Ferromagnetism and chirality in two-dimensional cyanide-bridged bimetallic compounds

The combination of hexacyanoferrate(III) anions, [Fe(CN)(6)](3)(-), with nickel(II) complexes derived from the chiral ligand trans-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine (trans-chxn) affords the enantiopure layered compounds [Ni(trans-(1S,2S)-chxn)(2)](3)[Fe(CN)(6)](2).2H(2)O (1) and [Ni(trans-(1R,2R)-chxn)(2)](3)[Fe(CN)(6)](2).2H(2)O (2). These chiral systems behave as ferromagnets (T(c) = 13.8 K) with a relatively high coercive field (H(c) = 0.17 T) at 2 K. They also exhibit an unusual magnetic behavior at low temperatures that has been attributed to the dynamics of the magnetic domains in the ordered phase.     

Spin crossover behavior in a family of iron(II) zigzag chain coordination polymers

The paper reports the synthesis and detailed characterization of two new Fe(II) compounds: [Fe(pyim)(2)(bpen)](ClO(4))(2).2C(2)H(5)OH (2) and [Fe(pyim)(2)(bpe)](ClO(4))(2).C(2)H(5)OH (3) (pyim = 2-(2-pyridyl)imidazole, bpen = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane, and bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene). Both compounds and the earlier synthesized [Fe(pyim)(2)(bpy)](ClO(4))(2).2C(2)H(5)OH (1) (bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine) form a family of one-dimensional spin crossover coordination polymers. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and M?ssbauer spectroscopy have revealed rather gradual spin transitions centered at 176 and 198 K for 2 and 3, respectively. The fitting of magnetic properties with the regular solution model leads to the enthalpy and entropy of spin transitions and the cooperativity parameter equal to DeltaH = 12.3 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS = 68.5 J mol(-1) K(-1), Gamma = 1.80 kJ mol(-1) for 2 and DeltaH = 13.6 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS = 68.1 J mol(-1) K(-1), Gamma = 2.05 kJ mol(-1) for 3. The crystal structures of 2 and 3, resolved by X-ray diffraction at 293 K, belong to the monoclinic space group C2/c (Z = 4). Both compounds display a one-dimensional infinite zigzag-chain structure. The polymer chains are stacked into two-dimensional sheets through intermolecular pi-interactions. The crystal packing of both compounds encloses two kinds of channels in which the counter ions and ethanol molecules are inserted. The DFT calculations of binuclear fragments extracted from three polymers resulted in the energy gaps between the LS and HS states being ordered as the observed transition temperatures. The influence of bridging ligands in the studied family of compounds was found in the modulation of the energy gap between the LS and HS states, leading to different transition temperatures.     

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.     

Influence of the synthetic conditions on the structural diversity of extended manganese-oxalato-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene systems

We report herein the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of eight new manganese-oxalato compounds with 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpe): {(Hbpe)(2)[Mn(2)(μ-ox)(3)]·～0.8(C(2)H(5)OH)·～0.4(H(2)O)}(n) (1), {[Mn(μ-ox)(μ-bpe)]·xH(2)O}(n) (2), [Mn(2)(μ-ox)(2)(μ-bpe)(bpe)(2)](n) (3), [Mn(μ-ox)(μ-bpe)](n) (4a and 4b), and {[Mn(4)(μ-ox)(3)(μ-bpe)(4)(H(2)O)(4)]·(X)(2)·mY}(n) with X = NO(3)(-) (5a), Br(-) (5b), and ClO(4)(-) (5c) and Y = solvation molecules. The appropriate selection of the synthetic conditions allowed us to control the crystal structure and to design extended 2D and 3D frameworks. Compound 1 is obtained at acid pH values and its crystal structure consists of stacked [Mn(2)(μ-ox)(3)](2-) layers with cationic Hbpe(+) molecules intercalated among them. Compound 2 was obtained at basic pH values with a manganese/bpe ratio of 1:1, and the resulting 3D structure consists of an interpenetrating framework in which metal-oxalato chains are bridged by bpe ligands, leading to a microporous network that hosts a variable number of water molecules (between 0 and 1) depending on the synthetic conditions. Compound 3, synthesized with a manganese/bpe ratio of 1:3, shows a 2D framework in which linear metal-oxalato chains are joined by bis-monodentate 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene ligands. The thermal treatment of compound 3 permits the release of one of the bpe molecules, giving rise to two new 2D crystalline phases of formula [Mn(μ-ox)(μ-bpe)](n) (4a and 4b) depending on the heating rate. The open structures of 5a-5c were synthesized in a medium with a high concentration of nitrate, perchlorate, or bromide salts (potassium or sodium as cations). These anions behave as templating agents directing the crystal growing toward a cationic porous network, in which the anions placed in the voids and channels of the structure present high mobility, as inferred from the ionic exchange experiments. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements show an overall antiferromagnetic behavior for all compounds, which are discussed in detail.     

New hybrid semiconductor materials based on viologen salts of bimetallic Fe-Pt and Fe-Au carbonyl clusters: first structural characterization of the diradical pi-dimer of the diethylviologen monocation and EPR evidence of its triplet state

The synthesis, structure, spectroscopic characterization and electrical resistivity of the [EtV](2)[Fe(4)Pt(CO)(16)], [EtV][Fe(3)Pt(3)(CO)(15)].THF, [EtV][Fe(4)Au(CO)(16)](2)2.THF (EtV=1,1'-diethyl-4,4'-bipyridilium cation) and [NEt(4)](2)[Fe(4)Au(CO)(16)] is reported. The crystal structure of [EtV](2)[Fe(4)Pt(CO)(16)] is based on infinite stacks of [(EtV)(*+)](2) pi-dimers rotated by 90 degrees and isolated [Fe(4)Pt(CO)(16)](2-) ions. Within each pi-dimer, the [EtV](*+) radical ions are perfectly eclipsed and the distance between their mean planes is 3.275 A. The EPR spectrum of the solid material at room temperature clearly indicates the presence of a significantly populated triplet state of the pi-dimer, by showing signals both at Deltam=1 and Deltam=2. The solid-state structure of [EtV][Fe(3)Pt(3)(CO)(15)].THF is based on the ionic packing of [EtV](2+) and [Fe(3)Pt(3)(CO)(15)](2-) ions, inferred from a comparison of their molecular parameters with literature data. Significant electron transfer could have been expected to give [EtV](*+)[Fe(3)Pt(3)(CO)(15)](*-) on the basis of their formal redox potentials. In spite of their different stoichiometries, the structures of [EtV][Fe(4)Au(CO)(16)](2).2 THF and [NEt(4)](2)[Fe(4)Au(CO)(16)] both contain an isomer of the monoanion [Fe(4)Au(CO)(16)](-) in solution (previously characterized in the solid state as a [NMe(3)CH(2)Ph](2)[Fe(4)Au(CO)(16)]Cl mixed salt). Resistivity measurements on pellets of powdered samples of the above compounds indicate that their tetrasubstituted ammonium salts, and complex [EtV][Fe(4)Au(CO)(16)](2)2.THF, largely behave as insulators. However, the [EtV](2)[Fe(4)Pt(CO)(16)] and [EtV][Fe(3)Pt(3)(CO)(15)].THF samples respectively display resistivities 3 and 4 orders of magnitude less than those of their corresponding ammonium salts and could be classified as semiconductor materials.     

Entrapment of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ in the anionic metal-organic framework: novel photoluminescence behavior exhibiting dual emission at room temperature

[Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) ions were entrapped into the cavities of two-dimensional anionic sheet-like coordination polymeric networks of [M(dca)(3)](-) (dca = dicyanamide; M = Mn(II) and Fe(II)). The prepared compounds, {[Ru(bpy)(3)][Mn(dca)(3)](2)}(n) (1) and {[Ru(bpy)(3)][Fe(dca)(3)](2)}(n) (2), were structurally characterized by X-ray single crystal analysis. The spectroscopic properties of the [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) ion dramatically changed on its entrapment in [M(dca)(3)](-). The [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) moiety present in 1 and 2 exhibits novel dual photo-emission at room temperature.     

A novel one-dimensional cyano-bridged Ni3Fe2 ferromagnet constructed from bimetallic molecular squares

Reaction of the complex [Ni(rac-CTH)](2+) (rac-CTH = rac-5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) with [Fe(CN)(6)](3-) leads to a novel cyano-bridged Ni(3)Fe(2) complex, [[Ni(rac-CTH)](3)[Fe(CN)(6)](2)](4). The structure consists of an alternating arrangement of [Fe(CN)(6)Ni(rac-CTH)](2) squares and trans-planar [Ni(rac-CTH)](2+) units bridged by cyanide groups to give a neutral 1D chain running along the a axis. Magnetic measurements reveal the occurrence of ferromagnetic coupling between Fe(III) and Ni(II) ions and 3D magnetic ordering at 3 K due to interchain interactions. Canting of the moments is inferred from the low value of the magnetization of the saturation below T(c).     

4,2-Ribbon like ferromagnetic cyano-bridged Fe(III)2Ni(II) chains: a magneto-structural study

The low-spin iron(III) complex AsPh(4)[Fe(III)(bpy)(CN)(4)].CH(3)CN (1) [AsPh(4) = tetraphenylarsonium cation] and the heterobimetallic chains [{Fe(III)(L)(CN)(4)}(2)Ni(II)(H(2)O)(2)].4H(2)O with L = bpy (2) and phen (3) [bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline] have been prepared and their structures determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The structure of 1 consists of mononuclear [Fe(bpy)(CN)(4)](-) anions, tetraphenylarsonium cations and acetonitrile molecules of crystallization. The iron(III) is hexacoordinated with two nitrogen atoms of the bidentate bpy and four carbon atoms of four terminal cyanide groups building a distorted octahedral surrounding around the metal atom. 2 and 3 are isomorphous compounds whose structure is made up of neutral 4,2-ribbon like bimetallic chains of formula [{Fe(III)(L)(CN)(4)}(2)Ni(II)(H(2)O)(2)] where the [Fe(III)(L)(CN)(4)](-) unit acts as a bis-monodentate bridging ligand toward the trans-diaquanickel(II) units through two of its four cyanide groups in cis positions. The chains exhibit two orientations in the unit cell and they interact with each other through hydrogen bonds involving the coordination and crystallization water molecules together with the uncoordinated cyanide nitrogen atoms of the [Fe(L)(CN)(4)](-) units. Compounds 2 and 3 behave as ferromagnetic Fe(III)(2)Ni(II) chains which interact ferromagnetically at very low temperatures in the case of 2, whereas metamagnetic-like behaviour is observed for with a critical field (H(c)) around 200 G. For H > H(c) the ferromagnetic Fe(III)(2)Ni(II) chains of 3 exhibit a frequency dependence of the out-of-phase ac susceptibility signal at T < 3.5 K.     

Mono- and dinuclear iron complexes of bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)ketone (bik): structure, magnetic properties, and catalytic oxidation studies

The newly synthesized dinuclear complex [Fe(III)(2)(μ-OH)(2)(bik)(4)](NO(3))(4) (1) (bik, bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)ketone) shows rather short Fe···Fe (3.0723(6) ?) and Fe-O distances (1.941(2)/1.949(2) ?) compared to other unsupported Fe(III)(2)(μ-OH)(2) complexes. The bridging hydroxide groups of 1 are strongly hydrogen-bonded to a nitrate anion. The (57)Fe isomer shift (δ = 0.45 mm s(-1)) and quadrupole splitting (ΔE(Q) = 0.26 mm s(-1)) obtained from Mo?ssbauer spectroscopy are consistent with the presence of two identical high-spin iron(III) sites. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility studies revealed antiferromagnetic exchange (J = 35.9 cm(-1) and H = JS(1)·S(2)) of the metal ions. The optimized DFT geometry of the cation of 1 in the gas phase agrees well with the crystal structure, but both the Fe···Fe and Fe-OH distances are overestimated (3.281 and 2.034 ?, respectively). The agreement in these parameters improves dramatically (3.074 and 1.966 ?) when the hydrogen-bonded nitrate groups are included, reducing the value calculated for J by 35%. Spontaneous reduction of 1 was observed in methanol, yielding a blue [Fe(II)(bik)(3)](2+) species. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements of [Fe(II)(bik)(3)](OTf)(2) (2) revealed spin-crossover behavior. Thermal hysteresis was observed with 2, due to a loss of cocrystallized solvent molecules, as monitored by thermogravimetric analysis. The hysteresis disappears once the solvent is fully depleted by thermal cycling. [Fe(II)(bik)(3)](OTf)(2) (2) catalyzes the oxidation of alkanes with t-BuOOH. High selectivity for tertiary C-H bond oxidation was observed with adamantane (3°/2° value of 29.6); low alcohol/ketone ratios in cyclohexane and ethylbenzene oxidation, a strong dependence of total turnover number on the presence of O(2), and a low retention of configuration in cis-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane oxidation were observed. Stereoselective oxidation of olefins with dihydrogen peroxide yielding epoxides was observed under both limiting oxidant and substrate conditions.     

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.     

Structural and photomagnetic studies of two compounds in the system Cu(2+)/Mo(CN8)(4-): from trinuclear molecule to infinite network

The syntheses and structural and physical characterization of the compounds [Cu(bipy)(2)](2)[Mo(CN)(8)].5H(2)O. CH(3)OH (1) with bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine and M(II)(2)[Mo(IV)(CN)(8)].xH(2)O (2 with M = Cu, x = 7.5; 3 with M = Mn, x = 9.5) are presented. 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1; (a = 11.3006(4) A, b = 12.0886(5) A, c = 22.9589(9) A, alpha = 81.799(2) degrees, beta = 79.787(2) degrees, gamma = 62.873(2) degrees, Z = 2). The structure of 1 consists of neutral trinuclear molecules in which a central [Mo(CN8)](4-) anion is linked to two [Cu(bipy)2](2+) cations through two cyanide bridges. 2 crystallizes poorly, and hence, structural information has been obtained from the wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) technique, by comparison with 3 and Fe(II)(2)(H(2)O)(4)[Mo(IV)(CN)(8)].4H(2)O whose X-ray structure has been previously solved. 2, 3, and Fe(II)(2)(H(2)O)(4)[Mo(IV)(CN)(8)].4H(2)O form extended networks with all the cyano groups acting as bridges. The magnetic properties have shown that 1 and 2 behave as paramagnets. Under irradiation with light, they exhibit important modifications of their magnetic properties, with the appearance at low temperature of magnetic interactions. For 1 the modifications are irreversible, whereas they are reversible for 2 after cycling in temperature. These photomagnetic effects are thought to be caused by the conversion of Mo(IV) (diamagnetic) to Mo(V)(paramagnetic) through a photooxidation mechanism for 1 and a photoinduced electron transfer in 2. These results have been correlated with the structural features.     

Systematic investigation of trigonal-bipyramidal cyanide-bridged clusters of the first-row transition metals

Reactions between [M'(III)(CN)(6)](3-) anions (M' = Co, Cr, or Fe) and mononuclear complexes of M(II) ions (M = Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, or Zn) produce a family of pentanuclear clusters {[M(tmphen)(2)](3)[M'(CN)(6)](2)]}. The core of the clusters is formed by five metal ions that are bridged through six CN- linkers into a trigonal bipyramid, with M and M' ions occupying equatorial and axial positions of the bipyramid, respectively. Three of the CN- ligands from each M' center remain terminal and point toward the outside of the cluster, along the trigonal axes. Studies of magnetic coupling in the {[M(tmphen)(2)](3)[M'(CN)(6)](2)]} family of clusters revealed a similarity between the observed magnetic exchange constants and the values estimated for the molecule-based magnets of the Prussian blue family. The type of the magnetic exchange varies across the series, changing from antiferromagnetic for M = Cr and Mn to ferromagnetic for M = Co and Ni. Complexes {[M(tmphen)(2)](3)[M'(CN)(6)](2)]}, which contain diamagnetic Co(III) ions in the axial positions, serve as convenient model compounds for an accurate assessment of the magnetic parameters for the equatorial M ions in the absence of magnetic interactions. The {[Co(tmphen)(2)](3)[Cr(CN)(6)](2)]} cluster exhibits cyanide linkage isomerism, the relative amount of which depends on the synthetic conditions.     

Self-assembled 3D heterometallic Cu(II)/Fe(II) coordination polymers with octahedral net skeletons: structural features, molecular magnetism, thermal and oxidation catalytic properties

The new three-dimensional (3D) heterometallic Cu(II)/Fe(II) coordination polymers [Cu(6)(H(2)tea)(6)Fe(CN)(6)](n)(NO(3))(2n)·6nH(2)O (1) and [Cu(6)(Hmdea)(6)Fe(CN)(6)](n)(NO(3))(2n)·7nH(2)O (2) have been easily generated by aqueous-medium self-assembly reactions of copper(II) nitrate with triethanolamine or N-methyldiethanolamine (H(3)tea or H(2)mdea, respectively), in the presence of potassium ferricyanide and sodium hydroxide. They have been isolated as air-stable crystalline solids and fully characterized including by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The latter reveal the formation of 3D metal-organic frameworks that are constructed from the [Cu(2)(μ-H(2)tea)(2)](2+) or [Cu(2)(μ-Hmdea)(2)](2+) nodes and the octahedral [Fe(CN)(6)](4-) linkers, featuring regular (1) or distorted (2) octahedral net skeletons. Upon dehydration, both compounds show reversible escape and binding processes toward water or methanol molecules. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1 and 2 reveal strong antiferromagnetic [J = -199(1) cm(-1)] or strong ferromagnetic [J = +153(1) cm(-1)] couplings between the copper(II) ions through the μ-O-alkoxo atoms in 1 or 2, respectively. The differences in magnetic behavior are explained in terms of the dependence of the magnetic coupling constant on the Cu-O-Cu bridging angle. Compounds 1 and 2 also act as efficient catalyst precursors for the mild oxidation of cyclohexane by aqueous hydrogen peroxide to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone (homogeneous catalytic system), leading to maximum total yields (based on cyclohexane) and turnover numbers (TONs) up to about 22% and 470, respectively.     

Substituent effect on formation of heterometallic molecular wheels: synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties

The reaction of manganese(III) Schiff bases of the type salen(2-) (N,N'-ethylenebis(salicylideneaminato)) with X-substituted (X = CH(3), Cl) pyridinecarboxamide dicyanoferrite(III) [Fe(X-bpb)(CN)(2)](-) gave rise to a series of cyanide-bridged Mn(6)Fe(6) molecular wheels, [Mn(III)(salen)](6)[Fe(III)(bpmb)(CN)(2)](6) x 7H(2)O (1), [Mn(salen)](6)[Fe(bpClb)(CN)(2)](6) x 4H(2)O x 2CH(3)OH (2), [Mn(salen)](6)[Fe(bpdmb)(CN)(2)](6) x 10H(2)O x 5CH(3)OH (3), [Mn(5-Br(salpn))](6)[Fe(bpmb)(CN)(2)](6) x 24H(2)O x 8CH(3)CN (4), and [Mn(5-Cl(salpn))](6)[Fe(bpmb)(CN)(2)](6) x 25H(2)O x 5CH(3)CN (5). Compared with [Fe(bpb)(CN)(2)](-), which always gives rise to 1D or polynuclear species when reacting with Mn(III) Schiff bases, the introduction of substituents (X) to the bpb(2-) ligand has a driving force in formation of the novel wheel structure. Magnetic studies reveal that high-spin ground state S = 15 is present in the wheel compounds originated from the ferromagnetic Mn(III)-Fe(III) coupling. For the first time, the quantum Monte Carlo study has been used to modulate the magnetic susceptibility of the huge Mn(6)Fe(6) metallomacrocycles, showing that the magnetic coupling constants J range from 3.0 to 8.0 K on the basis of the spin Hamiltonian [Formula: see text]. Hysteresis loops for 1 have been observed below 0.8 K, indicative of a single-molecule magnet with a blocking temperature (TB) of 0.8 K. Molecular wheels 2-5 exhibit frequency dependence of alternating-current magnetic susceptibility under zero direct-current magnetic field, signifying the slow magnetization relaxation similar to that of 1. Significantly, an unprecedented archlike Mn(2)Fe(2) cluster, [Mn(5-Cl(salpn))](2)[Fe(bpmb)(CN)(2)](2) x 3H(2)O x CH(3)CN (6), has been isolated as an intermediate of the Mn(6)Fe(6) wheel 5. Ferromagnetic Mn(III)-Fe(III) coupling results in a high-spin S = 5 ground state. Combination of the high-spin state and a negative magnetic anisotropy (D) results in the observation of slow magnetization relaxation in 6.     

From one-dimensional chain to pentanuclear molecule. Magnetism of cyano-bridged Fe(III)-Ni(II) complexes

Two cyano-bridged Ni(II)-Fe(III) complexes [(H(3)O)[Ni(H(2)L)](2)[Fe(CN)(6)](2).[Fe(CN)(6)].6H(2)O](n) (1) and [K(18-C-6)(H(2)O)(2)][Ni(H(2)L)](2)[Fe(CN)(6)](3).4(18-C-6).20H(2)O (2) (L = 3,10-bis(2-aminoethyl)-1,3,6,8,10,12-hexaazacyclotetradecane, 18-C-6 = 18-crown-6-ether) have been synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. Complex 1 has a zigzag one-dimensional structure, in which two trans-CN(-) ligands of each [Fe(CN)(6)](3)(-) link two trans-[Ni(H(2)L)](4+) groups, and in turn, each trans-[Ni(H(2)L)](4+) links two [Fe(CN)(6)](3)(-) in a trans fashion. Complex 2 is composed of cyano-bridged pentanuclear molecules with moieties connected by the trans-CN(-) ligands of [Fe(CN)(6)](3)(-). Magnetic studies show the existence of ferromagnetic Ni(II)-Fe(III) interactions in both complexes. The intermetallic magnetic coupling constant of both complexes was analyzed by using an approximate model on the basis of the structural features.     

Dinuclear cyano-bridged CoIII-FeII complexes as precursors for molecular mixed-valence complexes of higher nuclearity

The preparation and characterization of a series of trinuclear mixed-valence cyano-bridged Co(III)-Fe(II)-Co(III) compounds derived from known dinuclear [[L(n)Co(III)(mu-NC)]Fe(II)(CN)(5)](-) complexes (L(n)() = N(5) or N(3)S(2) n-membered pendant amine macrocycle) are presented. All of the new trinuclear complexes were fully characterized spectroscopically (UV-vis, IR, and (13)C NMR). Complexes exhibiting a trans and cis arrangement of the Co-Fe-Co units around the [Fe(CN)(6)](4-) center are described (i.e., cis/trans-[{L(n)Co(III)(mu-NC)](2)Fe(II)(CN)(4)](2+)), and some of their structures are determined by X-ray crystallography. Electrochemical experiments revealed an expected anodic shift of the Fe(III/II) redox potential upon addition of a tripositively charged [Co(III)L(n)] moiety. The Co(III/II) redox potentials do not change greatly from the di- to the trinuclear complex, but rather behave in a fully independent and noncooperative way. In this respect, the energies and extinction coefficients of the MMCT bands agree with the formal existence of two mixed-valence Fe(II)-CN-Co(III) units per molecule. Solvatochromic experiments also indicated that the MMCT band of these compounds behaves as expected for a class II mixed-valence complex. Nevertheless, its extinction coefficient is dramatically increased upon increasing the solvent donor number.     

Structure, magnetism and photomagnetism of mixed-ligand tris(pyrazolyl)methane iron(ii) spin crossover compounds

A range of bis-facial tridentate chelate complexes of type [Fe((R-pz)(3)CH)((3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)CH)](BF(4))(2) has been characterised that contain two different tris-pyrazolylmethane ligands, with variations in R being H (complex crystallised as polymorphs and ) and 4-Me (), as well as R = H with a CH(2)OH arm off the methane carbon (). A tris(pyridyl)methane analogue is also described (). The tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane co-ligand (3,5-Me(2)pz), and the BF(4)(-) counterion, are constant throughout. The spin-crossover properties of these Fe(ii) d(6) compounds have been probed in detail by variable temperature magnetic, M?ssbauer spectral and crystallographic methods. The effects of distortions from octahedral symmetry around the Fe(ii) centres, of crystal solvate molecules (1.5 MeCN in and 2 MeCN in ) and of supramolecular/crystal packing, are discussed. In the case of , subtle twisting of pyrazole rings occurs, as a function of temperature, that has a greater effect upon the relative positions of the Fe(ii) chelate molecules in polymorph than in polymorph ; this is thought to drive the cooperativity differences observed in the magnetism of the polymorphs. Comparisons are also made between to and their homoleptic, parent [Fe(L)(2)] (2+) materials. The complexes were screened for the LIESST (light induced excited spin state trapping) effect by measurements of diffuse absorption spectra on the surface of powder samples, at different temperatures. One example, , showed a 2-step thermal spin crossover transition and it was probed in detail for its photomagnetic features. The T(LIESST) and T(1/2) values for did not obey an empirical relationship, T(LIESST) = 150 - 0.3T(1/2) followed by many Fe(ii)(N-donor)(6) crossover compounds of the bis-tridentate (meridional) type, and possible reasons for this are discussed.     

Cyano-bridged bimetallic assemblies from hexacyanometalate, [M(CN)6](3-) (M = Mn(III) and Fe(III)), and [M(N4-macrocycle)]2+ (M=Fe(III), Ni(II) and Zn(II)) building blocks. Syntheses, multidimensional structures, and magnetic properties

Reactions between [M(N(4)-macrocycle)](2+) (M = Zn(II) and Ni(II); macrocycle ligands are either CTH = d,l-5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane or cyclam = 1,4, 8, 11-tetrazaazaciclotetradecane) and [M(CN)(6)](3-) (M = Fe(III) and Mn(III)) give rise to cyano-bridged assemblies with 1D linear chain and 2D honeycomblike structures. The magnetic measurements on the 1D linear chain complex [Fe(cyclam)][Fe(CN)(6)].6H(2)O 1 points out its metamagnetic behavior, where the ferromagnetic interaction operates within the chain and the antiferromagnetic one between chains. The Neel temperature, T(N), is 5.5 K and the critical field at 2 K is 1 T. The unexpected ferromagnetic intrachain interaction can be rationalized on the basis of the axially elongated octahedral geometry of the low spin Fe(III) ion of the [Fe(cyclam)](3+) unit. The isostructural substitution of [Fe(CN)(6)](3-) by [Mn(CN)(6)](3-) in the previously reported complex [Ni(cyclam)](3)[Fe(CN)(6)](2).12H(2)O 2 leads to [Ni(cyclam)](3)[Mn(CN)(6)](2).16 H(2)O 3, which exhibits a corrugated 2D honeycomblike structure and a metamagnetic behavior with T(N) = 16 K and a critical field of 1 T. In the ferromagnetic phase (H > 1 T) this compound shows a very important coercitive field of 2900 G at 2 K. Compound [Ni(CTH)](3)[Fe(CN)(6)](2).13H(2)O 4, C(60)H(116)Fe(2)N(24)Ni(3)O(13), monoclinic, A 2/n, a = 20.462(7), b = 16.292(4), c = 27.262(7) A, beta = 101.29(4) degrees, Z = 4, also has a corrugated 2D honeycomblike structure and a ferromagnetic intralayer interaction, but, in contrast to 2 and 3, does not exhibit any magnetic ordering. This fact is likely due to the increase of the interlayer separation in this compound. ([Zn(cyclam)Fe(CN)(6)Zn(cyclam)] [Zn(cyclam)Fe(CN)(6)].22H(2)O.EtOH) 5, C(44)H(122)Fe(2)N(24)O(23)Zn(3), monoclinic, A 2/n, a = 14.5474(11), b = 37.056(2), c = 14.7173(13) A, beta = 93.94(1) degrees, Z = 4, presents an unique structure made of anionic linear chains containing alternating [Zn(cyclam)](2+) and [Fe(CN)(6)](3)(-) units and cationic trinuclear units [Zn(cyclam)Fe(CN)(6)Zn(cyclam)](+). Their magnetic properties agree well with those expected for two [Fe(CN)(6)](3-) units with spin-orbit coupling effect of the low spin iron(III) ions.     

Synthesis, characterization and thermal properties of trimetallic N3-Cr[quadruple bond]Cr···M-N3 azide complexes with M = Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co

We report here two novel synthetic pathways toward the preparation of a family of trimetallic diazide compounds of the type Cr(2)M(dpa)(4)(N(3))(2), with M = Cr (10), Mn (4), Fe (5), and Co (11). Reaction of either Cr(2)M(dpa)(4)(OTf)(2) (for M = Mn and Fe) or [Cr(2)M(dpa)(4)(MeCN)(2)](PF(6))(2) (for M = Cr and Co) with sodium azide in methanol leads to the formation of the corresponding diazide compounds, and single crystal X-ray diffraction measurements confirm the predicted structures. Compounds 4, 5, and 10 are all high-spin compounds, but 11 is a spin-crossover compound exhibiting low-spin behavior at low temperatures (~100 K). Thermolytic characterization by DSC and TGA reveals an exothermic reaction corresponding to the loss of two dinitrogen molecules from compounds 5, 10, and 11. Further characterization by solution NMR measurements and cyclic voltammetry are also presented.     

Self-Assembly of Two Chiral Supramolecules with Three-Dimensional Porous Host Frameworks: (Delta){[Fe(II)(phen)(3)][Fe(III)Na(C(2)O(4))(3)]}(n)() and Its Enantiomer

Two chiral supramolecules with enantiomeric three-dimensional porous host frameworks, (Delta){[Fe(II)(phen)(3)][Fe(III)Na(C(2)O(4))(3)]}(n) (1) and (Lambda){[Fe(II)(phen)(3)][Fe(III)Na(C(2)O(4))(3)]}(n) (2) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized, and their crystal structures have been determined. The structural analysis shows that compounds 1 and 2 are a pair of enantiomers, both consisting of a three-dimensional porous skeleton formed by (Delta)/(Lambda){[Fe(III)Na(C(2)O(4))(3)](2-)}(n) and guest (Delta)/(Lambda)[Fe(phen)(3)](2+) units. The circular dichroism spectrum measurements confirmed the optical activity and the enantiomeric nature of complexes 1 and 2.