A series of three-dimensional architectures constructed from lanthanide-substituted polyoxometalosilicates and lanthanide cations or lanthanide-organic complexes as linkers

Six 3D architectures based on lanthanide-substituted polyoxometalosilicates, KLn[(H(2)O)(6)Ln](2)[(H(2)O)(4)LnSiW(11)O(39)](2)·nH(2)O (Ln = La 1, n = 42; Ce 2, n = 40), H[(H(2)O)(6)Nd](2)[(H(2)O)(7)Nd][(H(2)O)(4)NdSiW(11)O(39)][(H(2)O)(3)NdSiW(11)O(39)]·13H(2)O (3), H(2)K(2)[(Hpic)(H(2)O)(5)Ln](2)[(H(2)O)(4)LnSiW(11)O(39)](2)·nH(2)O (Ln = La 4, n = 18.5; Ce 5, n = 35; Nd 6, n = 36; Hpic = 4-picolinic acid), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, TG analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural, built up of lanthanide-substituted polyoxoanions [{(H(2)O)(4)Ln(SiW(11)O(39))}(2)](10-) linked by Ln(3+) cations to form a 3D open framework with 1D channels. The polyoxoanion [{(H(2)O)(4)Ln(SiW(11)O(39))}(2)](10-) consists of two α(1)-type mono-Ln-substituted Keggin anions. When Nd(3+) ion was used instead of La(3+) or Ce(3+) ions, compound 3 with a different structure was obtained, containing two kinds of polyoxoanions [{(H(2)O)(4)Nd(SiW(11)O(39))}(2)](10-) and [{(H(2)O)(3)Nd(SiW(11)O(39))}(2)](10-) which are connected together by Nd(3+) ions to yield a 3D framework. When 4-picolinic acid was added to the reaction system of 1-3, isostructural compounds 4-6 were obtained, constructed from the polyoxoanions [{(H(2)O)(4)Ln(SiW(11)O(39))}(2)](10-) linked by picolinate-chelated lanthanide centers to form a 3D channel framework. From a topological viewpoint, the 3D nets of 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 exhibit a (3,6)-connected rutile topology, whereas the 3D structure of 3 possesses a rare (3,3,6,10)-connected topology. The magnetic properties of 2, 3, 5 and 6 have been studied by measuring their magnetic susceptibilities in the temperature range 2-300 K.     

Structure, magnetism and theory of a family of nonanuclear Cu(II)5Ln(III)4-triethanolamine clusters displaying single-molecule magnet behaviour

Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic studies are reported for four new heterometallic Cu(II)-Ln(III) clusters. The reaction of Cu(NO(3))(2)·3H(2)O with triethanolamine (teaH(3)), pivalic acid, triethylamine and Ln(NO(3))(3)·6H(2)O (Ln=Gd, Tb, Dy and Ho) results in the formation of four isostructural nonanuclear complexes of general formula [Cu(II)(5)Ln(III)(4)O(2)(teaH)(4){O(2)CC(CH(3))(3)}(2)(NO(3))(4)(OMe)(4)]·2MeOH·2Et(2)O [Ln=Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3) and Ho (4)]. The metal core of each cluster is made up of four face- and vertex-sharing tetrahedral units. Solid-state DC magnetic susceptibility studies reveal competing anti- and ferromagnetic interactions within each cluster leading to large-spin ground states for 1-4. Solid-state AC magnetic susceptibility studies show frequency-dependent out-of-phase (χ'(M)) signals for 2-4 below 4 K, suggestive of single-molecule magnet behaviour. Ab initio calculations on one of the anisotropic examples (3) provided a rare set of J values for Dy-Cu and Cu-Cu exchange interactions (Dy-Dy zero), some ferro- and some antiferromagnetic in character, that explain its magnetic behaviour.     

Three-dimensional architectures based on lanthanide-substituted double-Keggin-type polyoxometalates and lanthanide cations or lanthanide-organic complexes

A family of three-dimensional (3D) architectures based on lanthanide-substituted polyoxometaloborate building blocks, [LnK(H(2)O)(12)][Ln(H(2)O)(6)](2)[(H(2)O)(4)LnBW(11)O(39)H](2)·20H(2)O (Ln = Ce 1, Nd 2), H(2)K(2)(H(2)O)(n)[(C(6)NO(2)H(5))Ln(H(2)O)(5)](2)[(H(2)O)(4)LnBW(11)O(39)H](2)·18H(2)O (Ln = Ce n = 8 3, Nd n = 9 4, C(6)NO(2)H(5) = pyridine-4-carboxylic acid), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural, and are built up of lanthanide-substituted double-Keggin-type polyoxoanions [{(H(2)O)(4)Ln(BW(11)O(39)H)}(2)](10-) linked by Ln(3+) cations to form a 3D open framework with one-dimensional (1D) channels. The polyoxoanion [{(H(2)O)(4)Ln(BW(11)O(39)H)}(2)](10-) consists of two α(1)-type mono-Ln-substituted Keggin anions, constituted by two [BW(11)O(39)H](8-) polyoxoanions and two lanthanide cations. When pyridine-4-carboxylic acid ligand was added to the reaction system of 1, 2, compounds 3, 4 were obtained. Isostructural compounds 3 and 4 are constructed from the lanthanide-substituted double-Keggin-type polyoxoanions [{(H(2)O)(4)Ln(BW(11)O(39)H)}(2)](10-) linked by the [Ln(C(6)NO(2)H(5))](3+) bridges to form a 3D channel framework. From the topological point of view, the 3D nets of compounds 1-4 are binodal with three- and six-connected nodes and exhibit a rutile topology. Compounds 1-4 represent the examples of 3D architectures based on lanthanide-substituted polyoxometalates. The magnetic properties of compounds 1-4 have been studied by measuring their magnetic susceptibility in the temperature range 2-300 K.     

Lanthanide-transition-metal carbonyl complexes: new [Co4(CO)11]2- clusters and lanthanide(II) isocarbonyl polymeric arrays

Two types of Ln(II)-Co(4) isocarbonyl polymeric arrays, [(Et(2)O)(3)(-)(x)()(THF)(x)()Ln[Co(4)(CO)(11)]]( infinity ) (1-3; x = 0, 1) and [(THF)(5)Eu[Co(4)(CO)(11)]]( infinity ) (4), were prepared and structurally characterized. Transmetalation involving Ln(0) and Hg[Co(CO)(4)](2) in Et(2)O yields [(Et(2)O)(3)Ln[Co(4)(CO)(11)]]( infinity ) (1, Ln = Yb; 2, Ln = Eu). Dissolution of the solvent-separated ion pairs [Ln(THF)(x)()][Co(CO)(4)](2) (Ln = Yb, x = 6; Ln = Eu) in Et(2)O affords [(Et(2)O)(2)(THF)Yb[Co(4)(CO)(11)]]( infinity ) (3) and [(THF)(5)Eu[Co(4)(CO)(11)]]( infinity ) (4). In these reactions, oxidation and condensation of the [Co(CO)(4)](-) anions result in formation of the new tetrahedral cluster [Co(4)(CO)(11)](2)(-). The two types of Ln(II)-Co(4) compounds contain different isomers of [Co(4)(CO)(11)](2)(-), and, consequently, the structures of the infinite isocarbonyl networks are distinct. The cluster in [(Et(2)O)(3)(-)(x)()(THF)(x)()Ln[Co(4)(CO)(11)]]( infinity ) (1-3) possesses pseudo C(3)(v)() symmetry (an apical Co, three basal Co atoms; one face-bridging, three edge-bridging, seven terminal carbonyls) and connects to Ln(II) centers through eta(2),micro(4)- and eta(2),micro(3)-carbonyls to generate a 2-D puckered sheet. In contrast, [(THF)(5)Eu[Co(4)(CO)(11)]]( infinity ) (4) incorporates a C(2)(v)() symmetric cluster (two unique Co environments; two face-bridging, one edge-bridging, eight terminal carbonyls), and isocarbonyl linkages (eta(2),micro(4)-carbonyls) to Eu(II) atoms create a 1-D zigzag chain. Complexes 1-4 contain the first reported eta(2),micro(4)-CO bridges between a Ln and a transition-metal carbonyl cluster. Infrared spectroscopic studies revealed that the isocarbonyl associations to Ln(II) persist in solution. The solution structure and dynamic behavior of the [Co(4)(CO)(11)](2)(-) cluster in 1 was investigated by variable-temperature (59)Co and (13)C NMR spectroscopies.     

Structures and properties of porous coordination polymers based on lanthanide carboxylate building units

A series of 3-D lanthanide porous coordination polymers, [Ln(6)(BDC)(9)(DMF)(6)(H(2)O)(3)·3DMF](n) [Ln = La, 1; Ce, 2; Nd, 3], [Ln(2)(BDC)(3)(DMF)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](n) [Ln = Y, 4; Dy, 5; Eu, 6], [Ln(2)(ADB)(3)(DMSO)(4)·6DMSO·8H(2)O](n) [Ln = Ce, 7; Sm, 8; Eu, 9; Gd, 10], {[Ce(3)(ADB)(3)(HADB)(3)]·30DMSO·29H(2)O}(n) (11), and [Ce(2)(ADB)(3)(H(2)O)(3)](n) (12) (H(2)BDC = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid and H(2)ADB = 4,4'-azodibenzoic acid), have been synthesized and characterized. In 1-3, the adjacent Ln(III) ions are intraconnected to form 1-D metal-carboxylate oxygen chain-shaped building units, [Ln(4)(CO(2))(12)](n), that constructed a 3-D framework with 4 × 7 ? rhombic channels. In 4-6, the dimeric Ln(III) ions are interlinked to yield scaffolds with 3-D interconnecting tunnels. Compounds 7-10 are all 3-D interpenetrating structures with the CaB6-type topology structure. Compound 11 is constructed by ADB spacers and trinulcear Ce nodes with a NaCl-type topology structure and a 1.9-nm open channel system. In 12, the adjacent Ce(III) ions are intraconnected to form 1-D metal-carboxylate oxygen chain-shaped building units, [Ln(4)(CO(2))(12)](n), and give rise to a 3-D framework. Moreover, 6 exhibits characteristic red luminescence properties of Eu(III) complexes. The magnetic susceptibilities, over a temperature range of 1.8-300 K, of 3, 6, and 7 have also been investigated; the results show paramagnetic properties.     

Large cluster formation through multiple substitution with lanthanide cations (La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd) of the polyoxoanion

Several new large polyoxotungstates have been synthesized by reaction of lanthanide cations with the well-known "As(4)W(40)" anion, [(B-alpha-AsO(3)W(9)O(30))(4)(WO(2))(4)](28-) (1). The heteropolyanions [(H(2)O)(11)Ln(III)(Ln(III)(2)OH)(B-alpha-AsO(3)W(9)O(30))(4)(WO(2))(4)](20)(-) (Ln = Ce, Nd, Sm, Gd) (2-4) (Ln(3)As(4)W(40)) and [M(m)()(H(2)O)(10)(Ln(III)(2)OH)(2)(B-alpha-AsO(3)W(9)O(30))(4)(WO(2))(4)]((18-m)(-)) (Ln = La, Ce, Gd and M = Ba, K, none) (5-7) (Ln(4)As(4)W(40)) have been isolated as alkali metal and ammonium salts, respectively, and characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis, elemental analysis, and IR and (183)W-NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray analyses revealed interanionic W-O-Ln bonds between adjacent Ln(x)()As(4)W(40) units forming a "dimer" for x = 3 and chains for x = 4. Upon dissolving in water these bonds hydrolyze and the monomeric species form. The straightforward syntheses which require the use of concentrated NaCl solutions (1-4 M) and the addition of stoichiometric amounts of Ba(2+) or K(+) reemphasize the importance of the presence of appropriate countercations for the assembly of large polyoxometalate structures.     

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.     

Single-molecule magnets: structural characterization, magnetic properties, and (19)F NMR spectroscopy of a Mn(12) family spanning three oxidation levels

The syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CC(6)F(5))(16)(H(2)O)(4)] (2), (NMe(4))[Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CC(6)F(5))(16)(H(2)O)(4)] (3), and (NMe(4))(2)[Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CC(6)F(5))(16)(H(2)O)(4)] (4) are reported. Complex 2 displays quasi-reversible redox couples when examined by cyclic voltammetry in CH(2)Cl(2): one-electron reductions are observed at 0.64 and 0.30 V vs ferrocene. The reaction of complex 2 with 1 and 2 equiv of NMe(4)I yields the one- and two-electron reduced analogues, 3 and 4, respectively. Complexes 2.3CH(2)Cl(2), 3.4.5CH(2)Cl(2).(1)/(2)H(2)O, and 4.6C(7)H(8) crystallize in the triclinic P, monoclinic P2/c, and monoclinic C2/c space groups, respectively. The molecular structures are all very similar, consisting of a central [Mn(IV)O(4)] cubane surrounded by a nonplanar alternating ring of eight Mn and eight mu(3)-O(2)(-) ions. Peripheral ligation is provided by 16 bridging C(6)F(5)CO(2)(-) and 4 H(2)O ligands. Bond valence sum calculations establish that the added electrons in 3 and 4 are localized on former Mn(III) ions giving trapped-valence Mn(IV)(4)Mn(III)(7)Mn(II) and Mn(IV)(4)Mn(III)(6)Mn(II)(2) anions, respectively. (19)F NMR spectroscopy in CD(2)Cl(2) shows retention of the solid-state structure upon dissolution and detrapping of the added electrons in 3 and 4 among the outer ring of Mn ions on the (19)F NMR time scale. DC studies on dried microcrystalline samples of 2, 3, and 4.2.5C(7)H(8) restrained in eicosane in the 1.80-10.0 K and 1-70 kG ranges were fit to give S = 10, D = -0.40 cm(-)(1), g = 1.87, D/g = 0.21 cm(-)(1) for 2, S = 19/2, D = -0.34 cm(-)(1), g = 2.04, D/g = 0.17 cm(-)(1) for 3, and S = 10, D = -0.29 cm(-)(1), g = 2.05, D/g = 0.14 cm(-)(1) for 4, where D is the axial zero-field splitting parameter. The clusters exhibit out-of-phase AC susceptibility signals (chi(M)' ') indicative of slow magnetization relaxation in the 6-8 K range for 2, 4-6 K range for 3, and 2-4 K range for 4; the shift to lower temperatures reflects the decreasing magnetic anisotropy upon successive reduction and, hence, the decreasing energy barrier to magnetization relaxation. Relaxation rate vs T data obtained from chi(M)' ' vs AC oscillation frequency studies down to 1.8 K were combined with rate vs T data from DC magnetization decay vs time measurements at lower temperatures to generate an Arrhenius plot from which the effective barrier (U(eff)) to magnetization reversal was obtained; the U(eff) values are 59 K for 2, 49 and 21 K for the slower- and faster-relaxing species of 3, respectively, and 25 K for 4. Hysteresis loops obtained from single-crystal magnetization vs DC field scans are typical of single-molecule magnets with the coercivities increasing with decreasing T and increasing field sweep rate and containing steps caused by the quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM). The step separations gave D/g values of 0.22 cm(-)(1) for 2, 0.15 and 0.042 cm(-)(1) for the slower- and faster-relaxing species of 3, and 0.15 cm(-)(1) for 4.     

Two series of novel rare earth complexes with dicyanamide [Ln(dca)2(phen)2(H2O)3][dca].(phen), (Ln = Pr, Gd, and Sm) and [Ln(dca)3(2,2'-bipy)2(H2O)]n, (Ln = Gd, Sm, and La): syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties

Two series of novel complexes, [Ln(dca)(2)(Phen)(2)(H(2)O)(3)](dca).(phen) (Ln = Pr (1), Gd (2), and Sm (3), dca = N(CN)(-), phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) and [Ln(dca)(3)(2,2'-bipy)(2)(H(2)O)](n), (Ln = Gd (4), Sm (5), and La (6), 2,2'-bipy = 2,2'-bipydine), have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structures of the first series (1-3) are isomorphous and consist of discrete [Ln(dca)(2)(Phen)(2)(H(2)O)(3)]+ cations, dca anions, and lattice phen molecules; whereas the structures of the second series (4-6) are characterized by infinite chains [Ln(dca)(3)(2,2'-bipy)(2)(H(2)O)](n). The Ln(III) atoms in all complexes are nine-coordinated and form a distorted tricapped trigonal prism environment. The three-dimensional frameworks of 1-6 are constructed by intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements for complexes 1, 2, 4, and 5 indicate a Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior over 5-300 K.     

Utilizing the adaptive polyoxometalate [As2W19O67(H2O)](14-) to support a polynuclear lanthanoid-based single-molecule magnet

Five members of a new family of polyoxometalate (POM)-ligated tetranuclear rare earth metal complexes have been synthesized and characterized. These compounds have the general formula (HDABCO)(8)H(5)Li(8)[Ln(4)As(5)W(40)O(144)(H(2)O)(10)(gly)(2)]·25H(2)O [Ln = Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3), Ho (4) and Y = (5), HDABCO = monoprotonated 1,4-diazabicyclooctane, gly = glycine] and were synthesized from the preformed POM precursor [As(2)W(19)O(67)(H(2)O)](14-). The structure is comprised of two {As(2)W(19)O(68)} building blocks linked by a unit containing four rare earth ions and two additional tungsten centers, with the two glycine ligands playing a key bridging role. Two crystallographically distinct rare earth ions are present in each complex, both of which possess axially compressed, approximate square antiprismatic coordination geometry. The variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility profiles for 2-4 are dominated by population/depopulation of the M(J) sublevels of the relevant ground terms, and fitting of the data has afforded the ligand field parameters in each case, from which the energies of the M(J) sublevels can be calculated. Alternating current magnetic susceptibility data have revealed the onset of slow magnetic relaxation for 3, with the energy barrier to magnetization reversal determined to be 3.9(1) K. As for other lanthanoid complexes that display slow magnetic relaxation, this energy barrier is due to the splitting of the M(J) sublevels of the Dy(3+) ions such that the ground sublevel has a relatively large |M(J)| value, thereby affording Ising-type magnetic anisotropy. This complex is thus the first POM-supported polynuclear lanthanoid-based SMM. Simulation of the W-band EPR spectrum of 1 has afforded the spin Hamiltonian parameters for this species, while the X-band EPR spectrum of 3 indicates the presence of a non-negligible fourth-order transverse component of the anisotropy, which is responsible for the small effective energy barrier observed for 3 and the absence of slow magnetic relaxation for 4.     

Two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed from heterotrinuclear coordination units and 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate ligands

Three novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) formulated as [Zn(2)M(BPDC)(3)(DMF)(2)].4DMF (M = Co(II), Ni(II) or Cd(II); BPDC = 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate; DMF = N,N'-dimethylformamide) have been prepared via solvothermal synthesis from mixtures of the corresponding transition metal salts and 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid (H(2)BPDC). The framework structures are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, IR and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). All three compounds possess essentially the same 2-D layered coordination framework consisting of linear heterotrinuclear secondary building units (SBUs) connected by rigid bridging BPDC ligands. Crystal data: for (C(60)H(66)CoN(6)O(18)Zn(2)): monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, M = 1348.86, a = 20.463(4), b = 14.819(3), c = 23.023(5) A, beta = 111.75(3) degrees , V = 6484(2) A(3), Z = 4, D(c) = 1.382 Mg m(-3). For (C(60)H(66)N(6)NiO(18)Zn(2)): monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, M = 1348.64, a = 11.670(2), b = 14.742(3), c = 19.391(4) A, beta = 102.29(3) degrees , V = 3259.5(11) A(3), Z = 2, D(c) = 1.374 Mg m(-3). For (C(60)H(66)CdN(6)O(18)Zn(2)): monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, M = 1402.33, a = 11.491(2), b = 14.837(3), c = 19.386(4) A, beta = 101.53(3) degrees , V = 3238.3(11) A(3), Z = 2, D(c) = 1.438 Mg m(-3).     

Structural and photophysical properties of coordination networks combining [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- anions and lanthanide(III) cations: rates of photoinduced Ru-to-lanthanide energy transfer and sensitized near-infrared luminescence

Co-crystallization of K2[Ru(bipy)(CN)4] with lanthanide(III) salts (Ln = Pr, Nd, Gd, Er, Yb) from aqueous solution affords coordination oligomers and networks in which the [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- unit is connected to the lanthanide cation via Ru-CN-Ln bridges. The complexes fall into two structural types: [{Ru(bipy)(CN)4}2{Ln(H2O)m}{K(H2O)n}] x xH2O (Ln = Pr, Er, Yb; m = 7, 6, 6, respectively), in which two [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- units are connected to a single lanthanide ion by single cyanide bridges to give discrete trinuclear fragments, and [{Ru(bipy)(CN)4}3{Ln(H2O)4}2] x xH2O (Ln = Nd, Gd), which contain two-dimensional sheets of interconnected, cyanide-bridged Ru2Ln2 squares. In the Ru-Gd system, the [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- unit shows the characteristic intense (3)metal-to-ligand charge transfer luminescence at 580 nm with tau = 550 ns; with the other lanthanides, the intensity and lifetime of this luminescence are diminished because of a Ru --> Ln photoinduced energy transfer to low-lying emissive states of the lanthanide ions, resulting in sensitized near-infrared luminescence in every case. From the degree of quenching of the Ru-based emission, Ru --> Ln energy-transfer rates can be estimated, which are in the order Yb (k(EnT) approximately 3 x 10(6) sec(-1), the slowest energy transfer) < Er < Pr < Nd (k(EnT) approximately 2 x 10(8) sec(-1), the fastest energy transfer). This order may be rationalized on the basis of the availability of excited f-f levels on the lanthanide ions at energies that overlap with the Ru-based emission spectrum. In every case, the lifetime of the lanthanide-based luminescence is short (tens/hundreds of nanoseconds, instead of the more usual microseconds), even when the water ligands on the lanthanide ions are replaced by D2O to eliminate the quenching effects of OH oscillators; we tentatively ascribe this quenching effect to the cyanide ligands.     

Syntheses, structure, and luminescent properties of novel hydrated rare earth borates Ln2B6O10OH4•H2O (Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, and Y)

Ln(2)B(6)O(10)(OH)(4)?H(2)O (Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm-Gd, Dy, Ho, and Y), a new series of hydrated rare earth borates, have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. A single crystal of Nd analogue was used for the structure determination by X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with lattice constants a = 21.756(4), b = 4.3671(9), c = 12.192(2) ?, and β = 108.29(3)°. The other compounds are isostructural to Nd(2)B(6)O(10)(OH)(4)?H(2)O. The fundamental building block (FBB) of the polyborate anion in this structure is a three-membered ring [B(3)O(6)(OH)(2)](5-). The FBBs are connected by sharing oxygen atoms forming an infinite [B(3)O(5)(OH)(2)](3-) chain, and the chains are linked by hydrogen bonds, establishing a two-dimensional (2-D) [B(6)O(10)(OH)(4)?H(2)O](6-) layer. The 2-D borate layers are thus interconnected by Ln(3+) ions to form the complex three-dimensional structure. Ln(2)B(6)O(10)(OH)(4)?H(2)O dehydrates stepwise, giving rise to two new intermediate compounds Ln(2)B(6)O(10)(OH)(4) and Ln(2)B(6)O(11)(OH)(2). The investigation on the luminescent properties of Gd(2-2x)Eu(2x)B(6)O(10)(OH)(4)?H(2)O (x = 0.01-1.00) shows a high efficiency of Eu(3+) f-f transitions and the existence of the energy transfer process from Gd(3+) to Eu(3+). Eu(2)B(6)O(10)(OH)(4)?H(2)O and its two dehydrated products, Eu(2)B(6)O(10)(OH)(4) and Eu(2)B(6)O(11)(OH)(2), present the strongest emission peak at 620 nm ((5)D(0) → (7)F(2) transition), which may be potential red phosphors.     

Single-molecule magnet behaviour in a tetrathiafulvalene-based electroactive antiferromagnetically coupled dinuclear dysprosium(III) complex

The reactions between the [Ln(tta)(3)]·2H(2)O precursors (tta(-)=2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate anion) and the tetrathiafulvalene-3-pyridine-N-oxide ligands (L(1)) lead to dinuclear complexes of formula [{Ln(tta)(3)(L(1))}(2)]·xCH(2)Cl(2) (x=0.5 for Ln=Dy(III) (1) and x=0 for Ln=Gd(III) (2)). The crystal structure reveals that two {Ln(tta)(3)} moieties are bridged by two donors through the nitroxide groups. The Dy(III) centre adopts a distorted square antiprismatic oxygenated polyhedron structure. The antiferromagnetic nature of the exchange interaction between the two Dy(III) ions has been determined by two methods: 1) an empirical method using the [Dy(hfac)(3)(L(2))(2)] mononuclear complex as a model (3) (hfac(-)=1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetonate anion, L(2)=tetrathiafulvaleneamido-2-pyridine-N-oxide ligand), and 2) assuming an Ising model for the Dy(III) ion giving an exchange energy of -2.30 cm(-1), g=19.2 in the temperature range of 2-10 K. The antiferromagnetic interactions have been confirmed by a quantitative determination of J for the isotropic Gd(III) derivative (J=-0.031 cm(-1), g=2.003). Compound 1 displays a slow magnetisation relaxation without applied external magnetic fields. Alternating current susceptibility shows a thermally activated behaviour with pre-exponential factors of 5.48(4)×10(-7) s and an energy barrier of 87(1) K. The application of an external field of 1.6 kOe compensates the antiferromagnetic interactions and opens a new quantum tunnelling path.     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of a Series of Coordination Complexes Derived from the Fluorescein Ligand

Solvothermal reaction of lanthanide(Ⅲ) salts with fluorescein (2-(6-hydroxy3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl)benzoic acid) led to a series of new coordination polymers {[Ln(C 20 H 11 O 5)(C 20 H 10 O 5)(H 2 O)]·DMF} n (Ln=Er,Eu,Gd,Tb,Tm,Yb).The PXRD patterns of the complexes indicate they are isomorphous.The structure of complex {[Er(C 20 H 11 O 5)(C 20 H 10 O 5)(H 2 O)]·DMF} n has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction,revealing a 2D framework in which DMF molecules were filled between the layers.The crystal structure belongs to the triclinic system,space group P1,with a=12.107(4),b=12.232(4),c=13.273(4),α=68.005(7),β=88.024(11),γ=77.451(8)°,V=1776.7(9) 3,Z=2,D c=1.720 g/cm 3,μ=2.434 mm-1,F(000)=918,R int=0.0584,T=293(2) K,the final R=0.0621 and wR=0.1501.     

Fluoride-bridged {Ln(2)Cr(2)} polynuclear complexes from semi-labile mer-[CrF(3)(py)(3)] and [Ln(hfac)(3)(H(2)O)(2)

The trifluorido complex mer-[CrF(3)(py)(3)] (py = pyridine) reacts with 1 equiv. of [Ln(hfac)(3)(H(2)O)(2)] and depending on the solvent forms the tetranuclear clusters [Cr(2)Ln(2)(μ-F)(4)(μ-OH)(2)(py)(4)(hfac)(6)], 1Ln, and [Cr(2)Ln(2)(μ-F)(4)F(2)(py)(6)(hfac)(6)], 2Ln, in acetonitrile and 1,2-dichloroethane, respectively (Ln = Y, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, and Er; hfacH = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone). Reaction with [Dy(hfac)(3)(H(2)O)(2)] in dichloromethane produces the dinuclear cluster [CrDy(μ-F)F(OH(2))(py)(3)(hfac)(4)], 3Dy. All the clusters feature fluoride bridges between the chromium(iii) and lanthanide(iii) centres. Fits of susceptibility data for 1Gd and 2Gd reveal the fluoride-mediated chromium(iii)-lanthanide(iii) exchange interactions to be 0.43(5) cm(-1) and 0.57(7) cm(-1), respectively (in the convention). Heat capacity measurements on 2Gd reveal a moderate magneto-caloric effect (MCE) reaching -ΔS(m)(T) = 11.4 J kg(-1) K(-1) for ΔB(0) = 9 T → 0 T at T = 4.1 K. Out-of-phase alternating-current susceptibility (χ') signals are observed for 1Dy, 2Dy and 2Tb, demonstrating slow relaxation of the magnetization.     

Cobalt-lanthanide coordination polymers constructed with metalloligands: a ferromagnetic coupled quasi-1D Dy3+ chain showing slow relaxation

Four types of cobalt-lanthanide heterometallic compounds based on metalloligand Co(2,5-pydc)(3) (3-) (2,5-H(2)pydc=pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate acid), [Ln(2)Co(2)(2,5-pydc)(6)(H(2)O)(4)](n) 2n H(2)O (1) (Ln=Tb, Dy for 1 a, 1 b respectively), [Tb(2)Co(2)(2,5-pydc)(6)(H(2)O)(4)](n)3n H(2)O (2), [Tb(2)Co(2)(2,5-pydc)(6)(H(2)O)(9)](n)4n H(2)O (3), and [LaCo(2,5-pydc)(3)(H(2)O)(2)](n)2n H(2)O (4) have been synthesized. Compound 1 has a layer structure with well-isolated carboxylate-bridged Ln(3+) chains, compound 2 is a three-dimensional (3D) porous network with Tb(3+) chains that are also well isolated and carboxylate bridged, 3 is a layer structure based on dinuclear units, and 4 is a 3D network with boron nitride (BN) topology. DC magnetic studies reveal ferromagnetic coupling in all the carboxylate-bridged Ln(3+) chains in 1 a, 1 b, and 2. Compared to the silence of the out-of-phase ac susceptibility of 2, above 1.9 K the magnetic relaxation behavior of both 1 a and 1 b is slow like that of a single-chain magnet.     

Single-molecule magnets: a large Mn30 molecular nanomagnet exhibiting quantum tunneling of magnetization

The largest single-molecule magnet (SMM) to date has been prepared and studied. Recrystallization of known [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CCH(2)Bu(t))(16)(H(2)O)(4)] (1; 8Mn(III), 4Mn(IV)) from CH(2)Cl(2)/MeNO(2) causes its conversion to [Mn(30)O(24)(OH)(8)(O(2)CCH(2)Bu(t))(32)(H(2)O)(2)(MeNO(2))(4)] (2; 3Mn(II), 26Mn(III), Mn(IV)). The structure of 2 consists of a central, near-linear [Mn(4)O(6)] backbone, to either side of which are attached two [Mn(13)O(9)(OH)(4)] units. Peripheral ligation around the resulting [Mn(30)O(24)(OH)(8)] core is by 32 Bu(t)CH(2)CO(2)(-), 2 H(2)O, and 4 MeNO(2) groups. The molecule has crystallographically imposed C(2) symmetry. Variable-temperature and -field magnetization (M) data were collected in the 1.8-4.0 K and 0.1-0.4 T ranges and fit by matrix diagonalization assuming only the ground state is occupied at these temperatures. The fit parameters were S = 5, D = -0.51 cm(-1) = -0.73 K, and g = 2.00, where D is the axial zero-field splitting parameter. AC susceptibility measurements in the 1.8-7.0 K range in a zero DC field and a 3.5 G AC field oscillating at frequencies in the 50-997 Hz range revealed a frequency-dependent out-of-phase (chi(M)') signal below 3 K, indicating 2 to be a single-molecule magnet (SMM), the largest yet obtained. Magnetization versus DC field sweeps show hysteresis loops but no clear steps characteristic of quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM). However, magnetization decay data below 1 K were collected and used to construct an Arrhenius plot that revealed temperature-independent relaxation below 0.3 K. The fit of the thermally activated region above approximately 0.5 K gave U(eff)/k = 15 K, where U(eff) is the effective relaxation barrier. Resonant QTM was confirmed from the appearance of a "quantum hole" when the recent quantum hole digging method was employed. The combined results demonstrate that SMMs can be prepared that are significantly larger than any known to date and that this new, large Mn(30) complex still demonstrates quantum behavior.     

Synthesis and characterization of mixed-valent manganese phosphonate cage complexes

The reaction of phenylphosphonic acid (PhPO(3)H(2)) with the mixed-valent basic oxo-centered manganese triangle [Mn(3)O(O(2)CCMe(3))(6)(py)(3)] (1; where py=pyridine) in the presence of a suitable base gives four different manganese clusters depending on the identity of the base. The syntheses and structural characterization of [Mn(18)(mu(3)-O)(8)(PhPO(3))(14)(O(2)CCMe(3))(12)(py)(6)(H(2)O)(2)] (2), [Mn(7)(mu(3)-O)(3)(O(3)PPh)(3)(O(2)CCMe(3))(8)(py)(3)] (3), [Mn(9)Na(mu(3)-O)(4)(mu(4)-O)(2)(O(3)PPh)(2)(O(2)CCMe(3))(12)(H(2)O)(2)(H(2)O)(0.67)(Py)(0.33)] (4), and [Mn(13)(mu(3)-O)(8)(OMe)(8)(O(3)PPh)(4)(O(2)CCMe(3))(10)] (5) are described. Complexes 4 and 5 are homovalent Mn(III) cages, while 2 and 3 contain divalent, trivalent, and/or tetravalent ions. All the manganese centers are valence-localized, the octahedral Mn(III) sites being recognizable by marked Jahn-Teller distortions. The magnetic properties of compounds 2-5 have been investigated in the polycrystalline state by magnetic susceptibility and high-field magnetization measurements, which reveal that spin ground states vary from 0< or =S > or =8. AC susceptibility measurements performed on 4 and 5, in the 1.6-10.0 K ranges show the presence of out of AC susceptibility signal (chi(M)') for 4, and an effective energy barrier (U(eff)) for the re-orientation of the magnetization is found to be 17 K, but for 5, the chi(M)' maximum is found to be below 1.5 K.     

New luminescent solids in the Ln-W(Mo)-Te-O-(Cl) systems

Solid-state reactions of lanthanide(III) oxide (and/or lanthanide(III) oxychloride), MoO3 (or WO3), and TeO2 at high temperature lead to eight new luminescent compounds with four different types of structures, namely, Ln2(MoO4)(Te4O10) (Ln = Pr, Nd), La2(WO4)(Te3O7)2, Nd2W2Te2O13, and Ln5(MO4)(Te5O13)(TeO3)2Cl3 (Ln = Pr, Nd; M = Mo, W). The structures of Ln2(MoO4)(Te4O10) (Ln = Pr, Nd) feature a 3D network in which the MoO4 tetrahedra serve as bridges between two lanthanide(III) tellurite layers. La2(WO4)(Te3O7)2 features a triple-layer structure built of a [La2WO4]4+ layer sandwiched between two Te3O72- anionic layers. The structure of Nd2W2Te2O13 is a 3D network in which the W2O108- dimers were inserted in the large tunnels of the neodymium(III) tellurites. The structures of Ln5(MO4)(Te5O13)(TeO3)2Cl3 (Ln = Pr, Nd; M = Mo, W) feature a 3D network structure built of lanthanide(III) ions interconnected by bridging TeO32-, Te5O136-, and Cl- anions with the MO4 (M = Mo, W) tetrahedra capping on both sides of the Ln4 (Ln = Pr, Nd) clusters and the isolated Cl- anions occupying the large apertures of the structure. Luminescent studies indicate that Pr2(MoO4)(Te4O10) and Pr5(MO4)(Te5O13)(TeO3)2Cl3 (M = Mo, W) are able to emit blue, green, and red light, whereas Nd2(MoO4)(Te4O10), Nd2W2Te2O13, and Nd5(MO4)(Te5O13)(TeO3)2Cl3 (M = Mo, W) exhibit strong emission bands in the near-IR region.