Importance of supersuperexchange interactions in determining the dimensionality of magnetic properties. Determination of strongly interacting spin exchange paths in A(2)Cu(PO(4))(2) (A = Ba, Sr), ACuP(2)O(7) (Ba, Ca, Sr, Pb), CaCuGe(2)O(6), and Cu(2)UO(2)(PO(4))(2) on the basis of qualitative spin dimer analysis

The patterns of the Cu(2+) ion arrangements in the magnetic oxides A(2)Cu(PO(4))(2) (A = Ba, Sr), ACuP(2)O(7) (Ba, Ca, Sr, Pb), CaCuGe(2)O(6), and Cu(2)UO(2)(PO(4))(2) are quite different from the patterns of the strongly interacting spin exchange paths deduced from their magnetic properties. This apparently puzzling observation was explained by evaluating the strengths of the Cu-O-Cu superexchange and Cu-O...O-Cu supersuperexchange interactions of these oxides on the basis of qualitative spin dimer analysis. Supersuperexchange interactions are found to be crucial in determining the dimensionality of magnetic properties of these magnetic oxides.     

Design of a new family of inorganic compounds Ae2F2SnX3 (Ae = Sr, Ba; X = S, Se) using rock salt and fluorite 2D building blocks

We could predict the structure of a new family of compounds Ae(2)F(2)SnX(3) (Ae = Sr, Ba; X = S, Se) from the stacking of known 2D building blocks of the rock salt and fluorite types. With a high-temperature ceramic method we have then succeeded to synthesize the four compounds Ba(2)F(2)SnS(3), Ba(2)F(2)SnSe(3), Sr(2)F(2)SnS(3), and Sr(2)F(2)SnSe(3). The structure refinements from X-ray powder diffraction patterns have confirmed the structure predictions and showed their good accuracy. The structure of the four compounds results from the alternated stacking of fluorite [Ae(2)F(2)] (Ae = Sr, Ba) and distorted rock salt [SnX(3)] (X = S, Se) 2D building blocks. As shown by band structure calculations, these blocks behave as a charge reservoir and a charge acceptor, respectively. Sr(2)F(2)SnS(3) and Ba(2)F(2)SnS(3) are transparent with optical gaps of 3.06 and 3.21 eV, respectively. However, an attempt to obtain a transparent conductor by substituting Ba per La in Ba(2)F(2)SnS(3) was unsuccessful.     

Analysis of the spin exchange interactions and the ordered magnetic structures of lithium transition metal phosphates LiMPO4 (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) with the olivine structure

The olivine-type compounds LiMPO4 (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) consist of MO4 layers made up of corner-sharing MO6 octahedra of high-spin M2+ ions. To gain insight into the magnetic properties of these phosphates, their spin exchange interactions were estimated by spin dimer analysis using tight binding calculations and by electronic band structure analysis using first principles density functional theory calculations. Three spin exchange interactions were found to be important for LiMPO4, namely, the intralayer superexchange J1, the intralayer super-superexchange Jb along the b-direction, and the interlayer super-superexchange J2 along the b-direction. The magnetic ground state of LiMPO4 was determined in terms of these spin exchange interactions by calculating the total spin exchange interaction energy under the classical spin approximation. In the spin lattice of LiMPO4, the two-dimensional antiferromagnetic planes defined by the spin exchange J1 are antiferromagnetically coupled by the spin exchange J2, in agreement with available experimental data.     

Spin dimer analysis of the magnetic structures of Ba3Cr2O8, Ba3Mn2O8, Na4FeO4, and Ba2CoO4 with a three-dimensional network of isolated MO4 (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co) tetrahedra

The spin exchange interactions of the magnetic oxides Ba3Cr2O8, Ba3Mn2O8, Na4FeO4, and Ba2CoO4 with a three-dimensional network of isolated MO4 (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co) tetrahedra were examined by performing spin dimer analysis on the basis of tight-binding electronic structure calculations. Although the shortest O...O distances between adjacent MO4 tetrahedra are longer than the van der Waals distance, our analysis shows that the super-superexchange interactions between adjacent MO4 tetrahedra are substantial and determine the magnetic structures of these oxides. In agreement with experiment, our analysis predicts a weakly interacting isolated AFM dimer model for both Ba3Cr2O8 and Ba3Mn2O8, the (0.0, 0.5, 0.0) magnetic superstructure for Na4FeO4, the (0.5, 0.0, 0.5) magnetic superstructure for Ba2CoO4, and the presence of magnetic frustration in Ba2CoO4. The comparison of the intra- and interdimer spin exchange interactions of Ba3Cr2O8 and Ba3Mn2O8 indicates that orbital ordering should be present in Ba3Cr2O8.     

On the magnetic insulating states, spin frustration, and dominant spin exchange of the ordered double-perovskites Sr2CuOsO6 and Sr2NiOsO6: density functional analysis

The ordered double-perovskites Sr(2)MOsO(6) (M = Cu, Ni) consisting of 3d and 5d transition-metal magnetic ions (M(2+) and Os(6+), respectively) are magnetic insulators; the magnetic susceptibilities of Sr(2)CuOsO(6) and Sr(2)NiOsO(6) obey the Curie-Weiss law with dominant antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions, respectively, and the zero-field-cooled and field-cooled susceptibility curves of both compounds diverge below ～20 K. In contrast, the available density functional studies predicted both Sr(2)CuOsO(6) and Sr(2)NiOsO(6) to be metals. We resolved this discrepancy on the basis of systematic density functional calculations. The magnetic insulating states of Sr(2)MOsO(6) are found only when a substantially large on-site repulsion is employed for the Os atom, although it is a 5d element. The cause for the divergence between the zero-field-cooled and field-cooled susceptibility curves in both compounds and the reason for the difference in their dominant magnetic interactions were investigated by examining their spin exchange interactions.     

Ba2F2Fe2+ 0.5Fe3+ S3: a two-dimensional inhomogeneous mixed valence iron compound

The structure of the new mixed valence compound Ba2F2Fe1.5S3 was solved by means of single crystal X-ray analysis. It crystallizes in an orthorhombic cell, in the Pnma space group with the cell parameters a = 12.528(3) A, b = 18.852(4) A, and c = 6.0896(12) A. The structure is formed by the alternated stacking of fluorite type [Ba2F2]2+ blocks and the newly discovered [Fe1.5S3]2- blocks. This [Fe1.5S3]2- block exhibits a mixed valence of iron with Fe(+II) located in octahedrons and Fe(+III) in tetrahedrons. Preliminary susceptibility measurements suggest a low dimensional antiferromagnetic behavior.     

Pressure-induced structural, magnetic, and transport transitions in the two-legged ladder Sr3Fe2O5

The layered compound SrFeO(2) with an FeO(4) square-planar motif exhibits an unprecedented pressure-induced spin state transition (S = 2 to 1), together with an insulator-to-metal (I-M) and an antiferromagnetic-to-ferromagnetic (AFM-FM) transition. In this work, we have studied the pressure effect on the structural, magnetic, and transport properties of the structurally related two-legged spin ladder Sr(3)Fe(2)O(5). When pressure was applied, this material first exhibited a structural transition from Immm to Ammm at P(s) = 30 ± 2 GPa. This transition involves a phase shift of the ladder blocks from (1/2,1/2,1/2) to (0,1/2,1/2), by which a rock-salt type SrO block with a 7-fold coordination around Sr changes into a CsCl-type block with 8-fold coordination, allowing a significant reduction of volume. However, the S = 2 antiferromagnetic state stays the same. Next, a spin state transition from S = 2 to S = 1, along with an AFM-FM transition, was observed at P(c) = 34 ± 2 GPa, similar to that of SrFeO(2). A sign of an I-M transition was also observed at pressure around P(c). These results suggest a generality of the spin state transition in square planar coordinated S = 2 irons of n-legged ladder series Sr(n+1)Fe(n)O(2n+1) (n = 1, 2, 3, ...). It appears that the structural transition independently occurs without respect to other transitions. The necessary conditions for a structural transition of this type and possible candidate materials are discussed.     

Ae2Sb2X4F2 (Ae = Sr, Ba): new members of the homologous series Ae2M(1+n)X(3+n)F2 designed from rock salt and fluorite 2D building blocks

We have designed new compounds within the homologous series Ae2F2M(1+n)X(3+n) (Ae = Sr, Ba; M = main group metal; n = integer) built up from the stacking of 2D building blocks of rock salt and fluorite types. By incrementally increasing the size of the rock salt 2D building blocks, we have obtained two new n = 1 members of this homologous series, namely, Sr2F2Sb2Se4 and Ba2F2Sb2Se4. We then succeeded in synthesizing these compounds using a high-temperature ceramic method. The structure refinements from the powder or single-crystal X-ray diffraction data confirmed presence of the expected alternating stacking of fluorite [Ae2F2] (Ae = Sr, Ba) and rock salt [Sb2Se4] 2D building blocks. However the Ba derivative shows a strong distortion of the [Sb2Se4] block and a concomitant change of the Sb atom coordination likely related to the lone-pair activity.     

Parametrization of the magnetic behavior of the triangular spin ladder chains organically templated: (C2N2H10)[M(HPO3)F3] (M(III) = Fe, Cr, and V). Crystal structure and thermal and spectroscopic properties of the iron(III) phase

A new iron(III) phosphite templated by ethylenediamine has been synthesized using solvothermal conditions under autogenous pressure. The (C2N2H10)[Fe(HPO3)F3] compound has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and spectroscopic and magnetic techniques. The crystal structure is formed by chains extended along the c axis and surrounded by ethylenediammonium cations. A study by diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy has been performed, and the calculated Dq, B, and C parameters for the Fe(III) cations are 1030, 720, and 3080 cm(-1), respectively. The M?ssbauer spectrum at room temperature is characteristic of Fe(III) ions. The electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra carried out at different temperatures show isotropic signals with a g value of 2.00(1). The thermal evolution of the intensity of the ESR signals indicates the existence of antiferromagnetic interactions for the Fe(III) phase. The magnetic susceptibility data of the Cr(III) and V(III) compounds show antiferromagnetic couplings. The J-exchange parameters of the Fe(III) and Cr(III) compounds have been calculated by using a model for a triangular spin ladder chain. The values are J1 = -1.63(1) K and J2 = -0.87(2) K with g = 2.02 for the Fe(III) phase and J(1) = -0.56(2) K and J2 = -0.40(2) K with g = 1.99 for the Cr(III) compound. In the case of the V(III) phase, the fit has been performed considering a linear chain with the magnetic parameters D = 2.5 cm(-1) and J = -1.15(1) K.     

High-spin [2 x 2] [Fe(III)2Ni(II)2] heterometallic square grid with an S = 3 ground state

A [2 x 2] heterometallic [Fe(III)2Ni(II)2] ferrimagnetic, square-grid complex has been synthesized by the self-assembly reaction of a mononuclear Fe(III) precursor with Ni(NO3)2. Intramolecular antiferromagnetic exchange through the resulting hydrazone O-bridging framework (M-O-M 133.3-136.4 degrees) leads to an S = 3 ground state. Structural and magnetic properties are discussed.     

A pyrazolate-supported Fe(3)(mu(3)-O) core: structural, spectroscopic, electrochemical, and magnetic study

A comparison is made between the structural, spectroscopic, electrochemical, and magnetic properties of pyrazolate versus carboxylate complexes [Fe3(mu3(mu3O)(mu-LL)6Cl3]2- containing the Fe3(mu3-O)-motif. While the Fe3(mu3-O)-cores are structurally indistinguishable in the two types of complexes, their magnetic properties deviate from the expected values as a result of a through-pyrazole contribution to the overall antiferromagnetic exchange with J1/hc = -80.1 cm(-1) and J2/hc = -72.4 cm(-1), or J1/hc = 70.6 cm(-1) and J2/hc = -80.8 cm(-1), (Hex = -J1(S1S2 + S2S3) - J2S1S3). The magnetic properties of the pyrazolate complexes are further tuned by an antisymmetric exchange interaction term.     

Chiral molecular magnets: synthesis, structure, and magnetic behavior of the series [M(L-tart)] (M = Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II); L-tart = (2R,3R)-(+)-tartrate)

A new series of layered magnets with the formula [M(L-tartrate)] (M = Mn(II), Co(II), Fe(II), Ni(II); L-tartrate = (2R,3R)-(+)-tartrate) has been prepared. All of these compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the chiral orthorhombic space group I222, as found by X-ray structure analysis. Their structure consists of a three-dimensional polymeric network in which each metal shows distorted octahedral coordination bound to four L-tartrate ligands, two of which chelate through an alcohol and a carboxylate group and the other two bind terminally through a monodentate carboxylate group. The chirality of the ligand imposes a Delta conformation on all metal centers. Magnetically, the paramagnetic metal centers form pseudotetragonal layers in which each metal is surrounded by four other metals, with syn,anti carboxylate bridges. These salts show intralayer antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic interactions, depending on the electronic configuration of the metal, and weak interlayer antiferromagnetic interaction. In all cases the magnetic properties are strongly affected by the anisotropy of the system, and the presence of magnetic canting has been found. The Mn derivative behaves as a weak ferromagnet with a critical temperature of 3.3 K. The Ni derivative shows very unusual magnetic behavior in that it exhibits antiferromagnetic ordering below 6 K, the onset of spontaneous magnetization arising from spin reorientation into a canted phase below 4.5 K, and a field-induced ferromagnetic state above 0.3 T at 2 K, behavior typical of metamagnets. The Fe and Co derivatives show antiferromagnetic interactions between spin carriers, but do not order above 2 K.     

Strontium selenogermanate(III) and barium selenogermanate(II,IV): synthesis, crystal structures, and chemical bonding

The new selenogermanates Sr2Ge2Se5 and Ba2Ge2Se5 were synthesized by heating stoichiometric mixtures of binary selenides and the corresponding elements to 750 degrees C. The crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray methods. Both compounds adopt previously unknown structure types. Sr2Ge2Se5 (P2(1)/n, a = 8.445(2) A, b = 12.302 A, c = 9.179 A, beta = 93.75(3) degrees, Z = 4) contains [Ge4Se10]8- ions with homonuclear Ge-Ge bonds (dGe-Ge = 2.432 A), which may be described as two ethane-like Se3Ge-GeSeSe2/2 fragments sharing two selenium atoms. Ba2Ge2Se5 (Pnma, a = 12.594(3) A, b = 9.174(2) A, c = 9.160(2) A, Z = 4) contains [Ge2Se5]4- anions built up by two edge-sharing GeSe4 tetrahedra, in which one terminal Se atom is replaced by a lone pair from the divalent germanium atom. The alkaline earth cations are arranged between the complex anions, each coordinated by eight or nine selenium atoms. Ba2Ge2Se5 is a mixed-valence compound with GeII and GeIV coexisting within the same anion. Sr2Ge2Se5 contains exclusively GeIII. These compounds possess electronic formulations that correspond to (Sr2+)2(Ge3+)2(Se2-)5 and (Ba2+)2- Ge2+Ge4+(Se2-)5. Calculations of the electron localization function (ELF) reveal clearly both the lone pair on GeII in Ba2Ge2Se5 and the covalent Ge-Ge bond in Sr2Ge2Se5. Analysis of the ELF topologies shows that the GeIII-Se and GeIV-Se covalent bonds are almost identical, whereas the GeII-Se interactions are weaker and more ionic in character.     

Determination of antiferromagnetic exchange coupling in the tetrahedral thiolate-bridged diferrous complex [Fe2(SEt)6]2-

Protein-bound iron-sulfur clusters and their synthetic analogues are characterized by tetrahedral metal sites, multiple oxidation levels, and exchange coupling. The recent attainment of several all-ferrous protein clusters and the presence of sulfide- and thiolate-bridged sites in the all-ferrous state of the nitrogenase P-cluster provides an imperative for determination of exchange coupling between tetrahedral Fe(II) sites with sulfur bridges. The cluster in the previously reported compound (Et(4)N)(2)[Fe(2)(SEt)(6)] is centrosymmetric with distorted tetrahedral coordination and a planar Fe(2)(mu-SEt)(2) bridge unit. The compound is diamagnetic at 4.2 K, indicating antiferromagnetic coupling. The lower limit J > 80 cm(-)(1) (H = JS(1).S(2)) is obtained by M?ssbauer spectroscopy. Analysis of magnetic susceptibility data affords J = 165 +/- 15 cm(-)(1). It is noteworthy that the J value of the diferrous pair obtained here is comparable to the J values reported for the mixed-valence state of plant-type Fe(2)S(2) ferredoxins. The near temperature independence of the quadrupole splitting (DeltaE(Q) = 3.25 mm/s at 4.2 K and 3.20 mm/s at 180 K) indicates that no excited orbital states are appreciably populated at temperatures less than 300 K. The paramagnetism arises solely from thermal population of the S = 1 state of the spin ladder. This work provides the only measure of antiferromagnetic coupling by Fe(II) pairs in a tetrahedral sulfur environment.     

Cubic assembly of a geometrically frustrated {Fe12} spin cluster

We describe an S(4)-symmetric {Fe(12)} spin cluster [Fe(12)O(4)(OH)(2)(L)(4)(OAc)(8)][Cl](2) {H(4)L = (HOCH(2)CH(2))(2)NCH(2)CH(2)N(CH(2)CH(2)OH)(2)} where the iron(III) centres describe a squashed hexagonal antiprism. The clusters pack into a large cubic cell with circular cavities, lined by weak C-H···O interactions, and a unit cell volume of over 60,000 ?(3) containing large solvent accessible voids. The core of the cluster is stable in solution, as confirmed by electrospray mass spectrometry. The cluster possesses a non-trivial, frustrated S = 0 ground state, due to the presence of multiple competing antiferromagnetic interactions. The finite temperature Lanczos method has been employed to calculate the temperature dependent magnetic properties of an analogous dodecanuclear S(i) = 3/2 model spin system, in order to reduce the very large Hilbert space. Three archetypal models with two independent exchange coupling parameters have been employed that render a low temperature feature possible, as seen in the χ vs. T plot for the {Fe(12)} spin cluster.     

Exchange and Delocalization Effects in [Fe6S6]2+ Superclusters

A theoretical study of Heisenberg exchange and double exchange (delocalization) effects in the iron-sulphur supercluster is presented. Such clusters can play important role in biological systems (proteins and enzymes) acting as so-called active centres. The cluster with valence 2+ can be modelled by two Fe(III) and four Fe(II) ions. An idealized structure of double cubane has been considered instead of a more realistic defected double cubane structure of lower symmetry. Energies of the lowest spin states have been calculated numerically depending on the Heisenberg exchange J _i and double exchange b parameters. Possible spin ground states (S=0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) have been predicted. The ground state of a given total spin Sis usually achieved for the intermediate spin value of S ₅₆=4 in the case of fully antiferromagnetic as well as partially ferromagnetic spin interactions. In the case of no double exchange, the ground state with the total spin S=3 should always be observed, while a nonzero hopping effect results in narrowing a parameter region of the ground state. If the double exchange is taken into account, then the spin values depend on the Heisenberg integrals. The model results can be applied in order to interpret many structural and magnetic properties of proteins and enzymes possessing the Fe-S active centres.     

New Zr(6)MTe(2) (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Pt), Zr(6)Fe(0.6)Se(2.4), and Zr(6)Fe(0.57)S(2.43) Intermetallics: Structural Links between Binary (Zr,Hf)(3)M Alloys and Porous Metal-Rich Tellurides

The synthesis of the group IV ternary chalcogenides Zr(6)MTe(2) (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Pt) and Zr(6)Fe(1)(-)(x)()Q(2+)(x)() (Q = S, Se) is reported, as are the single-crystal structures of Zr(6)FeTe(2), Zr(6)Fe(0.6)Se(2.4), and Zr(6)Fe(0.57)S(2.43). The structure of Zr(6)FeTe(2) was refined in the hexagonal space group P&sixmacr;2m (No. 189, Z = 1) with lattice parameters a = 7.7515(5) ? and c = 3.6262(6) ?, and the structures of Zr(6)Fe(0.6)Se(2.4) and Zr(6)Fe(0.57)S(2.43) were refined in the orthorhombic space group Pnnm (No. 58, Z = 4) with lattice parameters a = 12.737(2) ?, b = 15.780(2) ?, and c = 3.5809(6) ? and a = 12.519(4) ?, b = 15.436(2) ?, and c = 3.4966(6) ?, respectively. The cell parameters of Mn-, Co-, Ni-, Ru-, and Pt-containing tellurides were also determined. The Zr(6)ZTe(2) compounds are isostructural with Zr(6)CoAl(2), while Zr(6)Fe(1)(-)(x)()Q(2+)(x)() (Q = S, Se) were found to adopt a variant of the Ta(2)P-type structure. Chains of condensed M-centered, tetrakaidecahedra of zirconium constitute the basic structural unit in all these compounds. The modes of cross-linking that give rise to the Zr(6)FeTe(2) and Zr(6)Fe(1)(-)(x)()Q(2+)(x)() structures, differences among the title compounds, and the influence of chalcogen size differences are discussed. The stoichiometric nature of Zr(6)FeTe(2) and its contrast with sulfur and selenium congeners apparently result from a Te-Fe size mismatch. The importance of stabilization of both Zr(6)FeSe(2) and Zr(6)FeTe(2) compounds by polar intermetallic Zr-Fe bonding is underscored by a bonding analysis derived from electronic band structure calculations.     

Enhancement of the luminescent properties of a new red-emitting phosphor, Mn2(HPO3)F2, by Zn substitution

The Mn(2)(HPO(3))F(2) phase has been synthesized as single crystals by using mild hydrothermal conditions. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pnma space group, with unit cell parameters of a = 7.5607(8), b = 10.2342(7), and c = 5.5156(4) ?, with Z = 4. The crystal structure consists of a three-dimensional framework formed by alternating (010) layers of [MnO(3)F(3)] octahedra linked up by three connected [HPO(3)] tetrahedra. Luminescence measurements were performed at different temperatures between 10 and 150 K. The 10 K emission spectrum of the octahedrally coordinated Mn(II) cation exhibits a broad band centered at around 615 nm corresponding to the (4)T(1) → (6)A(1) transition. In order to explore the effect of the Mn(II) concentration and the possibility of enhancing the luminescence properties of the Mn(II) cation in Mn(2)(HPO(3))F(2), different intermediate composition members of the finite solid solution with the general formula (Mn(x)Zn(1-x))(2)(HPO(3))F(2) were prepared and their luminescent properties studied. The magnetic and specific heat behavior of M(2)(HPO(3))F(2) (M = Mn, Fe) have also been investigated. The compounds exhibit a global antiferromagnetic ordering with a spin canting phenomenon detected at approximately 30 K. The specific heat measurements show sharp λ-type peaks at 29.7 and 33.5 K for manganese and iron compounds, respectively. The total magnetic entropy is consistent with spin S = 5/2 and S = 2 of Mn(II) and Fe(II) cations.     

Electronic structure of linear thiophenolate-bridged heteronuclear complexes [LFeMFeL](n)(+) (M = Cr, Co, Fe; n = 1-3): a combination of kinetic exchange interaction and electron delocalization

The electronic properties of the isostructural series of heterotrinuclear thiophenolate-bridged complexes of the general formula [LFeMFeL](n)(+) with M = Cr, Co and Fe where L represents the trianionic form of the ligand 1,4,7-tris(4-tertbutyl-2-mercaptobenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane, synthesized and investigated by a number of experimental techniques in the previous work(1), are subjected now to a theoretical analysis. The low-lying electronic excitations in these compounds are described within a minimal model supported by experiment and quantum chemistry calculations. It was found indeed that various experimental data concerning the magnetism and electron delocalization in the lowest states of all seven compounds are completely reproduced within a model which includes the electron transfer between magnetic orbitals at different metal centers and the electron repulsion in these orbitals (the Hubbard model). Moreover, due to the trigonal symmetry of the complexes, only the electron transfer between nondegenerate orbital, a(1), originating from the t(2g) shell of each metal ion in a pseudo-octahedral coordination, is relevant for the lowest states. An essential feature resulting from quantum chemistry calculations, allowing to explain the unusual magnetic properties of these compounds, is the surprisingly large value and, especially, the negative sign of the electron transfer between terminal iron ions, beta'. According to their electronic properties the series of complexes can be divided as follows: (1). The complexes [LFeFeFeL](3+) and [LFeCrFeL](3+) show localized valences in the ground electronic configuration. The strong antiferromagnetic exchange interaction and the resulting spin 1/2 of the ground-state arise from large values of the transfer parameters. (2). In the complex [LFeCrFeL](+), due to a higher energy of the magnetic orbital on the central Cr ion than on the terminal Fe ones, the spin 3/2 and the single unpaired a(1) electron are almost localized at the chromium center in the ground state. (3). The complex [LFeCoFeL](3+) has one ground electronic configuration in which two unpaired electrons are localized at terminal iron ions. The ground-state spin S = 1 arises from a kinetic mechanism involving the electron transfer between terminal iron ions as one of the steps. Such a mechanism, leading to a strong ferromagnetic interaction between distant spins, apparently has not been discussed before. (4). The complex [LFeFeFeL](2+) is characterized by both spin and charge degrees of freedom in the ground manifold. The stabilization of the total spin zero or one of the itinerant electrons depends on beta', i.e., corresponds to the observed S = 1 for its negative sign. This behavior does not fit into the double exchange model. (5). In [LFeCrFeL](2+) the delocalization of two itinerant holes in a(1) orbitals takes place over the magnetic core of chromium ion. Although the origin of the ground-state spin S = 2 is the spin dependent delocalization, the spectrum of the low-lying electronic states is again not of a double exchange type. (6). Finally, the complex [LFeCoFeL](2+) has the ground configuration corresponding to the electron delocalization between terminal iron atoms. The estimated magnitude of the corresponding electron transfer is smaller than the relaxation energy of the nuclear distortions induced by the electron localization at one of the centers, leading to vibronic valence trapping observed in this compound.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties of cyanide- and phenolate-bridged [M(III)NiII]2 tetranuclear complexes (M=Fe and Cr)

The binuclear complex NiII2L(H2O)2(ClO4)2(1) and the neutral tetranuclear bimetallic compounds [{M(III)(phen)(CN)4}2{NiII2L(H2O)2}].2CH3CN with M=Fe (2) and Cr (3)[H2L=11,23-dimethyl-3,7,15,19-tetraazatricyclo[19.3.1.1(9,13)]hexacosa-2,7,9,11,13(26),14,19,21(25),22,24-decaene-25,26-diol] have been synthesized and the structures of and determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. and are isostructural compounds whose structure is made up of centrosymmetric binuclear cations [Ni2(L)(H2O)2]2+ and two peripheral [M(phen)(CN)4]- anions [M=Fe (2) and Cr (3)] acting as monodentate ligands towards the nickel atoms through one of their four cyanide nitrogen atoms. The environment of the metal atoms in 2 and 3 is six-coordinated: two phen-nitrogen and four cyanide-carbon atoms at the iron and chromium atoms and a water molecule, one cyanide-nitrogen and two phenolate-oxygens and two imine-nitrogens from the binucleating ligand L2- at the nickel atom build distorted octahedral surroundings. The values of the FeNi and CrNi separations through the single cyanide bridge are 5.058(1) and 5.174(2)A respectively, whereas the Ni-Ni distances across the double phenolate bridge are 3.098(2)(2) and 3.101(1) A (3). The magnetic properties of have been investigated in the temperature range 1.9-290 K. The magnetic behaviour of corresponds to that of an antiferromagnetically coupled nickel(II) dimer with J=-61.0(1) cm-1, the Hamiltonian being defined as H=-J S(A).S(B). An overall antiferromagnetic behaviour is observed for and with a low-lying singlet spin state. The values of the intramolecular magnetic couplings are J(Fe-Ni)=+17.4(1) cm-1 and J(Ni-Ni(a))=-44.4(1) cm-1 for and J(Cr-Ni)=+11.8(1) cm-1 and J(Ni-Ni(a))=-44.6(1) cm-1 for [H=-J(M-Ni)(S(M).S(Ni)+S(Ma).S(Nia))-J(Ni-Nia)S(Ni)S(Nia)]. Theoretical calculations using methods based on density functional theory (DFT) have been employed on in order to analyze the efficiency of the exchange pathways involved and also to substantiate the exchange coupling parameters.