Decoupled Spin Crossover and Structural Phase Transition in a Molecular Iron(II) Complex

Crystalline [Fe(bppSMe)₂][BF₄]₂ ( 1 ; bppSMe=4‐(methylsulfanyl)‐2,6‐di(pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine) undergoes an abrupt spin‐crossover (SCO) event at 265±5 K. The crystals also undergo a separate phase transition near 205 K, involving a contraction of the unit‐cell a axis to one‐third of its original value (high‐temperature phase 1; Pbcn, Z=12; low‐temperature phase 2; Pbcn, Z=4). The SCO‐active phase 1 contains two unique molecular environments, one of which appears to undergo SCO more gradually than the other. In contrast, powder samples of 1 retain phase 1 between 140–300 K, although their SCO behaviour is essentially identical to the single crystals. The compounds [Fe(bppBr)₂][BF₄]₂ ( 2 ; bppBr=4‐bromo‐2,6‐di(pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine) and [Fe(bppI)₂][BF₄]₂ ( 3 ; bppI=4‐iodo‐2,6‐di(pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐pyridine) exhibit more gradual SCO near room temperature, and adopt phase 2 in both spin states. Comparison of 1 – 3 reveals that the more cooperative spin transition in 1 , and its separate crystallographic phase transition, can both be attributed to an intermolecular steric interaction involving the methylsulfanyl substituents. All three compounds exhibit the light‐induced excited‐spin‐state trapping (LIESST) effect with T(LIESST=70–80 K), but show complicated LIESST relaxation kinetics involving both weakly cooperative (exponential) and strongly cooperative (sigmoidal) components.     

Two‐Step Spin Transition in a 1D FeII 1,2,4‐Triazole Chain Compound

A thermochromic 1D spin crossover coordination (SCO) polymer [Fe(βAlatrz)₃](BF₄)₂ ? 2 H₂O ( 1? 2 H₂O), whose precursor βAlatrz, (1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl‐propionate) has been tailored from a β‐amino acid ester is investigated in detail by a set of superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared, and Raman measurements. An hysteretic abrupt two‐step spin crossover (T_1/2^↓=230 K and T_1/2^↑=235 K, and T_1/2^↓=172 K and T_1/2^↑=188 K, respectively) is registered for the first time for a 1,2,4‐triazole‐based Fe^II 1D coordination polymer. The two‐step SCO configuration is observed in a 1:2 ratio of low‐spin/high‐spin in the intermediate phase for a 1D chain. The origin of the stepwise transition was attributed to a distribution of chains of different lengths in 1? 2 H₂O after First Order Reversal Curves (FORC) analyses. A detailed DFT analysis allowed us to propose the normal mode assignment of the Raman peaks in the low‐spin and high‐spin states of 1? 2 H₂O. Vibrational spectra of 1? 2 H₂O reveal that the BF₄^? anions and water molecules play no significant role on the vibrational properties of the [Fe(βAlatrz)₃]²⁺ polymeric chains, although non‐coordinated water molecules have a dramatic influence on the emergence of a step in the spin transition curve. The dehydrated material [Fe(βAlatrz)₃](BF₄)₂ ( 1 ) reveals indeed a significantly different magnetic behavior with a one‐step SCO which was also investigated.     

Structural Insights into Hysteretic Spin-Crossover in a Set of Iron(II)-2,6-bis(1H-Pyrazol-1-yl)Pyridine) Complexes

Bistable spin-crossover (SCO) complexes that undergo abrupt and hysteretic (ΔT_1/2) spin-state switching are desirable for molecule-based switching and memory applications. In this study, we report on structural facets governing hysteretic SCO in a set of iron(II)-2,6-bis(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine) (bpp) complexes – [Fe(bpp−COOEt)₂](X)₂ ⋅ CH₃NO₂ (X=ClO₄, 1 ; X=BF₄, 2 ). Stable spin-state switching – T_1/2=288 K; ΔT_1/2=62 K – is observed for 1 , whereas 2 undergoes above-room-temperature lattice-solvent content-dependent SCO – T_1/2=331 K; ΔT_1/2=43 K. Variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of the complexes revealed pronounced molecular reorganizations – from the Jahn-Teller-distorted HS state to the less distorted LS state – and conformation switching of the ethyl group of the COOEt substituent upon SCO. Consequently, we propose that the large structural reorganizations rendered SCO hysteretic in 1 and 2 . Such insights shedding light on the molecular origin of thermal hysteresis might enable the design of technologically relevant molecule-based switching and memory elements.     

Structural Transformations and Spin-Crossover in [FeL2]2+ Salts (L=4-{tert-Butylsulfanyl}-2,6-di{pyrazol-1-yl}pyridine): The Influence of Bulky Ligand Substituents

4-(tert-Butylsulfanyl)-2,6-di(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (L) was obtained in low yield from a one-pot reaction of 2,4,6-trifluoropyridine with 2-methylpropane-2-thiolate and sodium pyrazolate in a 1:1:2 ratio. The materials [FeL₂][BF₄]₂⋅solv ( 1[BF₄]₂ ⋅solv) and [FeL₂][ClO₄]₂⋅solv ( 1[ClO₄]₂ ⋅solv; solv=MeNO₂, MeCN or Me₂CO) exhibit a variety of structures and spin-state behaviors including thermal spin-crossover (SCO). Solvent loss on heating 1[BF₄]₂ ⋅x MeNO₂ (x≈2.3) occurs in two steps. The intermediate phase exhibits hysteretic SCO around 250 K, involving a “reverse-SCO” step in its warming cycle at a scan rate of 5 K min⁻¹. The reverse-SCO is not observed in a slower 1 K min⁻¹ measurement, however, confirming its kinetic nature. The final product [FeL₂][BF₄]₂⋅0.75 MeNO₂ was crystallographically characterized, and shows abrupt but incomplete SCO at 172 K which correlates with disorder of an L ligand. The asymmetric unit of 1[BF₄]₂ ⋅y Me₂CO (y≈1.6) contains five unique complex molecules, four of which undergo gradual SCO in at least two discrete steps. Low-spin 1[ClO₄]₂ ⋅0.5 Me₂CO is not isostructural with its BF₄⁻ congener, and undergoes single-crystal-to-single-crystal solvent loss with a tripling of the crystallographic unit cell volume, while retaining the P space group. Three other solvate salts undergo gradual thermal SCO. Two of these are isomorphous at room temperature, but transform to different low-temperature phases when the materials are fully low-spin.     

Sliding Polymeric Layers and Anion Displacement Coupled with Spin Crossover in Two-Dimensional Networks of [Fe(hbtz)2(CH3CN)2](BF4)2

The abrupt high spin (HS)→low spin (LS) transition (T^↓_1/2=136 K) in [Fe(hbtz)₂(CH₃CN)₂](BF₄)₂ (hbtz=1,6-di(tetrazol-2-yl)hexane) is finished at 100 K and further thermal treatment influences the spin crossover. Subsequent heating involves a change of the spin state in the same way (T^↑_1/2=136 K) on cooling. In contrast, cooling below 100 K triggers different behavior and T^↑_1/2 is shifted to 170 K. The extraordinary structural changes that occurred below 100 K are responsible for the observed diversity of properties. A unique feature of the low-temperature phase is the rebuilding of the anion network expressed by a shift of anions inside the polymeric layer at a distance of 1.2 Å as well as the relative shift of neighboring layers at over 4 Å. These structural alterations, connected with a phase transition, become the origin of the strain, which in most cases causes crystal cleaving. In a sample composed from crystals crushed as a result of the phase transition or as a result of mechanical crumbling, the hysteresis loop vanishes; however, annealing the sample allows to its partial restoration. A replacement of acetonitrile by other nitriles leads to preservation of the polymeric structure and spin crossover, but no phase transition follows.     

A Brønsted‐Ligand‐Based Iron Complex as a Molecular Switch with Five Accessible States

A mononuclear Fe^II complex, prepared with a Brønsted diacid ligand, H₂L (H₂L=2‐[5‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐yl] 6‐benzimidazole pyridine), shows switchable physical properties and was isolated in five different electronic states. The spin crossover (SCO) complex, [Fe^II(H₂L)₂](BF₄)₂ ( 1_A ), exhibits abrupt spin transition at T_1/2=258 K, and treatment with base yields a deprotonated analogue [Fe^II(HL)₂] ( 1_B ), which shows gradual SCO above 350 K. A range of Fe^III analogues were also characterized. [Fe^III(HL)(H₂L)](BF₄)Cl ( 1_C ) has an S=5/2 spin state, while the deprotonated complexes [Fe^III(L)(HL)], ( 1_D ), and (TEA)[Fe^III(L)₂], ( 1_E ) exist in the low‐spin S=1/2 state. The electronic properties of the five complexes were fully characterized and we demonstrate in situ switching between multiple states in both solution and the solid‐state. The versatility of this simple mononuclear system illustrates how proton donor/acceptor ligands can vastly increase the range of accessible states in switchable molecular devices.     

Different Spin‐State Behaviors in Isostructural Solvates of a Molecular Iron(II) Complex

The complex [FeL₂][BF₄]₂ ( 1 ; L=4‐(isopropylsulfanyl)‐2,6‐di(pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine) forms solvate crystals 1 ?solv (solv=MeNO₂, MeCN, EtCN, or Me₂CO). Most of these materials lose their solvent sluggishly on heating. However, heating 1 ?MeNO₂ at 450 K, or storing 1 ?EtCN under ambient conditions, leads to single‐crystal to single‐crystal exchange of the organic solvent for atmospheric moisture, forming 1 ?H₂O. Solvent‐free 1 ( 1 ?sf) can be generated in situ by annealing 1 ?H₂O at 370 K in the diffractometer or magnetometer. The different forms of 1 are isostructural (P2₁/c, Z=4) and most of them exhibit spin‐crossover (SCO) at 141≤T ≤212 K, depending on their solvent content. The exception is the EtCN solvate, whose pristine crystals remain high‐spin between 3–300 K. The cooperativity of the spin‐transitions depends on the solvent, ranging from gradual and incomplete when solv=acetone to abrupt with 17 K hysteresis when solv=MeCN. Our previously proposed relationship between molecular structure and SCO explains some of these observations, but there is no single structural feature that correlates with SCO in all the 1 ?solv materials. However, changes to the unit cell dimensions during SCO differ significantly between the solvates, and correlate with the SCO cooperativity. In particular, the percentage change in unit cell volume during SCO for the most cooperative material, 1 ?MeCN, is 10 times smaller than for the other 1 ?solv crystals.     

A Sequential Method to Prepare Polymorphs and Solvatomorphs of [Fe(1,3‐bpp)2](ClO4)2⋅nH2O (n=0, 1, 2) with Varying Spin‐Crossover Behaviour

Two polymorphs of the spin crossover (SCO) compound [Fe(1,3‐bpp)₂](ClO₄)₂ ( 1 and 2 ; 1,3‐bpp=2‐(pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐6‐(pyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridine) were prepared using a novel, stepwise procedure. Crystals of 1 deposit from dry solvents, while 2 is obtained from a solid‐state procedure, by sequentially removing lattice H₂O molecules from the solvatomorph [Fe(1,3‐bpp)₂](ClO₄)₂?2 H₂O ( 2 ?2 H₂O), using single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC) transformations. Hydrate 2 ?2 H₂O is obtained through the same reaction as 1 , now with 2.5 % of water added. Compounds 2 and 2 ?2 H₂O are unstable in the atmosphere and absorb or lose one equivalent of water, respectively, to both yield the stable solvatomorph [Fe(1,3‐bpp)₂](ClO₄)₂?H₂O ( 2 ?H₂O), also following SCSC processes. The four derivatives have been characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD). Furthermore, the homogeneity of the various compounds as well as their SCSC interconversions have been confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). Polymorphs 1 and 2 exhibit abrupt SCO behaviour near room temperature with T_1/2↑=279/316 K and T_1/2↓=276/314 K (near 40 K of shift) and different cooperativity.     

Lattice Effects on the Spin‐Crossover Profile of a Mononuclear Manganese(III) Cation

Six solvated salts of a mononuclear manganese(III) complex with a chelating hexadentate Schiff base ligand are reported. One member of the series, [MnL]PF₆^.0.5 CH₃OH ( 1 ), shows a rare low‐spin (LS) electronic configuration between 10–300 K. The remaining five salts, [MnL]NO₃? C₂H₅OH ( 2 ), [MnL]BF₄?C₂H₅OH ( 3 ), [MnL]CF₃SO₃?C₂H₅OH ( 4 ), [MnL]ClO₄?C₂H₅OH ( 5 ) and [MnL]ClO₄?0.5 CH₃CN ( 6 ), all show gradual incomplete spin‐crossover (SCO) behaviour. The structures of all were determined at 100 K, and also at 293 K in the case of 3 – 6 . The LS salt [MnL]PF₆^.0.5 CH₃OH is the only member of the series that does not exhibit strong hydrogen bonding. At 100 K two of the four SCO complexes ( 2 and 4 ) assemble into 1D hydrogen‐bonded chains, which weaken or rupture on warming. The remaining SCO complexes 3 , 5 and 6 do not form 1D hydrogen‐bonded chains, but instead exhibit discrete hydrogen bonding between cation/counterion, cation/solvent or counterion/solvent and show no significant change on warming.     

Reaction of N-nitro-O-(4-nitrophenyl)hydroxylamine with phosphorus pentoxide in the presence of nitriles. New method for the generation of aryloxenium ion

A reaction of N-nitro-O-(4-nitrophenyl)hydroxylamine with nitriles RCN (R = Me, Et, Ph) in the presence of P₄O₁₀ in excess amount at 0 °C leads to the formation of 2-R-5-nitro-1,3-benzoxazoles. The reaction presumably takes place through the intermediate (phenoxy)oxodiazonium ion [NO₂C₆H₄O-N=N=O]⁺, which eliminates an N₂O molecule to form the aryloxenium ion [NO₂C₆H₄O]⁺. The latter reacts with nitriles RCN at the ortho-carbon atom of the phenyl ring giving 2-R-5-nitro-1,3-benzoxazoles.     

Pseudopolymorphism of [2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)­pyrazine]­ferrocenyl(methyl)­boron hexa­fluoro­phosphate

Two pseudopolymorphs of [2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)­pyrazine]­ferrocenyl­(methyl)­boron hexa­fluoro­phosphate have been determined at 173 K, namely the diethyl ether hemisolvate, [Fe(C₅H₅)(C₂₀H₁₇BN₄)]PF₆·0.5C₄H₁₀O, (I), which forms red crystals with Z′ = 1, and the aceto­nitrile hemisolvate, [Fe(C₅H₅)(C₂₀H₁₇BN₄)]PF₆·0.5CH₃CN, (II), which yields green–brown crystals with Z′ = 2. Despite the different crystal packing, the cations in (I) and (II) are similar. The 2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)­pyrazine moiety is almost planar and displays bending along its long axis compared with free 2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)­pyrazine. It is remarkable that both crystals were obtained from the same aceto­nitrile/diethyl ether solution.     

Influence of the intermolecular interaction on photo-induced spin-transition of [Fe(R-pap)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]X

Summary Iron(III) spin-crossover complexes [Fe(pap)₂]ClO₄^. H₂O (1), [Fe(pap)₂]BF₄^. H₂O (2), [Fe(pap)₂]PF₆^. CH₃OH (3), [Fe(CH₃-pap)₂]ClO₄^. H₂O (4), [Fe_0.5Al_0.5(pap)₂]ClO₄^. CH₃OH (5) and [Fe_0.25Al_0.75(pap)₂] ClO₄^. CH₃OH (6)were prepared andthe spin transition behaviors of the complexes have been studied from magnetic susceptibility and M?ssbauer spectroscopy measurements. The magnetic properties of light-induced metastable state are measured using Hg-Xe light source. T_1/2is temperature at which the populations of the high-spin and low-spin species are fifty-fifty. Metastable HS is produced by light irradiation at 5 K. T(LIESST) is the temperature at which the populations of the metastable high-spin species decrease to one half and cooperativity factor Cis defined as the parameter which presents the strength of cooperativity. The value of T(LIESST) decreases as T_1/2increases and the plots of T(LIESST) vs. Cshow linear correlation. The effect of cooperativity of the complexes on the relaxations in solid was confirmed for the iron(III) complexes.     

A Reversible Hydrogen-Bond Isomerization Triggered by an Abrupt Spin Crossover near Room Temperature

The spin crossover salt [Fe(bpp)₂](isonicNO)₂⋅ 2.4 H₂O ( 1 ⋅2.4 H₂O) (bpp=2,6-bis(pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine; isonicNO=isonicotinate N-oxide anion) exhibits a very abrupt spin crossover at T_1/2=274.4 K. This triggers a supramolecular linkage (H-bond) isomerization that responds reversibly towards light irradiation or temperature change. Isotopic effects in the thermomagnetic behavior reveal the importance of hydrogen bonds in defining the magnetic state. Further, the title compound can be reversibly dehydrated to afford 1 , a material that also exhibits spin crossover coupled to H-bond isomerization, leading to strong kinetic effects in the thermomagnetic properties.     

Heteroleptic FeII Complexes of 2,2′‐Biimidazole and Its Alkylated Derivatives: Spin‐Crossover and Photomagnetic Behavior

Three iron(II) complexes, [Fe(TPMA)(BIM)](ClO₄)₂?0.5H₂O ( 1 ), [Fe(TPMA)(XBIM)](ClO₄)₂ ( 2 ), and [Fe(TPMA)(XBBIM)](ClO₄)₂ ?0.75CH₃OH ( 3 ), were prepared by reactions of Fe^II perchlorate and the corresponding ligands (TPMA=tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine, BIM=2,2′‐biimidazole, XBIM=1,1′‐(α,α′‐o‐xylyl)‐2,2′‐biimidazole, XBBIM=1,1′‐(α,α′‐o‐xylyl)‐2,2′‐bibenzimidazole). The compounds were investigated by a combination of X‐ray crystallography, magnetic and photomagnetic measurements, and Mössbauer and optical absorption spectroscopy. Complex 1 exhibits a gradual spin crossover (SCO) with T_1/2=190 K, whereas 2 exhibits an abrupt SCO with approximately 7 K thermal hysteresis (T_1/2=196 K on cooling and 203 K on heating). Complex 3 is in the high‐spin state in the 2–300 K range. The difference in the magnetic behavior was traced to differences between the inter‐ and intramolecular interactions in 1 and 2 . The crystal packing of 2 features a hierarchy of intermolecular interactions that result in increased cooperativity and abruptness of the spin transition. In 3 , steric repulsion between H atoms of one of the pyridyl substituents of TPMA and one of the benzene rings of XBBIM results in a strong distortion of the Fe^II coordination environment, which stabilizes the high‐spin state of the complex. Both 1 and 2 exhibit a photoinduced low‐spin to high‐spin transition (LIESST effect) at 5 K. The difference in the character of intermolecular interactions of 1 and 2 also manifests in the kinetics of the decay of the photoinduced high‐spin state. For 1 , the decay rate constant follows the single‐exponential law, whereas for 2 it is a stretched exponential, reflecting the hierarchical nature of intermolecular contacts. The structural parameters of the photoinduced high‐spin state at 50 K are similar to those determined for the high‐spin state at 295 K. This study shows that N‐alkylation of BIM has a negligible effect on the ligand field strength. Therefore, the combination of TPMA and BIM offers a promising ligand platform for the design of functionalized SCO complexes.     

Synthesis and Characterization of [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)](BF4)] Nanocubes

Compounds that exhibit spin-crossover (SCO) type behavior have been extensively investigated due to their ability to act as molecular switches. Depending on the coordinating ligand, in this case 1H-1,2,4-triazole, and the crystallite size of the SCO compound produced, the energy requirement for the spin state transition can vary. Here, SCO [Fe(Htrz)₂(trz)](BF₄)] nanoparticles were synthesized using modified reverse micelle methods. Reaction conditions and reagent ratios are strictly controlled to produce nanocubes of 40–50 nm in size. Decreases in energy requirements are seen in both thermal and magnetic transitions for the smaller sized crystallites, where, compared to bulk materials, a decrease of as much as 20 °C can be seen in low to high spin state transitions.     

Solvent Dependent Spin‐Crossover and Photomagnetic Properties in an Imidazolylimine FeII Complex

The synthesis and physico‐chemical characterization of an Fe^II complex [Fe( L1 )₃](ClO₄)₂?CH₃CN?0.5H₂O, 1 , incorporating a bidentate imidazolylimine‐based ligand are reported. Complex 1 crystallises as the mer‐isomer and the crystal lattice is replete with hydrogen bonding interactions between ClO₄^? anions, solvent molecules and imidazole N‐H groups. Variable‐temperature structural, magnetic, photomagnetic and optical reflectivity techniques have been deployed to fully characterise the spin‐crossover (SCO) behaviour in 1 along with its desolvated phase, 1?desolv . Variable‐temperature (1.8–300 K) magnetic‐susceptibility measurements reveal a broad two‐step full SCO for 1 (T_1/2=158 and 184 K) and photomagnetic experiments at 10 K under white‐light irradiation revealed complete photo‐induced SCO. 1?desolv displays considerably different magnetic behaviour with sharp single‐step SCO accompanied by a thermal hysteresis (T_1/2↑=105 K, T_1/2↓=95 K) in addition to full photo‐induced SCO at lower temperatures.     

(Fluoroorgano)fluoroboranes and ‐borates. 7 [1] The Reaction of RFBF2 and K [RFBF3] (RF = perfluorophenyl‐, perfluoroalk‐1‐enyl‐ and perfluoroalkyl) with Xenon Difluoride in Anhydrous HF

The dissolution of (perfluoroorgano)difluoroboranes R_FBF₂ in anhydrous HF (aHF) resulted in equilibrium mixtures of the starting borane and different kinds of acid‐base products: [H₂F] [R_FBF₂(F · HF)] (R_F = C₆F₅, cis‐C₂F₅CF=CF, trans‐C₄F₉CF=CF) or [H₂F] [R_FBF₃] (R_F = C₆F₁₃). In aHF the aryl compounds C₆F₅BF₂ and K [C₆F₅BF₃] showed two parallel reactivities with XeF₂: xenodeborylation (formation of the [C₆F₅Xe]⁺ cation) and fluorine addition to the aryl group. In aHF perfluoroalk‐1‐enyldifluoroboranes R_FBF₂ as well as potassium perfluoroalk‐1‐enyltrifluoroborates K [R_FBF₃] (R_F = cis‐C₂F₅CF=CF, trans‐C₄F₉CF=CF) underwent only fluorine addition across the carbon‐carbon double bond under the action of XeF₂. Potassium perfluorohexyltrifluoroborate K [C₆F₁₃BF₃] did not react with XeF₂ in aHF.     

Coupled crystallographic order-disorder and spin state in a bistable molecule: multiple transition dynamics

A novel bispyrazolylpyridine ligand incorporating lateral phenol groups, H₄L, has led to an Fe^II spin‐crossover (SCO) complex, [Fe(H₄L)₂][ClO₄]₂ ? H₂O ? 2 (CH₃)₂CO ( 1 ), with an intricate network of intermolecular interactions. It exhibits a 40 K wide hysteresis of magnetization as a result of the spin transition (with T_0.5 of 133 and 173 K) and features an unsymmetrical and very rich structure. The latter is a consequence of the coupling between the SCO and the crystallographic transformations. The high‐spin state may also be thermally trapped, exhibiting a very large T_TIESST (≈104 K). The structure of 1 has been determined at various temperatures after submitting the crystal to different processes to recreate the key points of the hysteresis cycle and thermal trapping; 200 K, cooled to 150 K and trapped at 100 K (high spin, HS), slowly cooled to 100 K and warmed to 150 K (low spin, LS). In the HS state, the system always exhibits disorder for some components (one ClO₄^? and two acetone molecules) whereas the LS phases show a relative ≈9 % reduction in the Fe? N bond lengths and anisotropic contraction of the unit cell. Most importantly, in the LS state all the species are always found to be ordered. Therefore, the bistability of crystallographic order–disorder coupled to SCO is demonstrated here experimentally for the first time. The variation in the cell parameters in 1 also exhibits hysteresis. The structural and magnetic thermal variations in this compound are paralleled by changes in the heat capacity as measured by differential scanning calorimetry. Attempts to simulate the asymmetric SCO behaviour of 1 by using an Ising‐like model underscore the paramount role of dynamics in the coupling between the SCO and the crystallographic transitions.     

An Investigation of Photo‐ and Pressure‐Induced Effects in a Pair of Isostructural Two‐Dimensional Spin‐Crossover Framework Materials

Two new isostructural iron(II) spin‐crossover (SCO) framework (SCOF) materials of the type [Fe(dpms)₂(NCX)₂] (dpms=4,4′‐dipyridylmethyl sulfide; X=S ( SCOF‐6(S) ), X=Se ( SCOF‐6(Se) )) have been synthesized. The 2D framework materials consist of undulating and interpenetrated rhomboid (4,4) nets. SCOF‐6(S) displays an incomplete SCO transition with only approximately 30 % conversion of high‐spin (HS) to low‐spin iron(II) sites over the temperature range 300–4 K (T_1/2=75 K). In contrast, the NCSe^? analogue, SCOF‐6(Se) , displays a complete SCO transition (T_1/2=135 K). Photomagnetic characterizations reveal quantitative light‐ induced excited spin‐state trapping (LIESST) of metastable HS iron(II) sites at 10 K. The temperature at which the photoinduced stored information is erased is 58 and 50 K for SCOF‐6(S) and SCOF‐6(Se) , respectively. Variable‐pressure magnetic measurements were performed on SCOF‐6(S) , revealing that with increasing pressure both the T_1/2 value and the extent of spin conversion are increased; with pressures exceeding 5.2 kbar a complete thermal transition is achieved. This study confirms that kinetic trapping effects are responsible for hindering a complete thermally induced spin transition in SCOF‐6(S) at ambient pressure due to an interplay between close T_1/2 and T(LIESST) values.     

Simplified formula for the1 A 1⇄5 T 2 spin transition temperature in Fe(II) complexes

A formula relating the¹A₁?⁵T₂ spin transition temperature (T_c) in Fe(II) complexes to characteristics of the compounds is derived. With certain assumptions, T_c is determined by the splitting parameter Δ_LS of e_g- and t_2g-orbitals for the low-spin complexes and by the frequency ratio of normal vibrations of the low- and high-spin phases. For the group of compounds possessing spin transitions, the values of Δ_LS are found and analyzed. Correlations between T_c and Δ_LS are established; the values of the change in the probability of the Mössbauer effect are correlated with those of entropy of spin transition. The correlations are substantiated. It is concluded that for mononuclear Fe(II) complexes possessing sharp spin transitions, T_c may not be significantly higher than for Fe(Phy)₂(BF₄)₂ (T_c=282 K).