Template synthesis and single-molecule magnetism properties of a complex with spin S = 16 and a [Mn8O8]8+ saddle-like core

The compound [CeIVMnIII8O8(O2CMe)12(H2O)4].4H2O (1.4H2O) has been obtained from a template synthesis involving the reaction of the chain polymer {[MnIII(OH)(O2CMe)2] .(MeCO2H).(H2O)}n (3) with Ce(IV). Compound 1 contains a MnIII8 loop inside which is held the Ce(IV) ion by the bridging oxide ions. Magnetization and magnetic susceptibility studies establish that 1 has an S = 16 spin ground state, the largest yet for a Mn cluster, and displays the slow magnetization relaxation and hysteresis behavior of a single-molecule magnet (SMM). It is thus the highest spin Mn SMM discovered to date.     

Quantum tunneling of magnetization in a new [Mn18]2+ single-molecule magnet with s = 13

The reaction between 2-(hydroxyethyl)pyridine (hepH) and a 2:1 molar mixture of [Mn3O(O2CMe)6(py)3](ClO4) and [Mn3O(O2CMe)6(py)3](py) in MeCN leads to isolation of [Mn18O14(O2CMe)18(hep)4(hepH)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (1) in 10% yield. The complex is 2MnII,16MnIII and consists of a Mn4O6 central unit to either side of which is attached a Mn7O9 unit. Magnetization data collected in the 2.0-4.0 K and 20-50 kG ranges were fit to yield S = 13, g = 1.86, and D = -0.13 cm-1 = -0.19 K, where D is the axial zero-field splitting parameter. AC susceptibility studies in the 0.04-4.0 K range at frequencies up to 996 Hz display out-of-phase (chiM' ') signals, indicative of a single-molecule magnet (SMM). Magnetization vs applied DC field scans exhibit hysteresis at <1.0 K, confirming 1 to be a SMM. DC magnetization decay data were collected on both a microcrystalline sample and a single crystal, and the combined data were used to construct an Arrhenius plot. Between 3.50 and 0.50 K, the relaxation rate is temperature-dependent with an effective barrier to relaxation (Ueff) of 14.8 cm-1 = 21.3 K. Below ca. 0.25 K, the relaxation rate is temperature-independent at 1.3 x 10-8 s-1, indicative of quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) between the lowest energy Ms = +/-13 levels of the S = 13 state. Complex 1 is both the largest spin and highest nuclearity SMM to exhibit QTM.     

Synthesis, redox, and magnetic properties of a neutral, mixed-valent heptanuclear manganese wheel with S = 27/2 high-spin ground state

Reaction of lithium tetrachloromanganate(II) with N-n-butyldiethanolamine H2L3 (3) in the presence of LiH leads to the formation of wheel-shaped, mixed-valent heptanuclear, neutral complex {MnII subset[MnII2MnIII4Cl6(L3)6]} (4). The manganese wheel crystallizes in the triclinic space group P as 4.2CHCl3 or 4.3THF when either diethyl ether or n-pentane was allowed to diffuse into solutions of 4 in chloroform or tetrahydrofuran. The oxidation states of each manganese ion in 4.2CHCl3 or 4.3THF were assigned on the basis of detailed symmetry, bond length, and charge considerations, as well as by the Jahn-Teller axial elongation observed for the manganese(III) ions, and were further supported by cyclic voltammetry. The analysis of the SQUID magnetic susceptibility data for complex 4.2CHCl3 showed that the intramolecular magnetic coupling of the manganese(II,III) ions is dominated by ferromagnetic exchange interactions. This results in an S = 27/2 ground-state multiplet at low magnetic field. At fields higher than 0.68 T, the energetically lowest state is given by the mS = 31/2 component of the S = 31/2 multiplet due to the Zeeman effect. The ligand-field-splitting parameters were determined by anisotropy SQUID measurements on single crystalline samples along the crystallographic x, y, and z axes (D = -0.055 K, E = 6.6 mK) and by high-frequency electron spin resonance measurements on a polycrystalline powder of 4.2CHCl3 (D = -0.068 K, E = 9.7 mK). The resulting barrier height for magnetization reversal amounts to U approximately 10 K. Finally, 2DEG Hall magnetization measurements revealed that 4.2CHCl3 shows single-molecule magnet behavior up to the blocking temperature of about 0.6 K with closely spaced steps in the hysteresis because of the quantum tunneling of the magnetization.     

"Switching on" the properties of single-molecule magnetism in triangular manganese(III) complexes

The reaction between oxide-centered, triangular [MnIII3O(O2CR)6(py)3](ClO4) (R = Me (1), Et (2), Ph (3)) compounds and methyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime (mpkoH) affords a new family of Mn/carboxylato/oximato complexes, [MnIII3O(O2CR)3(mpko)3](ClO4) [R = Me (4), Et (5), and Ph (6)]. As in 1-3, the cations of 4-6 contain an [MnIII3(mu3-O)]7+ triangular core, but with each Mn2 edge now bridged by an eta1:eta1:mu-RCO2- and an eta1:eta1:eta1:mu-mpko- group. The tridentate binding mode of the latter causes a buckling of the formerly planar [MnIII3(mu3-O)]7+ core, resulting in a relative twisting of the three MnIII octahedra and the central O2- ion now lying approximately 0.3 A above the Mn3 plane. This structural distortion leads to ferromagnetic exchange interactions within the molecule and a resulting S = 6 ground state. Fits of dc magnetization data for 4-6 collected in the 1.8-10.0 K and 10-70 kG ranges confirmed S = 6 ground states, and gave the following D and g values: -0.34 cm(-1) and 1.92 for 4, -0.34 cm(-1) and 1.93 for 5, and -0.35 cm(-1) and 1.99 for 6, where D is the axial zero-field splitting (anisotropy) parameter. Complexes 4-6 all exhibit frequency-dependent out-of-phase (chi" M) ac susceptibility signals suggesting them possibly to be single-molecule magnets (SMMs). Relaxation rate vs T data for complex 4 down to 1.8 K obtained from the chi" M vs T studies were supplemented with rate vs T data measured to 0.04 K via magnetization vs time decay studies, and these were used to construct Arrhenius plots from which was obtained the effective barrier to relaxation (Ueff) of 10.9 K. Magnetization vs dc field sweeps on single-crystals of 4.3CH2Cl2 displayed hysteresis loops exhibiting steps due to quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM). The loops were essentially temperature-independent below approximately 0.3 K, indicating only ground-state QTM between the lowest-lying Ms = +/-6 levels. Complexes 4-6 are thus confirmed as the first triangular SMMs. High-frequency EPR spectra of single crystals of 4.3CH2Cl2 have provided precise spin Hamiltonian parameters, giving D = -0.3 cm(-1), B40 = -3 x 10(-5) cm(-1), and g = 2.00. The spectra also suggest a significant transverse anisotropy of E > or = 0.015 cm(-1). The combined work demonstrates the feasibility that structural distortions of a magnetic core imposed by peripheral ligands can "switch on" the properties of an SMM.     

Single-molecule magnets: structure and properties of [Mn18O14(O2CMe)18(hep)4(hepH)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2 with spin S = 13

The reaction of 2-(hydroxyethyl)pyridine (hepH) with a 2:1 molar mixture of [Mn3O(O2CMe)6(py)3]ClO4 and [Mn3O(O2CMe)6(py)3] in MeCN afforded the new mixed-valent (16Mn(III), 2Mn(II)), octadecanuclear complex [Mn18O14(O2CMe)18(hep)4(hepH)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (1) in 20% yield. Complex 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P. Direct current magnetic susceptibility studies in a 1.0 T field in the 5.0-300 K range, and variable-temperature variable-field dc magnetization studies in the 2.0-4.0 K and 2.0-5.0 T ranges were obtained on polycrystalline samples. Fitting of magnetization data established that complex 1 possesses a ground-state spin of S = 13 and D = -0.18 K. This was confirmed by the value of the in-phase ac magnetic susceptibility signal. Below 3 K, the complex exhibits a frequency-dependent drop in the in-phase signal, and a concomitant increase in the out-of-phase signal, consistent with slow magnetization relaxation on the ac time scale. This suggests the complex is a single-molecule magnet (SMM), and this was confirmed by hysteresis loops below 1 K in magnetization versus dc field sweeps on a single crystal. Alternating current and direct current magnetization data were combined to yield an Arrhenius plot from which was obtained the effective barrier (U(eff)) for magnetization reversal of 21.3 K. Below 0.2 K, the relaxation becomes temperature-independent, consistent with relaxation only by quantum tunneling of the magnetization (QTM) through the anisotropy barrier via the lowest-energy MS = +/-13 levels of the S = 13 spin manifold. Complex 1 is thus the SMM with the largest ground-state spin to display QTM.     

Mn7O5(OR)2(O2CPh)9(terpy)] (R = Me, CH2Ph) complexes with a fused cubane/butterfly core and an S = 6 ground-state spin

Two new heptanuclear Mn clusters, [Mn7O5(OMe)2(O2CPh)9(terpy)] (1) and [Mn7O5(OCH2Ph)2(O2CPh)9(terpy)] (2), were prepared from the partial alcoholysis of the trinuclear complex [Mn3O(O2CPh)6(py)2(H2O)] (3) in the presence of terpy (terpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine). Complexes 1 and 2 crystallize in the triclinic P and the orthorhombic Pbca space groups, respectively. The clusters are both mixed valent, containing three Mn oxidation states: MnIV, 5MnIII, and MnII. The Mn ions are held together by nine doubly bridging benzoates, four mu3-O2- ions, one mu5-O2- ion, and either two mu-MeO- (1) or two mu-PhCH2O- (2) groups. The single terpy chelate in each complex is attached to the MnII ion. The core topology is novel and very unusual, comprising a cubane and a butterfly unit fused by sharing a MnIII and the mu5-O2- ion. Solid-state dc and ac magnetic susceptibility studies establish that complexes 1 and 2 both possess an S = 6 ground-state spin. Fits of variable-temperature and -field magnetization data gave S = 6, g = 1.88, and D = -0.21 cm-1 for 1 and S = 6, g = 1.86, and D = -0.18 cm-1 for 2. Single-crystal magnetization vs dc field scans down to 0.1 K for 2 show only very little hysteresis at 0.1 K.     

High-spin Mn4 and Mn10 molecules: large spin changes with structure in mixed-valence MnII4MnIII6 clusters with azide and alkoxide-based ligands

The use has been explored of both azide (N3-) and alkoxide-containing groups such as the anions of 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine (hmpH), 2,6-pyridinedimethanol (pdmH2), 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane (thmeH3) and triethanolamine (teaH3) in Mn cluster chemistry. The 1:1:1:1 reactions of hmpH, NaN3 and NEt3 with Mn(ClO4)(2).6H 2O or Mn(NO3)2.H2O in MeCN/MeOH afford [MnII4MnIII6O4(N3)4(hmp)12](X)2 [X=ClO4- (1), N3- (2)]. The [Mn10(mu4-O) 4(mu3-N3)4]14+ core of the cation has a tetra-face-capped octahedral topology, with a central MnIII6 octahedron, whose eight faces are bridged by four mu 3-N3- and four mu 4-O2- ions, the latter also bridging to four extrinsic MnII atoms. The core has Td symmetry, but the complete [MnII4MnIII6O4(N3)4(hmp)12]2+ cation has rare T symmetry, which is crystallographically imposed. A similar reaction of Mn(ClO4) (2).6H2O with one equiv each of NaN3, thmeH3, pdmH2, and NEt3 in MeCN/MeOH led to [MnII4MnIII6O2(N3)6(pdmH)4(thme)4] (3). Complex 3 is at the same oxidation level as 1/2 but its core is structurally different, consisting of two edge-fused [MnII2MnIII4(mu4-O)]14+ octahedra. Replacement of thmeH3 with teaH3 in this reaction gave instead [MnII2MnIII2(N3)4(pdmH)2(teaH)2] (4), containing a planar Mn 4 rhombus. Variable-temperature, solid-state dc and ac magnetization studies were carried out on 1-4 in the 5.0-300 K range. Complexes 1 and 2 are completely ferromagnetically coupled with a resulting S=22 ground state, one of the highest yet reported. Fits of dc magnetization vs field (H) and temperature (T) data by matrix diagonalization gave S=22, g=2.00, and D approximately 0.0 cm(-1) (D is the axial zero-field splitting parameter). In contrast, the data for 3 revealed dominant antiferromagnetic interactions and a resulting S=0 ground state. Complex 4 contains weakly ferromagnetically coupled Mn atoms, leading to an S=9 ground-state and low-lying excited states, and exhibits out-of-phase ac susceptibility signals characteristic of a single-molecule magnet. Theoretical values of the exchange constants in 1 obtained with density functional theory and ZILSH calculations were in good agreement with experimental values. The combined work demonstrates the synthetic usefulness of alcohol-based chelates and azido ligands when used together, and the synthesis in the present work of two "isomeric" MnIII6MnII4 cores that differ in spin by a remarkable 22 units.     

Carboxylate-bridged helical chains based on an azo carboxylate oximate ligand

Two helical one-dimensional complexes [MnII(MeOH)4][MnIV(L·)2]·2MeOH (1) and [MnIII(salen)][MnIII(L)2] (2) (H2L = HON=C(Ph)N=NC6H4CO2H) contain the noninnocent ligand [Mn(L·)2]2- and innocent low-spin [Mn(L)2]-. Intrachain anti-ferromagnetic interaction between adjacent manganese ions via the syn-anti carboxylate bridges in complex 1. Alternate syn-anti and anti-anti carboxylate bridges have been found to transmit ferro- and antiferromagnetic coupling between high-spin and low-spin Mn(III) ions in complex 2.     

One-dimensional supramolecular organization of single-molecule magnets

An out-of-plane dimeric MnIII quadridentate Schiff-base compound, [Mn2(salpn)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (salpn(2-) = N,N'-(propane)bis(salicylideneiminate)), has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The crystal structure reveals that the [Mn2(salpn)2(H2O)2](2+) units are linked through weak H-bonds (OHwater...OPh) in one dimension along the c-axis, forming supramolecular chains. The exchange interaction between MnIII ions via the biphenolate bridge is ferromagnetic (J/kB = +1.8 K), inducing an ST = 4 ground state. This dinuclear unit possesses uni-axial anisotropy observed in the out-of-plane direction with DMn2/kB = -1.65 K. At low temperatures, this complex exhibits slow relaxation of its magnetization in agreement with a single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior. Interestingly, the intermolecular magnetic interactions along the one-dimensional organization, albeit weak (J'/kB = -0.03 K), influence significantly the thermally activated and quantum dynamics of this complex. Thus, unique features such as M vs H data with multiple steps, hysteresis effects, and peculiar relaxation time have been explained considering SMMs in small exchange-field perturbations and finite-size effects intrinsic to the chain arrangement. The magnetic properties of this new complex can be regarded as an intermediate behavior between SMM and single-chain magnet (SCM) properties.     

Manganese(II) o ctacyanotungstate(V)-based magnet containing a noncoordinated aromatic molecule

We have prepared a pillared layer magnetic material containing a noncoordinated aromatic molecule, [{MnII(pyrimidine)(H2O)}2{MnII(H2O)2}{WV(CN)8}2](pyrimidine)2.2H2O. This compound has one-dimensional channels (6.2 x 2.1 A) that are occupied by noncoordinated pyrimidine. The magnetization versus temperature plots showed the magnetic phased transition temperature (TC) was 47 K. The magnetization versus external magnetic field plots showed that the saturation magnetization (MS) value was 13.0 muB at 2 K. This MS value indicates that an antiferromagnetic interaction operates between the WV (S = 1/2) and MnII (S = 5/2) ions. The magnetic hysteresis loop showed that the coercive field (HC) was 17 G at 2 K.     

Single-molecule magnets: a new class of tetranuclear manganese magnets

The preparation, X-ray structure, and detailed physical characterization are presented for a new type of single-molecule magnet [Mn4(O2CMe)2(pdmH)6](ClO4)2 (1). Complex 1.2MeCN.Et2O crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1, with cell dimensions at 130 K of a = 11.914(3) A, b = 15.347(4) A, c = 9.660(3) A, alpha = 104.58(1) degree, beta = 93.42(1) degree, gamma = 106.06(1) degree, and Z = 1. The cation lies on an inversion center and consists of a planar Mn4 rhombus that is mixed-valent, MnIII2MnII2. The pdmH- ligands (pdmH2 is pyridine-2,6-dimethanol) function as either bidentate or tridentate ligands. The bridging between Mn atoms is established by either a deprotonated oxygen atom of a pdmH- ligand or an acetate ligand. The solvated complex readily loses all acetonitrile and ether solvate molecules to give complex 1, which with time becomes hydrated to give 1.2.5H2O. Direct current and alternating current magnetic susceptibility data are given for 1 and 1.2.5H2O and indicate that the desolvated complex has a S = 8 ground state, whereas the hydrated 1.2.5H2O has a S = 9 ground state. Ferromagnetic interactions between MnIII-MnII and MnIII-MnIII pairs result in parallel spin alignments of the S = 5/2 MnII and S = 2 MnIII ions. High-frequency EPR spectra were run for complex 1.2.5H2O at frequencies of 218, 328, and 436 GHz in the 4.5-30 K range. A magnetic-field-oriented polycrystallite sample was employed. Fine structure is clearly seen in this parallel-field EPR spectrum. The transition fields were least-squares-fit to give g = 1.99, D = -0.451 K, and B4 degrees = 2.94 x 10(-5) K for the S = 9 ground state of 1.2.5H2O. A molecule with a large-spin ground state with D < 0 can function as a single-molecule magnet, as detected by techniques such as ac magnetic susceptibility. Out-of-phase ac signals (chi' M) were seen for complexes 1 and 1.2.5H2O to show that these complexes are single-molecule magnets. A sample of 1 was studied by ac susceptibility in the 0.4-6.4 K range with the ac field oscillating at frequencies in the 1.1-1000 Hz range. A single peak in chi' M vs temperature plots was seen for each frequency; the temperature of the chi' M peak varies from 2.03 K at 995 Hz to 1.16 K at 1.1 Hz. Magnetization relaxation rates were evaluated in this way. An Arrhenius plot gave an activation energy of 17.3 K, which, as expected, is less than the 22.4 K value calculated for the thermodynamic barrier for magnetization direction reversal for an S = 8 complex with D = -0.35 K. The 1.2.5H2O complex with an S = 9 ground state has its chi' M peaks at higher temperatures.     

A heterometal single-molecule magnet of [MnIII2NiII2Cl2(salpa)2

The tetranuclear complex [MnIII2NiII2Cl2(salpa)2] (salpa = N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-3-amino-1-propanol) has a spin ground state of S = 6 and was confirmed to be an SMM based on a steplike feature of the magnetization hysteresis loop at 0.55 K.     

High-spin Mn wheels

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of the complexes [MnIV4MnIII10MnII2O2(OCH3)12(tmp)8(O2CCH3)10].3Et2O (1.3Et2O), [MnIV2MnIII18MnII2O6(OCH3)14(O2CCH3)16(tmp)8(HIm)2].2CH3OH (2.2CH3OH), and [MnIV2MnIII18MnII2O6(OCH3)14(O2CCH3)16(Br-mp)8(HIm)2].2C6H14.5CH3OH (3.2C6H14.5CH3OH) are reported. The unusual wheel-like complexes were prepared by the treatment of [Mn3O(O2CCH3)6(HIm)3](O2CCH3) (HIm = imidazole) with 1,1,1-tris-(hydroxymethyl)propane (H3tmp) (1 and 2) or 2-(bromomethyl)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol (Br-mpH3) (3) in the presence of sodium methoxide (NaOCH3, 2, and 3) in CH3OH. Complex 1.3Et2O crystallizes in the triclinic space group P, while complexes 2.2CH3OH and 3.2C6H14.5CH3OH crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbca. Direct current magnetic susceptibility data, collected for 1-3 in the respective 1.8-300 K and 0.1-7 T temperature and magnetic-field ranges, afford spin ground-state values of S = 14 +/- 1 for complex 1 and S = 9 +/- 1 for complexes 2 and 3. Alternating current susceptibility measurements performed on all three complexes in the 1.8-10 K temperature range in a 3.5 G oscillating field at frequencies between 50 and 1000 Hz reveal out-of-phase chi"M signals below approximately 3 K. Single-crystal hysteresis loop and relaxation measurements confirm single-molecule magnetism behavior.     

Wheel-shaped Mn16 single-molecule magnets

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of two new single-stranded hexadecanuclear manganese wheels [Mn16(CH3COO)8(CH3CH2CH2COO)8(teaH)12] x 10 MeCN (1 x 10 MeCN) and [Mn16((CH3)2CHCOO)16(teaH)12] x 4 CHCl3 (2 x 4 CHCl3), where teaH(2-) is the dianion of triethanolamine, are reported. 1 crystallizes in the tetragonal I4(1)/a space group [a = b = 33.519(4) A and c = 16.659(2) A]. 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic C2/c space group [a = 21.473(5), b = 26.819(6), c = 35.186(7), and beta = 93.447(5) degrees]. Both complexes consist of 8 Mn(II) and 8 Mn(III) ions alternating in a wheel-shaped topology with 12 monoprotonated triethanolamine ligands. Variable-temperature direct current (DC) magnetic susceptibility data were collected in 1 T, 0.1 and 0.01 T fields, and in the 1.8-300 K temperature range for 1 and 2. Variable-temperature variable-field DC magnetic susceptibility data were obtained in the 1.8-10 K and 0.1-5 T ranges and least-squares fitting of these reduced magnetization versus H/T data indicates a S = 13 ground-state for 1 and 2. Single-crystal magnetization hysteresis measurements were performed in a 0.04-1 K temperature range for complex 2. Hysteresis loops were observed that showed a temperature dependence, which indicates that 2 exhibits magnetization relaxation and is a SMM. Both 1 and 2 show frequency-dependent out-of-phase signals in the AC susceptibility measurements, collected in a temperature range of 1.8-5 K and in the frequency range of 50-10,000 Hz. Extrapolation of the in-phase component of the AC susceptibility data to 0 K indicates an S = 12 ground state for 1 and an S = 11 ground-state for 2. Complex 1 has the highest-spin ground state reported to date for a single-stranded manganese wheel and is likely to be an SMM based on a frequency-dependent out-of-phase signal in the AC susceptibility. The AC susceptibility as well as magnetization hysteresis data for 2 confirm that this species is an SMM.     

Studies of magnetic properties and HFEPR of octanuclear manganese single-molecule magnets

A new octanuclear manganese cluster [Mn(8)(Hpmide)(4)O(4)(EtCOO)(6)](ClO(4))(2) (1) is achieved by employing Hpmide as the ligand, and this paper examines the synthesis, X-ray structure, high-field electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR), magnetization hysteresis loops and magnetic susceptibilities. Complex 1 was prepared by two different methods, and hence, was crystallized in two space groups: P3(2)21 for 1a and P3(1)21 for 1b. Each molecule possesses four Mn(II) and four Mn(III) ions. The metal-oxo framework of complex 1 consists of three face-sharing cubes with manganese ions on alternate corners. The four Mn(III) cations have their Jahn-Teller elongation axes roughly parallel to the c axis of the crystal lattice. The dc magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal a spin-frustration effect in this compound. The ac magnetic susceptibilities, as well as the magnetization hysteresis measurements, clearly establish that complex 1a is a single-molecule-magnet (SMM) with a kinetic energy barrier (10.4 cm(-1)) for spin reversal. HFEPR further confirms that complex 1a is a new SMM with a magnetoanisotropy and quantized energy levels. However, interpretation of the complete set of measurements in terms of a well defined spin ground state is not possible due to the spin frustration.     

Role of the orbitally degenerate Mn(III) ions in the single-molecule magnet behavior of the cyanide cluster ([MnII(tmphen)2]3[Mn(III)(CN)6]2) (tmphen = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)

We report a new theoretical model that accounts for the unusual magnetic properties of the cyanide cluster ([MnII(tmphen)2]3[MnIII(CN)6]2) (tmphen = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline). The model takes into account (1) the spin-orbit interaction, (2) the trigonal component of the crystal field acting on the ground-state cubic (3)T(1) terms of the apical Mn(III) ions, and (3) the isotropic contribution to the exchange interaction between Mn(III) and Mn(II) ions. The ground state of the cluster was shown to be the state with the total angular momentum projection |M(J)| = 15/2; the energies of the low-lying levels obtained from this treatment increase with decreasing |M(J)| values, a situation that leads to a barrier for the reversal of magnetization (U(eff) approximately 30 cm(-1)). The new model explains the recently discovered single-molecule magnet behavior of the ([MnII(tmphen)2]3[MnIII(CN)6]2)in contrast to the traditional approach that takes into account only the ground-state spin (S) and a negative zero-field splitting parameter (D(S) < 0).     

A family of Mn16 single-molecule magnets from a reductive aggregation route

The synthesis and magnetic properties of three isostructural hexadecametallic manganese clusters [Mn(16)O(16)(OMe)(6)(O(2)CCH(2)Ph)(16)(MeOH)(6)] (1), [Mn(16)O(16)(OMe)(6)(O(2)CCH(2)Cl)(16)(MeOH)(6)] (2), and [Mn(16)O(16)(OMe)(6)(O(2)CCH(2)Br)(16)(MeOH)(6)] (3) are reported. The complexes were prepared by a reductive aggregation reaction involving phenylacetic acid, chloroacetic acid or bromoacetic acid, and NBu(n)()(4)MnO(4) in MeOH. Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c and consists of 6 Mn(IV) and 10 Mn(III) ions held together by 14 mu(3)-O(2)(-), 2 mu-O(2)(-), 4 mu-MeO(-), and 2 mu-O(2)CCH(2)Ph(-) groups. The remaining 14 mu-O(2)CCH(2)Ph(-) ligands, 2 mu-MeO(-) groups, and 6 terminal MeOH molecules constitute the peripheral ligation in the complex. Variable-temperature, solid-state dc magnetic susceptibility measurements on 1-3 in the temperature range 5.0-300 K reveal that all three complexes are dominated by intramolecular antiferromagnetic exchange interactions. Low-lying excited states preclude an exact determination of the spin ground state for 1-3 by magnetization measurements. Alternating current susceptibility measurements at zero dc field in the temperature range 1.8-10 K and a 3.5 G ac field oscillating at frequencies in the 5-1488 Hz range display, at temperatures below 3 K, a nonzero, frequency-dependent chi(M)"signal for complexes 1-3, with the peak maxima lying at temperatures less than 1.8 K. Single-crystal magnetization versus dc field scans down to 0.04 K for complex 1 show hysteresis behavior at <1 K, establishing 1 as a new member of the SMM family. No clear steps characteristic of quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) were observed in the hysteresis loops.     

Large Mn25 single-molecule magnet with spin S = 51/2: magnetic and high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic characterization of a giant spin state

The synthesis and structural, spectroscopic, and magnetic characterization of a Mn25 coordination cluster with a large ground-state spin of S = 51/2 are reported. Reaction of MnCl2 with pyridine-2,6-dimethanol (pdmH2) and NaN3 in MeCN/MeOH gives the mixed valence cluster [Mn25O18(OH)2(N3)12(pdm)6(pdmH)6]Cl2 (1; 6Mn(II), 18Mn(III), Mn(IV)), which has a barrel-like cage structure. Variable temperature direct current (dc) magnetic susceptibility data were collected in the 1.8-300 K temperature range in a 0.1 T field. Variable-temperature and -field magnetization (M) data were collected in the 1.8-4.0 K and 0.1-7 T ranges and fit by matrix diagonalization assuming only the ground state is occupied at these temperatures. The fit parameters were S = 51/2, D = -0.020(2) cm(-1), and g = 1.87(3), where D is the axial zero-field splitting parameter. Alternating current (ac) susceptibility measurements in the 1.8-8.0 K range and a 3.5 G ac field oscillating at frequencies in the 50-1500 Hz range revealed a frequency-dependent out-of-phase (chi(M)') signal below 3 K, suggesting 1 to be a single-molecule magnet (SMM). This was confirmed by magnetization vs dc field sweeps, which exhibited hysteresis loops but with no clear steps characteristic of resonant quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM). However, magnetization decay data below 1 K were collected and used to construct an Arrhenius plot, and the fit of the thermally activated region above approximately 0.5 K gave U(eff)/k = 12 K, where U(eff) is the effective relaxation barrier. The g value and the magnitude and sign of the D value were independently confirmed by detailed high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR) spectroscopy on polycrystalline samples. The combined studies confirm both the high ground-state spin S = 51/2 of complex 1 and that it is a SMM that, in addition, exhibits QTM.     

Hybrid molecular material exhibiting single-molecule magnet behavior and molecular conductivity

Two unique materials based on Mn4 single-molecule magnet (SMM) clusters (ST=9) and integer or non-integer average valent platinum maleonitriledithiolate (mnt2-) complexes, [{MnII2MnIII2(hmp)6(MeCN)2}{Pt(mnt)2}2][Pt(mnt)2]2.2MeCN (1) and [{MnII2MnIII2(hmp)6(MeCN)2}{Pt(mnt)2}4][Pt(mnt)2]2 (2), were synthesized by the material diffusion method and electrochemical oxidation, respectively (hmp-=2-hydroxymethylpyridinate). 1 and 2 are comprised of four and six [Pt(mnt)2]n- units, respectively, in addition to a common MnII2MnIII2 double-cuboidal unit, [MnII2MnIII2(hmp)6(MeCN)2]4+ (hereinafter [Mn4]4+). Among the [Pt(mnt)2]n- units, two units in 1 and four units in 2 are coordinated with the [Mn4]4+ unit, forming a 1D chain of {-[Mn4]-[Pt(mnt)2]2-} for 1 and a discrete subunit of {[Pt(mnt)2]2-[Mn4]-[Pt(mnt)2]2} for 2. The other two [Pt(mnt)2]n- units, occupying void space of the packing, form a stacking column with the coordinating [Pt(mnt)2]n- units, finally constructing hybrid frames of aggregates consisting of [Mn4]4+ units and [Pt(mnt)2]n- units. Electronic conductivity measurements revealed that 1 is an insulator and 2 is a semiconductor with sigma=0.22 S.cm(-1) at room temperature and an activation energy of 136 meV. Detailed magnetic measurements proved that the [Mn4]4+ units in 1 and 2 behave as SMMs with an ST=9 ground state at low temperatures. There is no significant interaction between [Mn4]4+ units and [Pt(mnt)2]n- units, but interactions between localized spins of [Pt(mnt)2]n- were detected even in 2 at low temperatures where the conductivity is electronically insulated. 2 is the first example of a hybridized material exhibiting SMM behavior and electronic conductivity.     

Tridecanuclear and docosanuclear manganese phosphonate clusters with slow magnetic relaxation

Two novel mixed-valent manganese phosphonate clusters [MnIIMnIII12O6(OH)6(O3PC6H11)10(py)6] (1) and [MnII4MnIII18O12(O3PC6H11)8(O2CCH3)22(H2O)6(py)2] (2) are reported in this paper. Complex 1 is the first carboxylate-free manganese phosphonate cluster. While compound 2 appears to be the largest manganese cluster thus far that contains phosphonate ligand. Both show slow magnetic relaxation behaviors.