Wheel-shaped [Mn12] single-molecule magnets

The reaction of [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CCH(3))(16)(H(2)O)(4)].4H(2)O.2CH(3)COOH with n-methyldiethanol amine (H(2)mdea), n-ethyldiethanol amine (H(2)edea), or n-butyldiethanol amine (H(2)bdea) leads to the formation of wheel-shaped Mn(III)(6)Mn(II)(6) complexes with the general formula [Mn(12)(R)(O(2)CCH(3))(14)] (1, R = mdea; 2, R = edea; and 3, R = bdea). Complex 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1, whereas complex 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C(2/c). Complex 1a has the same molecular structure as complex 1 but crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1/n). Complex 3a has the same molecular structure as complex 3 but crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data collected for complexes 1, 2, and 3 indicate that antiferromagnetic exchange interactions are present. The spin ground states of complexes 1, 2, and 3 were determined by fitting variable-field magnetization data collected in the 2-5 K temperature range. Fitting of these data yielded the spin ground-state parameters of S = 8, g = 2.0, and D = -0.47 cm(-1) for complex 1; S = 8, g = 2.0, and D = -0.49 cm(-1) for complex 2; and S = 8, g = 2, and D = -0.37 cm(-1) for complex 3. The ac magnetic susceptibility data were measured for complexes 1, 2, and 3 at temperatures between 1.8 and 10 K with a 3 G ac field oscillating in the range 50-1000 Hz. Slow kinetics of magnetization reversal relative to the frequency of the oscillating ac field were observed as frequency-dependent out-of-phase peaks for complexes 1, 2, and 3, and it can be concluded that these three complexes are single-molecule magnets.     

Heterometallic [Mn5-Ln4] single-molecule magnets with high anisotropy barriers

The reaction of [Mn6O2(Piv)(10)(4-Me-py)(2.5)(PivH)(1.5)] (1) (py: pyridine, Piv: pivilate) with N-methyldiethanolamine (mdeaH2) and Ln(NO3)3 x 6 H2O in MeCN leads to a series of nonanuclear compounds [Mn5Ln4(O)6(mdea)2(mdeaH)2(Piv)6(NO3)4(H2O)2]2 MeCN (Ln=Tb(III) (2), Dy(III) (3), Ho(III) (4), Y(III) (5)). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows that compounds 2-5 are isostructural, with the central core composed of two distorted {Mn(IV)Mn(III)Ln2O4} cubanes sharing a Mn(IV) vertex, representing a new heterometallic 3d-4f motif for this class of ligand. The four new compounds display single-molecule magnet (SMM) behaviour, which is modulated by the lanthanide ion used. Moreover, the values found for Delta(eff) and tau(o) for 3 of 38.6 K and 3.0 x 10(-9) s respectively reveal that the complex 3 exhibits the highest energy barrier recorded so far for 3d-4f SMMs. The slow relaxation of the magnetisation for 3 was confirmed by mu-SQUID measurements on an oriented single crystal and the observation of M versus H hysteresis loops below 1.9 K.     

Theoretical study of the magnetic behavior of [Fe8] and [Fe16] wheels

The reaction of the trimetallic species [Fe(3)O(PhCOO)(6)(H(2)O)(3)]NO(3) with 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane (H(3)thme) affords either the octametallic species [Fe(8)(PhCOO)(12)(thme)(4)] 1 or the hexadecametallic species [Fe(16)(EtO)(4)(PhCOO)(16)(Hthme)(12)](NO(3))(4) 2, depending on the nature of the solvent used for crystallization. The structure of 1 can be described as a nonplanar wheel of eight Fe(III) ions bridged by a combination of PhCOO(-) and thme(3)(-) ligands, and 2 as a nonplanar wheel of sixteen Fe(III) ions bridged by PhCOO(-), Hthme(2)(-), and EtO(-) ligands. Both compounds can be broken down into simple units of two metal ions and the bridging ligands that connect them. The best fits of the chi vs T curves in the 300-10 K temperature range were obtained with the parameters g = 2.0, J(1) = -24.0 cm(-1), and J(2) = -8.59 cm(-1) for [Fe(8)] and g = 2.0, J(1) = -25.0 cm(-1), J(2) = -11.73 cm(-1), and J(3) = -69.3 cm(-1) for [Fe(16)]. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the antiferromagnetic interactions between the metals in the dinuclear units decrease when two types of bridging ligands are present, as expected for an orbital counter-complementarity effect.     

Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of a [Mn22] wheel-like single-molecule magnet

The synthesis and magnetic properties of the compound [Mn(22)O(6)(OMe)(14)(O(2)CMe)(16)(tmp)(8)(HIm)(2)] 1 are reported. Complex 1 was prepared by treatment of [Mn(3)O(MeCO(2))(6)(HIm)(3)](MeCO(2)) (HIm = imidazole) with 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)propane (H(3)tmp) in MeOH. Complex 1.2MeOH crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca. The molecule consists of a metallic core of 2 Mn(IV), 18 Mn(III), and 2 Mn(II) ions linked by a combination of 6 micro(3)-bridging O(2)(-) ions, 14 micro(3)- and micro(2)-bridging MeO(-) ions, 16 micro-MeCO(2)(-) ligands, and 8 tmp(3)(-) ligands, which use their alkoxide arms to bridge in a variety of ways. The metal-oxygen core is best described as a wheel made from [Mn(3)O(4)] partial cubes and [Mn(3)O] triangles. Variable-temperature direct current (dc) magnetic susceptibility data were collected for complex 1 in the 1.8-300 K temperature range in a 1 T applied field. The chi(M)T value steadily decreases from 56 cm(3) K mol(-)(1) at 300 K to 48.3 cm(3) K mol(-)(1) at 30 K and then increases slightly to reach a maximum value of 48.6 cm(3) K mol(-)(1) at 15 K before dropping rapidly to 40.3 cm(3) K mol(-)(1) at 5 K. The ground-state spin of complex 1 was established by magnetization measurements in the 0.1-2.0 T and 1.80-4.00 K ranges. Fitting of the data by a matrix-diagonalization method to a model that assumes only the ground state is populated and incorporating only axial zero-field splitting (DS(z)()(2)), gave a best fit of S = 10, g = 1.96 and D = -0.10 cm(-)(1). The ac magnetization measurements performed on complex 1 in the 1.8-8 K range in a 3.5 G ac field oscillating at 50-1000 Hz showed frequency-dependent ac susceptibility signals below 3 K. Single-crystal hysteresis loop and relaxation measurements indicate loops whose coercivities are strongly temperature and time dependent, increasing with decreasing temperature and increasing field sweep rate, as expected for the superparamagnetic-like behavior of a single-molecule magnet, with a blocking temperature (T(B)) of approximately 1.3 K.     

Control of the transition temperatures of metallomesogens by specific interface design: application to Mn12 single molecule magnets

Reaction of the Single Molecule Magnet [Mn(12)O(12)(CH(3)CO(2))(16)(H(2)O)(4)] (Mn(12)) with mesogenic dendritic ligands Li (i = 4, 5) quantitatively yields functional clusters [Mn(12)O(12)(Li-H)(16)(H(2)O)(4)] (i = 4, 5) that self-organize into a thermotropic SmA-type liquid crystalline phase. The perturbation of the molecular interface by methylation of the terminal mesogenic cyanobiphenyl groups induces a significant decrease of the clearing temperature without affecting the magnetic properties and the supramolecular organization of the Mn(12)-based clusters.     

Supramolecular Mn(II) and Mn(II)/Mn(III) grid complexes with [Mn9(mu2-O)12] core structures. Structural, magnetic, and redox properties and surface studies

A series of [3 x 3] Mn(II)(9), antiferromagnetically coupled, alkoxide-bridged, square grid complexes, derived from a group of "tritopic" dihydrazide ligands, is described. The outer ring of eight Mn(II) centers in the grids is isolated magnetically from the central Mn(II) ion, leading to an S = 0 ground state for the ring, and an S = 5/2 ground state overall in each case. Exchange in the Mn(II)(8) ring can be represented by a 1D chain exchange model. Rich electrochemistry displayed by these systems has led to the production of Mn(II)/Mn(III) mixed-oxidation-state grids by both electrochemical and chemical means. Structures are reported for [Mn(9)(2poap)(6)](C(2)N(3))(6).10H(2)O (1), [Mn(9)(2poap)(6)](2)[Mn(NCS)(4)(H(2)O)](2)(NCS)(8).10H(2)O (2), [Mn(9)(2poapz)(6)](NO(3))(6).14.5H(2)O (3), [Mn(9)(2popp)(6)](NO(3))(6).12H(2)O (4), [Mn(9)(2pomp)(6)](MnCl(4))(2)Cl(2).2CH(3)OH.7H(2)O (5), and [Mn(9)(Cl2poap)(6)](ClO(4))(9).7H(2)O (6). Compound 1 crystallized in the tetragonal system, space group P4(2)/n, with a = 21.568(1) A, c = 16.275(1) A, and Z = 2. Compound 2 crystallized in the triclinic system, space group P, with a = 25.043(1) A, b = 27.413(1) A, c = 27.538(2) A, alpha = 91.586(2) degrees, beta = 113.9200(9) degrees, gamma = 111.9470(8) degrees, and Z = 2. Compound 3 crystallized in the triclinic system, space group P, with a = 18.1578(12) A, b = 18.2887(12) A, c = 26.764(2) A, alpha = 105.7880(12) degrees, beta = 101.547(2) degrees, gamma = 91.1250(11) degrees, and Z = 2. Compound 4 crystallized in the tetragonal system, space group P4(1)2(1)2, with a = 20.279(1) A, c = 54.873(6) A, and Z = 4. Compound 5 crystallized in the tetragonal system, space group I, with a = 18.2700(2) A, c = 26.753(2) A, and Z = 2. Compound 6 crystallized in the triclinic system, space group P, with a = 19.044(2) A, b = 19.457(2) A, c = 23.978(3) A, alpha = 84.518(3) degrees, beta = 81.227(3) degrees, gamma = 60.954(2) degrees, and Z = 2. Preliminary surface studies on Au(111), with a Mn(II) grid complex derived from a sulfur-derivatized ligand, indicate monolayer coverage via gold-sulfur interactions, and the potential for information storage at high-density levels.     

Building of a novel Mn12 Single Molecule Magnet by assembly of anisotropic {Mn3(μ3-O)(salox)3}+ triangles

Assembly of triangular {Mn(III)(3)(O)(salox)(3)}(+) fragments mediated by azido ligands, results in the dodecanuclear [Mn(12)O(4)(salox)(12)(N(3))(4)(MeOH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)] complex with S = 8 ground state and SMM response.     

Variation of heterometallic structural motifs based on [W(CN)8]3- anions and Mn(II) ions as a function of synthetic conditions

Reactions of [W(CN)(8)](3-/4-) anions with complexes of Mn(2+) ion with tridentate organic ligand 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (tptz) lead to a series of heterobimetallic complexes. The crystal structures of these compounds are derived from the same basic structural fragment, namely a W(2)Mn(2) square constructed of alternating cyanide-bridged W and Mn ions. In [Mn(II)(tptz)(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)](2){[Mn(II)(tptz)(MeOH)(1.58)(H(2)O)(0.42)](2)[W(V)(CN)(8)](2)}.5 MeOH.9.85 H(2)O (3), isolated molecular squares are co-crystallized with mononuclear cationic Mn(II) complexes. The structure of {[Mn(II)(tptz)(MeOH)](2)[W(IV)(CN)(8)].2 MeOH}(infinity) (4) is based on an infinite chain of vertex-sharing squares, while {[Mn(II) (2)(tptz)(2)(MeOH)(3)(OAc)][W(V)(CN)(8)].3.5 MeOH0.25 H(2)O}(infinity) (5) and {[Mn(II) (2)(tptz)(2)(MeOH)(3)W(V)(CN)(8)][Mn(II)(tptz)(MeOH)W(V)(CN)(8)].2 H(2).OMeOH}(8) (7) are derived from such an infinite chain by removing one of the W-C[triple bond]N-Mn linkages in each of the squares. The decanuclear cluster [Mn(II) (6)(tptz)(6)(MeOH)(4)(DMF)(2)W(V) (4)(CN)(32)].8.2 H(2)O.2.3 MeOH (6) is a truncated version of structure 4 and consists of three vertex-sharing W(2)Mn(2) squares. The structure of [Mn(II)(tptz)(MeOH)(NO(3))](2)[Mn(II)(tptz)(MeOH) (DMF)](2)[W(V)(CN)(8)](2).6 MeOH (8) consists of a hexanuclear cluster, in which the central W(2)Mn(2) square is extended by two Mn side-arms attached via CN(-) ligands to the W corners of the square. The magnetic behavior of these heterobimetallic complexes (except for 4) is dominated by antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn(II) and W(V) ions mediated by cyanide bridges. Compounds 3, 6, and 8 exhibit high spin ground states of S=4, 13, and 9, respectively, while 5 and 7 exhibit behavior typical of a ferrimagnetic chain with alternating spin centers. Complex 4 contains diamagnetic W(IV) centers but holds promise as a potential photomagnetic solid.     

A mixed valence manganese triangle in a trigonal lattice: structure and magnetism

The synthesis, structural and magnetic characterisation of trinuclear manganese cluster, [Mn(3)O(O(2)C-anth)(6)(HOCH(3))(3)] 1 (where O(2)C-anth = 9-anthracenecarboxylate), with crystallographic three-fold (C(3)) symmetry, are described. The cluster was prepared by a carboxylate exchange reaction between HO(2)C-anth and [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CMe)(16)(H(2)O)(4)] with concomitant fragmentation of the dodecanuclear Mn core of the starting material to form a trinuclear Mn(3)(μ(3)-O) cluster capped by six carboxylate ligands. Bond valence sum calculations and SQUID magnetometric measurements establish the oxidation states of the metal ions as Mn(II)·2 Mn(III) which are antiferromagnetically coupled.     

Dioxo-bridged dinuclear manganese(III) and -(IV) complexes of pyridyl donor tripod ligands: combined effects of steric substitution and chelate ring size variations on structural,spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties

The syntheses and structural, spectral, and electrochemical characterization of the dioxo-bridged dinuclear Mn(III) complexes [LMn(mo-O)(2)MnL](ClO(4))(2), of the tripodal ligands tris(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine (L(1)) and bis(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)(2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl)amine (L(2)), and the Mn(II) complex of bis(2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl)(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine (L(3)) are described. Addition of aqueous H(2)O(2) to methanol solutions of the Mn(II) complexes of L(1) and L(2) produced green solutions in a fast reaction from which subsequently precipitated brown solids of the dioxo-bridged dinuclear complexes 1 and 2, respectively, which have the general formula [LMn(III)(mu-O)(2)Mn(III)L](ClO(4))(2). Addition of 30% aqueous H(2)O(2) to the methanol solution of the Mn(II) complex of L(3) ([Mn(II)L(3)(CH(3)CN)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2) (3)) showed a very sluggish change gradually precipitating an insoluble black gummy solid, but no dioxo-bridged manganese complex is produced. By contrast, the Mn(II) complex of the ligand bis(2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (L(3a)) has been reported to react with aqueous H(2)O(2) to form the dioxo-bridged Mn(III)Mn(IV) complex. In cyclic voltammetric experiments in acetonitrile solution, complex 1 shows two reversible peaks at E(1/2) = 0.87 and 1.70 V (vs Ag/AgCl) assigned to the Mn(III)(2) <--> Mn(III)Mn(IV) and the Mn(III)Mn(IV) <--> Mn(IV)(2) processes, respectively. Complex 2 also shows two reversible peaks, one at E(1/2) = 0.78 V and a second peak at E(1/2) = 1.58 V (vs Ag/AgCl) assigned to the Mn(III)(2) <--> Mn(III)Mn(IV) and Mn(III)Mn(IV) <--> Mn(IV)(2) redox processes, respectively. These potentials are the highest so far observed for the dioxo-bridged dinuclear manganese complexes of the type of tripodal ligands used here. The bulk electrolytic oxidation of complexes 1 and 2, at a controlled anodic potential of 1.98 V (vs Ag/AgCl), produced the green Mn(IV)(2) complexes that have been spectrally characterized. The Mn(II) complex of L(3) shows a quasi reversible peak at an anodic potential of E(p,a) of 1.96 V (vs Ag/AgCl) assigned to the oxidation Mn(II) to Mn(III) complex. It is about 0.17 V higher than the E(p,a) of the Mn(II) complex of L(3a). The higher oxidation potential is attributable to the steric effect of the methyl substituent at the 6-position of the pyridyl donor of L(3).     

Syntheses, crystal structures, and spectroscopic and magnetic properties of [Mn2III(H2L1)(Cl4Cat)4.2H2O] and [Mn2III(H2L2)(Cl4Cat)4.2CH3CN.2H2O]infinity: temperature-dependent valence tautomerism in solution

The synthesis, X-ray data, and electronic structures of two manganese(III) 1D polymers ligated by tetrachlorocatechol, [Mn(2)(III)(H(2)L(1))(Cl(4)Cat)(4).2H(2)O](infinity) (1) and [Mn(2)(III)(H(2)L(2))(Cl(4)Cat)(4).2CH(3)CN.2H(2)O](infinity) (2), are reported. The electronic structures of the complexes have been determined by UV-vis-near-IR, IR, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Both 1 and 2 are air stable in the solid state and in solution, unlike most of the previously reported o-quinone-chelated transition-metal complexes. Electronic spectroscopy exhibits a strong near-IR band near 1900 nm for both, suggesting the presence of a mixed-valence semiquinone-catecholate oxidation state of the catechol ligands, Mn(2)(III)(Cl(4)Cat)(2)(Cl(4)SQ)(2), together with the pure catecholate forms. The presence of this isomer was further supported by EPR and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The complexes undergo intramolecular electron transfer (valence tautomerism) upon an increase of the temperature involving the equilibrium Mn(2)(III)(Cl(4)Cat)(2)(Cl(4)SQ)(2) <==> Mn(2)(II)(Cl(4)SQ)(4). This phenomenon is reversible and is studied in solution using UV-vis-near-IR spectroscopy.     

Rare tetranuclear mixed-valent [Mn(II)2Mn(IV)2] clusters as building blocks for extended networks

We report the synthesis of a series of mixed valence Mn(II/IV) tetranuclear clusters [Mn(II)(2)Mn(IV)(2)O(2)(heed)(2)(EtOH)(6)Br(2)]Br(2) (), [Mn(II)(2)Mn(IV)(2)O(2)(heed)(2)(H(2)O)(2)Cl(4)].2EtOH.H(2)O (.2EtOH.H(2)O), [Mn(II)(2)Mn(IV)(2)O(2)(heed)(2)(heedH(2))(2)](ClO(4))(4) (), [Mn(II)(2)Mn(IV)(2)O(2)(heed)(2)(MeCN)(2)(H(2)O)(2)(bpy)(2)](ClO(4))(4) () and [Mn(II)(2)Mn(IV)(2)O(2)(heed)(2)(bpy)(2)Br(4)].2MeOH (.2MeOH). Clusters are constructed from the tripodal ligand N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylene diamine (heedH(2)) and represent rare examples of tetranuclear Mn clusters possessing the linear trans zig-zag topology, being the first Mn(II/IV) mixed-valent clusters of this type. The molecular clusters can then be used as building blocks in tandem with the (linear) linker dicyanamide ([N(CN)(2)](-), dca(-)) for the formation of a novel extended network {[Mn(II)(2)Mn(IV)(2)O(2)(heed)(2)(H(2)O)(2)(MeOH)(2)(dca)(2)]Br(2)}(n) (), which exhibits a rare form of the 2D herring bone topology.     

Linking [M(III)3] triangles with "double-headed" phenolic oximes

Strapping two salicylaldoxime units together with aliphatic α,Ω-aminomethyl links in the 3-position gives ligands which allow the assembly of the polynuclear complexes [Fe(7)O(2)(OH)(6)(H(2)L1)(3)(py)(6)](BF(4))(5)·6H(2)O·14MeOH (1·6H(2)O·14MeOH), [Fe(6)O(OH)(7)(H(2)L2)(3)](BF(4))(3)·4H(2)O·9MeOH (2·4H(2)O·9MeOH) and [Mn(6)O(2)(OH)(2)(H(2)L1)(3)(py)(4)(MeCN)(2)](BF(4))(5)(NO(3))·3MeCN·H(2)O·5py (3·3MeCN·H(2)O·5py). In each case the metallic skeleton of the cluster is based on a trigonal prism in which two [M(III)(3)O] triangles are tethered together via three helically twisted double-headed oximes. The latter are present as H(2)L(2-) in which the oximic and phenolic O-atoms are deprotonated and the amino N-atoms protonated, with the oxime moieties bridging across the edges of the metal triangles. Both the identity of the metal ion and the length of the straps connecting the salicylaldoxime units have a major impact on the nuclearity and topology of the resultant cluster, with, perhaps counter-intuitively, the longer straps producing the "smallest" molecules.     

mer-[Fe III(bpca)(CN)3]-: a new low-spin iron(III) complex to build heterometallic ladder-like chains

The novel mononuclear complex PPh(4)-mer-[Fe(III)(bpca)(3)(CN)(3)].H(2)O (1) [PPh(4)(+) = tetraphenylphosphonium cation and bpca = bis(2-pyridylcarbonyl)amidate anion] and ladder-like chain compound [[Fe(III)(bpca)(micro-CN)(3)Mn(II)(H(2)O)(3)] [Fe(III)(bpca)(CN)(3)]].3H(2)O (2) have been prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 is a low-spin iron(III) compound with three cyanide ligands in mer arrangement and a tridentate N-donor ligand building a distorted octahedral environment around the iron atom. Compound 2 is an ionic salt made up of cationic ladder-like chains [[Fe(III)(bpca)(micro-CN)(3)Mn(II)(H(2)O)(3)]](+) and uncoordinated anions [Fe(III)(bpca)(3)(CN)(3)](-). The magnetic properties of 2 correspond to those of a ferrimagnetic chain with significant intrachain antiferromagnetic coupling between the low-spin iron(III) centers and the high-spin manganese(II) cations. This compound exhibits ferrimagnetic ordering below 2.0 K.     

The properties of the [Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)4] single-molecule magnets in truly axial symmetry: [Mn12O12(O2CCH2Br)16(H2O)4].4CH2Cl2

Detailed studies are reported of a Mn(12) single-molecule magnet (SMM) in truly axial (tetragonal) symmetry. The complex is [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CCH(2)Br)(16)(H(2)O)(4)].4CH(2)Cl(2) (2.4CH(2)Cl(2) or Mn(12)-BrAc), obtained by the standard carboxylate substitution method. The complex has an S = 10 ground state, typical of the Mn(12) family, and displays frequency-dependent out-of-phase AC susceptibility signals and hysteresis in single-crystal magnetization vs applied DC field sweeps. Single-crystal high-frequency EPR spectra in frequencies up to 360 GHz exhibit narrow signals that are not overlapping multiplets, in contrast to [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CMe)(16)(H(2)O)(4)].2MeCO(2)H.4H(2)O (1 or Mn(12)-Ac), which also crystallizes in an axial (tetragonal) space group but which now is recognized to consist of a mixture of six hydrogen-bonded isomers in the crystal and thus gives multiple, inhomogeneously broadened EPR signals. Similarly, single-crystal (55)Mn NMR spectra on Mn(12)-BrAc display much sharper signals than a single crystal of Mn(12)-Ac, and this allows one Mn(III) signal to show an almost baseline-resolved quintet from quadrupolar splitting ((55)Mn, I = 5/2, 100%), allowing quadrupole coupling parameters (e(2)qQ) to be determined. In addition, it was found that crushing crystals of Mn(12)-BrAc into a microcrystalline powder causes severe broadening and shifts of the NMR resonances, emphasizing the superiority of single-crystal studies. The combined results establish that Mn(12)-BrAc is far superior to Mn(12)-Ac for the study of the intrinsic properties of the Mn(12) family of SMMs in axial symmetry, and for the search for new phenomena such as quantum interference effects caused by higher-order (>2nd-order) transverse terms in the spin Hamiltonian.     

A Mn12 single-molecule magnet [Mn12O12(OAc)12(dpp)4] (dppH = diphenyl phosphate) with no coordinating water molecules

The preparation and physical characterization are reported for a novel single-molecule magnet [Mn(12)O(12)(OAc)(12)(dpp)(4)] (dppH = diphenyl phosphate) with no coordinating water molecules. The crystal structure analysis reveals that there are four five-coordinate Mn(III) ions with Mn.H approaches. Addition of water in CD(2)Cl(2) solution was monitored by (1)H NMR, which showed that H(2)O could coordinate to a vacant site of a five-coordinate Mn(III) ion in solution. The measurements and analyses of magnetization hysteresis and ac magnetic susceptibility indicate that the title complex is a single-molecule magnet with a quantum tunneling behavior, whose ground state was tentatively assigned to S = 10 with g = 1.78 and D = -0.60 K.     

Coordination polymers based on cobridging of rigid and flexible spacer ligands: syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of [Mn(bpy)(H2O)(C4H4O4)].0.5bpy, Mn(bpy)(C5H6O4), and Mn(bpy)(C6H8O4)

Reactions of 4,4'-bipyridine (bpy) with Mn(C(4)H(4)O(4)).4H(2)O and Mn(C(5)H(6)O(4)).4H(2)O in methanolic aqueous solutions yielded [Mn(bpy)(H(2)O)(C(4)H(4)O(4))].0.5bpy (1) and Mn(bpy)(C(5)H(6)O(4)) (2), respectively, and reactions of freshly prepared Mn(OH)(2)(-)(2)(x)(CO(3))(x).yH(2)O, adipic acid and 4,4'-bipyridine in a methanolic aqueous solution afforded Mn(bpy)(C(6)H(8)O(4)) (3). The six-coordinate Mn atoms in 1 are interlinked by flexible succinato ligands to form layers, which are sustained by rigid bpy ligands into an 3D open framework with the free bpy molecules in tunnels. The ribbonlike chains in 2 result from Mn atoms bridged by glutarato ligands and are connected by bpy ligands into open layers. In 3, the Mn atoms are bridged by both bpy and adipato ligands to form 3D nanoporous frameworks and 2-fold interpenetration of the resulting 3D frameworks completes the crystal structure. In comparison with 1 and 2, compound 3 displays significant antiferromagnetic behavior at low temperature. The antiferromagnetic exchange becomes stronger from 1 through 2 to 3, and the antiferromagnetic ordering of Mn(2+) centers is related to the syn-syn bridging mode of the terminal carboxylate groups of alpha,omega-dicarboxylate anions. Crystal data: C(19)H(18)MnN(3)O(5) (1), monoclinic P2(1)/c, a= 11.686(2) A, b = 17.847(2) A, c = 8.852(1) A, beta = 99.67(1) degrees, V = 1819.9(4) A(3), Z = 4, D(c) = 1.545 g.cm(-3); C(15)H(14)MnN(2)O(4) (2), triclinic P, a = 8.145(2) A, b = 9.574(2) A, c = 10.180(1) A, alpha = 108.01(3) degrees, beta = 93.55(3) degrees, gamma = 105.30(1) degrees, V = 719.2(2) A(3), Z = 2, D(c) = 1.576 g.cm(-3); C(15)H(14)MnN(2)O(4) (3), triclinic P, a = 8.544(1) A, b= 8.881(1) A, c = 10.949(2) A, alpha = 108.81(1) degrees, beta = 95.40(1) degrees, gamma = 101.94(1) degrees, V = 757.7(2) A(3), Z = 2, D(c) = 1.557 g.cm(-3).     

Slow relaxation in a one-dimensional rational assembly of antiferromagnetically coupled [Mn4] single-molecule magnets

Four discrete Mn(III)/Mn(II) tetranuclear complexes with a double-cuboidal core, [Mn(4)(hmp)(6)(CH(3)CN)(2)(H(2)O)(4)](ClO(4))(4).2CH(3)CN (1), [Mn(4)(hmp)(6)(H(2)O)(4)](ClO(4))(4).2H(2)O (2), [Mn(4)(hmp)(6)(H(2)O)(2)(NO(3))(2)](ClO(4))(2).4H(2)O (3), and [Mn(4)(hmp)(6)(Hhmp)(2)](ClO(4))(4).2CH(3)CN (4), were synthesized by reaction of Hhmp (2-hydroxymethylpyridine) with Mn(ClO(4))(2).6H(2)O in the presence of tetraethylammonium hydroxide and subsequent addition of NaNO(3) (3) or an excess of Hhmp (4). Direct current (dc) magnetic measurements show that both Mn(2+)-Mn(3+) and Mn(3+)-Mn(3+) magnetic interactions are ferromagnetic in 1-3 leading to an S(T) = 9 ground state for the Mn(4) unit. Furthermore, these complexes are single-molecule magnets (SMMs) clearly showing both thermally activated and ground-state tunneling regimes. Slight changes in the [Mn(4)] core geometry result in an S(T) = 1 ground state in 4. A one-dimensional assembly of [Mn(4)] units, catena-{[Mn(4)(hmp)(6)(N(3))(2)](ClO(4))(2)} (5), was obtained in the same synthetic conditions with the subsequent addition of NaN(3). Double chairlike N(3)(-) bridges connect identical [Mn(4)] units into a chain arrangement. This material behaves as an Ising assembly of S(T) = 9 tetramers weakly antiferromagnetically coupled. Slow relaxation of the magnetization is observed at low temperature for the first time in an antiferromagnetic chain, following an activated behavior with Delta(tau)/k(B) = 47 K and tau(0) = 7 x 10(-)(11) s. The observation of this original thermally activated relaxation process is induced by finite-size effects and in particular by the noncompensation of spins in segments of odd-number units. Generalizing the known theories on the dynamic properties of polydisperse finite segments of antiferromagnetically coupled Ising spins, the theoretical expressions of the characteristic energy gaps Delta(xi) and Delta(tau) were estimated and successfully compared to the experimental values.     

Aggregation of tetranuclear Mn building blocks with alkali ion. Syntheses, crystal structures and chemical behaviors of monomer, dimer and polymer containing [Mn4(mu3-O)2]8+ units

Aggregation of tetranuclear Mn(4)O(2) building blocks with alkali ion was studied. Several Mn(iii) complexes containing [Mn(4)O(2)(AcO)(7)(pyz)(2)](-) (pyz = pyrazinate) anion(s) were obtained from an assembly system containing Mn(ii), MnO(4)(-), HOAc and Hpyz (Napyz or Kpyz). These [Mn(4)O(2)](8+) complexes have monomeric (1 and 2), dimeric (4 and 5) and one-dimensional chain () structures of which alkali metal ion connects the Mn ions of adjacent [Mn(4)O(2)](8+) units through mu(1,1)- and mu(1,3)-carboxylate bridges. Complexes 2 or 3 were converted into [Mn(12)O(12)(AcO)(16)(H(2)O)(4)] in EtOH solution in the presence of HOAc. However, in MeOH solution, a coordination polymer [Mn(2)(HCOO)(4)(H(2)O)(4)](n) was obtained accompanying the oxidation of MeOH to become HCHO and HCOOH. Tracing the (1)H NMR spectra of 2 or 3 in CD(3)OD, the disappearance of the resonance signals in 3 h indicated the decomposition of the [Mn(4)O(2)](8+) cores. Complex 2 exhibits its proton NMR signals in CDCl(3) which are similar to those of its pic analogue but accompany downfield shift to various extents for all the corresponding signals. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibilities of complexes 2-5 in the range 5-300 K were recorded and were fitted for an Mn(4)O(2) butterfly core, giving the fitting parameters J(bb) = -2.67 to -3.76 cm(-1) and J(wb) = -1.16 to -3.14 cm(-1). Small J values indicate weak antiferromagnetic coupling interactions of the Mn(iii) sites and the spin ground states are considered as S(T) = 0 based on the J(bb)/J(wb) ratio approximately 1 for these complexes. The ESR spectra were recorded for complex 2 in dual-mode at liquid-helium temperatures and no obvious signal could be found. The addition of p-cresol gives rise to the reduction of the [Mn(4)O(2)](8+), resulting in observable signals.     

Synthesis and characterization of a Mn22 single-molecule magnet and a [Mn22]n single-chain magnet

The reactions of [Mn12O12(O2CEt)16(H2O)4] with phenylphosphinic acid (PhHPO2H) in MeCN and MeCN/CH2Cl2 have led to isolation of [Mn22O12(O2CEt)22(O3PPh)8(H2O)8] (2) and [Mn22O12(O2CEt)20(O3PPh)8(O2PPhH)2(H2O)8]n (3), respectively, both containing PhPO3(2-) groups from in situ oxidation of PhHPO(2)(-). Complex 2 is molecular and consists of two Mn9 subunits linked by four additional Mn atoms. Complex 3 contains almost identical Mn22 units as 2, but they are linked into a one-dimensional chain structure. The Mn22 unit in both compounds is mixed-valence Mn(III)18, Mn(II)4. Solid-state, variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements were performed on vacuum-dried samples of 2 and 3, indicating dominant antiferromagnetic interactions. A good fit of low-temperature magnetization data for 2 could not be obtained because of problems associated with low-lying excited states, as expected for a high nuclearity complex containing Mn(II) atoms. An approximate fit using only data collected in small applied fields indicated an S = 7 or 8 ground state for 2. Solid-state ac susceptibility data established that the true ground state of 2 is S = 7 and that the connected Mn22 units of 3 are ferromagnetically coupled. Both 2 and 3 displayed weak out-of-phase ac signals indicative of slow magnetization relaxation. Single-crystal magnetization versus applied dc field scans exhibited hysteresis loops for both compounds, establishing them as new single-molecule and single-chain magnets, respectively. Complex 2 also showed steps in its hysteresis loops characteristic of quantum tunneling of magnetization, the highest nuclearity molecule to show such QTM steps. Arrhenius plots constructed from dc magnetization versus time decay plots gave effective barriers to magnetization relaxation (U(eff)) of 6 and 11 cm(-1) for 2 and 3, respectively.