-1-carboxamide; salen = N,N'-ethylenebis(salicylideneiminato) dianion; X = H(2), F(3, 3a), Cl(4), Br(5)] were prepared by assembling a newly designed mer-Fe tricyanide (Ph(4)P)[Fe(iqc)(CN)(3)]·0.5H(2)O (1) and the respective Mn Schiff bases Mn(5-Xsalen)(+). Compounds 2-4 show linear chain structures in which trans-positioned cyanides of the Fe precursor bridge neighbouring Mn atoms, while 5 is a zigzag chain coordination polymer where two cyanide groups of the precursor in the cis mode act as bridges. The structural change from linear to zigzag may arise from the size effect of the halogens. The reversible structural transformation occurs between 3 and 3a upon the solvation-desolvation protocol and the corresponding magnetic behaviours are affected. Furthermore, in 4 and 5, the helical chains are established through hydrogen bonding of solvent molecules. From a magnetostructural point of view, within the linear chain system, the ferromagnetic coupling in 2, contrary to antiferromagnetic interactions in 3-4, is associated with the large torsion angle of C(eq)-Fe-Mn-N(O)(eq) (eq = equatorial) as well as almost the linear Mn-N≡C angle.     

Chiral cyanide-bridged Cr(III)-Mn(III) heterobimetallic chains based on [(Tp)Cr(CN)3]-: synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties

By the reactions of Mn(III) Schiff-base complexes with the tricyanometalate building block, [(Tp)Cr(CN)(3)](-) (Tp = Tris(pyrazolyl) hydroborate), two couples of enantiomerically pure chiral cyano-bridged heterobimetallic one-dimensional (1D) chain complexes, [Mn((R,R)-Salcy)Cr(Tp)(CN)(3)·1/4H(2)O·1/2CH(2)Cl(2)](n) (1) and [Mn((S,S)-Salcy)Cr(Tp)(CN)(3)·1/4H(2)O·1/2CH(2)Cl(2)](n) (2) (Salcy = N,N'-(1,2-cyclohexanediylethylene)bis(salicylideneiminato) dianion), [Mn((R,R)-Salphen)Cr(Tp)(CN)(3)](n) (3) and [Mn((S,S)-Salphen)Cr(Tp)(CN)(3)](n) (4) (Salphen = N,N'-1,2-diphenylethylene-bis(salicylideneiminato) dianion), have been successfully synthesized. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra confirm the enantiomeric nature of the optically active complexes. Structural analyses reveal the formation of neutral cyano-bridged zigzag single chains in 1 and 2, and neutral cyano-bridged zigzag double chains in 3 and 4. Magnetic studies show that antiferromagnetic couplings are operative between Cr(III) and Mn(III) centers bridged by cyanide. Complexes 1 and 2 are the rare examples of chiral ferrimagnets; while complexes 3 and 4 exhibit a coexistence of chirality and spin-glass behavior in a 1D chain.     

Two novel cyanide-bridged bimetallic magnetic chains derived from manganese(III) Schiff bases and hexacyanochromate(III) building blocks

Two novel complexes, [{Mn(salen)}(2){Mn(salen)(CH(3)OH)}{Cr(CN)(6)}](n)·2nCH(3)CN·nCH(3)OH (1) and [Mn(5-Clsalmen)(CH(3)OH)(H(2)O)](2n)[{Mn(5-Clsalmen)(μ-CN)}Cr(CN)(5)](n)·5.5nH(2)O (2) (salen(2-) = N,N'-ethylene-bis(salicylideneiminato) dianion; 5-Clsalmen(2-) = N,N'-(1-methylethylene)-bis(5-chlorosalicylideneiminato) dianion), were synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The structural analyses show that complex 1 consists of one-dimensional (1D) alternating chains formed by the [{Cr(CN)(6)}{Mn(salen)}(4){Mn(salen)(CH(3)OH)}(2)](3+) heptanuclear cations and [Cr(CN)(6)](3-) anions. While in complex 2, the hexacyanochromate(III) anion acts as a bis-monodentate ligand through two trans-cyano groups to bridge two [Mn(5-Clsalmen)](+) cations to form a straight chain. The magnetic analysis indicates that complex 1 shows three-dimensional (3D) antiferromagnetic ordering with the Ne?el temperature of 5.0 K, and it is a metamagnet displaying antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition at a critical field of about 2.6 kOe at 2 K. Complex 2 behaves as a molecular magnet with Tc = 3.0 K.     

Cyanide-bridged Fe(III)-Co(II) bis double zigzag chains with a slow relaxation of the magnetisation

Reaction of [Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)4]- with fully solvated M(II) cations [M = Co (1) and Mn (2)] produces the isostructural bis double zigzag chains [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)4]2M(II)(H2O)] x MeCN x (1/2)H2O; 1 exhibits intrachain ferromagnetic and interchain antiferromagnetic couplings, slow magnetic relaxation and hysteresis effects.     

Synthesis, structure, magnetic properties and DFT calculations of two hydroxo-bridged complexes based on Mn(III)(Schiff-Bases)

Two hydroxo-bridged complexes, {[Mn(III)(3-CH(3)O)salen](2)[Cr(III)(salen)(OH)(2)]}ClO(4)·6H(2)O (1) and {[Mn(III)(5-CH(3))salen](2)(OH)}ClO(4)·3H(2)O (2) [salen = N,N'-ethylenebis(salicylideneiminato) dianion], have been synthesized by the hydrolysis of the corresponding Mn(III)(Schiff-Bases) derivatives and [Cr(salen)(H(2)O)(2)]Cl precursors. X-Ray structure characterization reveals the discrete linear arched trinuclear structure of 1 and the 1D chain arrangement of 2. Magnetic experimental data and density functional theory (DFT) calculations both indicate the dominant antiferromagnetic interaction mediated by the hydroxo-bridges in both 1 and 2. Frequency-dependent AC susceptibilities reveal slow relaxation of 1 in low temperature. It is worth noting that the structure and magnetic properties of 1 is comparable to a reported cyano-bridged SMM, K[(5-Brsalen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)Mn(2)Cr(CN)(6)]·2H(2)O.