Hexanuclear Co4Dy2, Zn4Dy2, and Co4Y2 Complexes with Defect Tetracubane Cores: Syntheses,Structures, and Magnetic Properties

A hexanuclear heterometallic cluster of composition [Dy₂Co₄(L)₄(NO₃)₂(OH)₄(C₂H₅OH)₂] ⋅ 2 C₂H₅OH ( 1 ) was synthesized by employing a Schiff base 2-(((2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl) imino)methyl)-4-methoxyphenol (H₂L) as ligand and utilizing Dy(NO₃)₃ ⋅ 6H₂O and Co(NO₃)₂ ⋅ 6H₂O as metal ion sources. X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis indicated that complex 1 contains a defect tetracubane core and possesses central symmetric structure, with two Dy^III ions being in the central body position of the molecule and four Co^II ions being arranged at the outer sites. Magnetic studies reveal that complex 1 behaves as single-molecule magnet (SMM) with energy barrier of 27.50 K. To investigate the individual contribution of Dy^III and Co^II ions to the SMM behavior, another two complexes of formulae [Dy₂Zn₄(L)₄(NO₃)₂(OH)₄] ⋅ 4CH₃OH ( 2 ) and [Y₂Co₄(L)₄(NO₃)₂(OH)₄(C₂H₅OH)₂] ⋅ 2 C₂H₅OH ( 3 ) were prepared. Complexes 1 and 3 are isomorphous. The coordination geometries of Dy^III ions in 1 and 2 are different. The Dy^III ions are eight-coordinated in 2 and nine-coordinated in 1 . Complex 2 exhibits SMM behavior with energy barrier of 69.67 K, but complex 3 does not display SMM property. These results reveal that the SMM behaviors of 1 and 2 are mainly originated from Dy^III ions. It might be the higher symmetry of Dy^III ions in 2 that results in the higher energy barrier.     

Thermo- and light-triggered reversible interconversion of dysprosium–anthracene complexes and their responsive optical,magnetic and dielectric properties

Artificial smart materials with switchable multifunctionality are of immense interest owing to their wide application in sensors, displays and memory devices. Lanthanide complexes are promising multifunctional materials integrating optical and magnetic characteristics. However, synergistic manipulation of different physical properties in lanthanide systems is still challenging. Herein we designed and synthesized a mononuclear complex [Dy^III(SCN)₃(depma)₂(4-hpy)₂] (1), which incorporates 9-diethylphosphonomethylanthracene (depma) as a photo-active component and 4-hydroxypyridine (4-hpy) as a polar component. This compound shows several unusual features: (a) reversible thermo-responsive phase transition associated with the order–disorder transition of 4-hpy and SCN⁻, which leads to thermochromic behavior and dielectric anomaly; (b) reversible photo-induced dimerization of anthracene groups, which leads to synergistic switching of luminescence, magnetic and dielectric properties. To our knowledge, compound 1 is the first example of lanthanide complexes that show stimuli-triggered synergistic and reversible switching of luminescence, magnetic and dielectric properties.

[Dy^III(SCN)₃(depma)₂(4-hpy)₂] (1) shows reversible thermo-induced phase transition associated with thermochromism and dielectric anomaly and photo-induced dimerization with synergistic switching of luminescence, magnetic and dielectric properties.     

Single-Molecule Magnetism in Dy2 Cluster Based on a Schiff Base Ligand

Two dinuclear Ln^III-based clusters, namely [Dy₂L₂(NO₃)₂(DME)₄] ( 1 ) and [Gd₂L₂(NO₃)₂(DME)₄] ( 2 ) [H₂L = (E)-2-((2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)phenol] were obtained under hydrothermal condition. Two Ln^III ions are bridged by two phenolic hydroxyl oxygen atoms, and the distances of them are 3.829 Å (Dy1–Dy1A) and 3.860 Å (Gd1–Gd1A). Two Dy1–O–Dy1A and Gd1–O–Gd1A angles are 109.4° and 109.8°, respectively. Magnetic studies reveal a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between Gd ions in complex 2 , and single-molecule magnet behavior for 1 with U_eff = 49.9 K and τ₀ = 1.54 × 10^–6 s.     

Control of the Single‐Molecule Magnet Behavior of Lanthanide‐Diarylethene Photochromic Assemblies by Irradiation with Light

Lanthanide‐based extended coordination frameworks showing photocontrolled single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behavior were prepared by combining highly anisotropic Dy^III and Ho^III ions with the carboxylato‐functionalized photochromic molecule 1,2‐bis(5‐carboxyl‐2‐methyl‐3‐thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (H₂dae), which acts as a bridging ligand. As a result, two new compounds of the general formula [{Ln^III₂(dae)₃(DMSO)₃(MeOH)} ? 10 M eOH]_n (M=Dy for 1 a and Ho for 2 ) and two additional pseudo‐polymorphs [{Dy^III₂(dae)₃(DMSO)₃(H₂O)} ? x MeOH]_n ( 1 b ) and [{Dy^III₂(dae)₃(DMSO)₃(DMSO)} ? x MeOH]_n ( 1 c ) were obtained. All four compounds have 2D coordination‐layer topologies, in which carboxylate‐bridged Ln₂ units are linked together by dae^2? anions into grid‐like frameworks. All four compounds exhibited a strong reversible photochromic response to UV/Vis light. Moreover, both 1 a and 2 show field‐induced SMM behavior. The slow magnetic relaxation of 1 a is influenced by the photoisomerization reaction leading to the observation of the cross‐effect: photocontrolled SMM behavior.     

White Light Emissive DyIII Single‐Molecule Magnets Sensitized by Diamagnetic [CoIII(CN)6]3− Linkers

The self‐assembly of Dy^III–3‐hydroxypyridine (3‐OHpy) complexes with hexacyanidocobaltate(III) anions in water produces cyanido‐bridged {[Dy^III(3‐OHpy)₂(H₂O)₄] [Co^III(CN)₆]}?H₂O ( 1 ) chains. They reveal a single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behavior with a large zero direct current (dc) field energy barrier, ΔE=266(12) cm^?1 (≈385 K), originating from the single‐ion property of eight‐coordinated Dy^III of an elongated dodecahedral geometry, which are embedded with diamagnetic [Co^III(CN)₆]^3? ions into zig‐zag coordination chains. The SMM character is enhanced by the external dc magnetic field, which results in the ΔE of 320(23) cm^?1 (≈460 K) at H_dc=1 kOe, and the opening of a butterfly hysteresis loop below 6 K. Complex 1 exhibits white Dy^III‐based emission realized by energy transfer from Co^III and 3‐OHpy to Dy^III. Low temperature emission spectra were correlated with SMM property giving the estimation of the zero field ΔE. 1 is a unique example of bifunctional magneto‐luminescent material combining white emission and slow magnetic relaxation with a large energy barrier, both controlled by rich structural and electronic interplay between Dy^III, 3‐OHpy, and [Co^III(CN)₆]^3?.     

161Dy Time‐Domain Synchrotron Mössbauer Spectroscopy for Investigating Single‐Molecule Magnets Incorporating Dy Ions

Time‐domain synchrotron Mössbauer spectroscopy (SMS) based on the Mössbauer effect of ¹⁶¹Dy has been used to investigate the magnetic properties of a Dy^III‐based single‐molecule magnet (SMM). The magnetic hyperfine field of [Dy(Cy₃PO)₂(H₂O)₅]Br₃?2 (Cy₃PO)?2 H₂O?2 EtOH is with B₀=582.3(5) T significantly larger than that of the free‐ion Dy^III with a ⁶H_15/2 ground state. This difference is attributed to the influence of the coordinating ligands on the Fermi contact interaction between the s and 4f electrons of the Dy^III ion. This study demonstrates that ¹⁶¹Dy SMS is an effective local probe of the influence of the coordinating ligands on the magnetic structure of Dy‐containing compounds.     

Capping N-Donor Ligands Modulate the Magnetic Dynamics of DyIII β-Diketonate Single-Ion Magnets with D4d Symmetry

A family of four mononuclear Dy^III β-diketonate complexes with formulas [Dy(tmhd)₃(Br₂-bpy) ( 1) , [Dy(tmhd)₃(Br-bpy)] ( 2 ), [Dy(tmhd)₃(dppz)] ( 3 ), and [Dy(tmhd)₃(mcdpq)] ( 4 ) (tmhd=2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione, Br₂-bpy=5,5′-dibromo-2,2′-bipyridine, Br-bpy=5-bromo-2,2′-bipyridine, dppz=dipyrido [3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine, mcdpq=2-methoxyl-3-cyanodipyrido[3,2-f:2,3′-h]quinoxaline) were prepared by modifying the capping N-donor coligands. Dy^III centers in these complexes feature an N₂O₆ octacoordinate environment with distorted square-antiprismatic D_4d symmetry. Magnetic investigations evidenced single-ion magnet behavior in all complexes with energy barriers U_eff of 42.10 ( 1 ), 61.47, ( 2 ), 77.53 ( 3 ), and 2.51 K ( 4 ) in the absence of static field, as well as 206.03 ( 1 ), 224.13 ( 2 ), 247.76 ( 3 ), and 49.70 K ( 4 ) under applied dc field (H_dc=1500 Oe for 1 and 2 ; H_dc=1200 Oe for 3 and 4 ). The different natures of the N-donor ligands induce changes in both the coordination geometry and their intermolecular interactions, which severely impact their magnetic dynamics. The disparities in their magnetic behaviors and the uniaxial anisotropies are also explained and substantiated by theoretical calculations.     

Rational Design of a Lanthanide‐Based Complex Featuring Different Single‐Molecule Magnets

The rational synthesis of the 2‐{1‐methylpyridine‐N‐oxide‐4,5‐[4,5‐bis(propylthio)tetrathiafulvalenyl]‐1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl}pyridine ligand ( L ) is described. It led to the tetranuclear complex [Dy₄(tta)₁₂( L )₂] ( Dy‐Dy₂‐Dy ) after coordination reaction with the precursor Dy(tta)₃?2 H₂O (tta^?=2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetonate). The X‐ray structure of Dy‐Dy₂‐Dy can be described as two terminal mononuclear units bridged by a central antiferromagnetically coupled dinuclear complex. The terminal N₂O₆ and central O₈ environments are described as distorted square antiprisms. The ac magnetism measurements revealed a strong out‐of‐phase signal of the magnetic susceptibility with two distinct sets of data. The high‐ and low‐frequency components were attributed to the two terminal mononuclear single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) and the central dinuclear SMM, respectively. A magnetic hysteresis loop was detected at very low temperature. From both structural and magnetic points of view, the tetranuclear SMM Dy‐Dy₂‐Dy is a self‐assembly of two known mononuclear SMMs bridged by a known dinuclear SMM.     

The Building Block [FeIII(pzphen)(CN)4]– and its Lanthanide Complexes: Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Magnetic Properties

The cyanide building block [Fe^III(pzphen)(CN)₄]^– and its four lanthanide complexes [{Fe^III(pzphen)(CN)₄}₂Ln^III(H₂O)₅(DMF)₃] · (NO₃) · 2(H₂O) · (CH₃CN) [Ln = Nd ( 1 ), Sm ( 2 ), DMF = dimethyl formamide] and [{Fe^III(pzphen)(CN)₄}₂Ln^III(NO₃)(H₂O)₂(DMF)₂](CH₃CN) [Ln = Gd ( 3 ), Dy ( 4 )] were synthesized and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 are ionic salts with two [Fe^III(pzphen)(CN)₄]^– cations and one Ln^III ion, but compounds 3 and 4 are cyano‐bridged Fe^III‐Ln^III heterometallic 3d‐4f complexes exhibiting a trinuclear structure in the same conditions. Magnetic studies show that compound 3 is antiferromagnetic between the central Fe^III and Gd^III atoms. Furthermore, the trinuclear cyano‐bridged Fe^III₂Dy^III compound 4 displays no single‐molecular magnets (SMMs) behavior by the alternating current magnetic susceptibility measurements.     

Two C3‐Symmetric Dy3III Complexes with Triple Di‐μ‐methoxo‐μ‐phenoxo Bridges,Magnetic Ground State,and Single‐Molecule Magnetic Behavior

Two series of isostructural C₃‐symmetric Ln₃ complexes Ln₃ ? [BPh₄] and Ln₃ ? 0.33[Ln(NO₃)₆] (in which Ln^III=Gd and Dy) have been prepared from an amino‐bis(phenol) ligand. X‐ray studies reveal that Ln^III ions are connected by one μ₂‐phenoxo and two μ₃‐methoxo bridges, thus leading to a hexagonal bipyramidal Ln₃O₅ bridging core in which Ln^III ions exhibit a biaugmented trigonal‐prismatic geometry. Magnetic susceptibility studies and ab initio complete active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) calculations indicate that the magnetic coupling between the Dy^III ions, which possess a high axial anisotropy in the ground state, is very weakly antiferromagnetic and mainly dipolar in nature. To reduce the electronic repulsion from the coordinating oxygen atom with the shortest Dy?O distance, the local magnetic moments are oriented almost perpendicular to the Dy₃ plane, thus leading to a paramagnetic ground state. CASSCF plus restricted active space state interaction (RASSI) calculations also show that the ground and first excited state of the Dy^III ions are separated by approximately 150 and 177 cm^?1, for Dy₃ ? [BPh₄] and Dy₃ ? 0.33[Dy(NO₃)₆], respectively. As expected for these large energy gaps, Dy₃ ? [BPh₄] and Dy₃ ? 0.33[Dy(NO₃)₆] exhibit, under zero direct‐current (dc) field, thermally activated slow relaxation of the magnetization, which overlap with a quantum tunneling relaxation process. Under an applied H_dc field of 1000 Oe, Dy₃ ? [BPh₄] exhibits two thermally activated processes with U_eff values of 34.7 and 19.5 cm^?1, whereas Dy₃ ? 0.33[Dy(NO₃)₆] shows only one activated process with U_eff=19.5 cm^?1.     

Detailed Analysis of the Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties of a Dysprosium(III) Phthalocyaninato Sextuple-Decker Complex: Weak f–f Interactions Suppress Magnetic Relaxation

In the research field of single-molecule magnets (SMMs), lanthanoid–lanthanoid interactions, so-called f–f interactions, are known to affect the SMM properties, although their magnitudes are small. In this article, an SMM with very weak f–f interactions is reported, and the effects of the interactions on the SMM properties are discussed. X-ray structural analysis of the Dy^III-Cd^II-phthalocyaninato sextuple-decker complex (Dy₂Cd₃) reveals that the intramolecular Dy−Dy length in Dy₂Cd₃ is more than 13 Å, which is longer than the intermolecular Dy−Dy length. Even though the two Dy^III ions are far apart, intermolecular ferromagnetic dipole–dipole interactions are observed in Dy₂Cd₃. From detailed analysis of ac magnetic susceptibilities, quantum tunneling of the magnetization (QTM) in Dy₂Cd₃ is partially suppressed owing to the existence of very weak Dy−Dy interactions. Our results show that even very weak Dy−Dy interactions act as a dipolar bias, suppressing QTM.     

A Dy2 Dimer Embedded in One Salen‐type Ligand with Different Local Symmetries Behaves as Zero‐field Single‐Molecule Magnet

A salen‐type Dy₂ complex [Dy₂(L)(MeOH)₂(CH₃COO)₄] · 2(MeOH) was isolated and magnetically characterized, in which one hexadentate ligand H₂L [H₂L = N,N‐bis(2‐oxy‐3‐methoxybenzylidene)‐1,2‐phenylenediamine] chelated two Dy^III ions, one is located on the apical position of the inner N₂O₂ site, leaving the outer O₂O₂ cavity for another Dy^III ion. There are two distinct local coordination environments presented as square antiprism (D_4d) for Dy1 and biaugmented trigonal prism (C_2v) for Dy2. Magnetic measurements reveal that the ferromagnetic interaction between two Dy^III ions occurred within low temperature range and accompanied with significant slow magnetic relaxation behavior with energy barriers to the reversal of magnetization U_eff/K_B = 40 K under zero dc field.     

Solvent Responsive Magnetic Dynamics of a Dinuclear Dysprosium Single‐Molecule Magnet

A new dysprosium(III) phosphonate dimer {Dy(notpH₄)(NO₃)(H₂O)}₂ ? 8 H₂O ( 1 ) [notpH₆=1,4,7‐triazacyclononane‐1,4,7‐triyl‐tris(methylenephosphonic acid)] that contains two equivalent Dy^III ions with a three‐capped trigonal prism environment is reported. Complex 1 can be transformed into {Dy(notpH₄)(NO₃)(H₂O)}₂ ( 2 ) in a reversible manner by desorption and absorption of solvent water at ambient temperature. This process is accompanied by a large dielectric response. Magnetic studies reveal that both 1 and 2 show thermally activated magnetization relaxation as expected for single‐molecule magnets. Moreover, the magnetic dynamics of the two compounds can be manipulated by controlling the number of solvent molecules at room temperature.     

SMM Behaviour of the Butterfly {CrIII2DyIII2} Pivalate Complex and Magneto-structurally Correlated Relaxation Thermal Barrier

We are reporting the synthesis, single-crystal X-ray structure characterization, and magnetic property investigations of the pivalate butterfly {Cr^III₂Ln^III₂} complexes with Ln= Gd and Dy and the isostructural Y(III) sample. We found an anti-ferromagnetic Cr(III)-Ln(III) exchange interaction, which, as previously observed in related Cr(III)/Ln(III) systems, plays a key role in suppressing quantum tunnelling of magnetization and enhances the SMM performance in the Dy(III) complex. In fact, a pure Orbach relaxation mechanism, with absence of QT regime, is observed with a thermal barrier of 50 cm⁻¹, leading to magnetization hysteresis opening, measured with a commercial magnetometer, up to 3.6 K with a coercive field of 2.9 T. Analysis of SMM behaviour in literature-known butterfly {Cr^III₂Dy^III₂} complexes, reveals the existence of a magneto-structural correlation between U_eff, the thermal barrier size, and the mean Cr−Dy bond distances. Moreover, a clear correlation is found for the thermal barrier magnitude and the maximum temperature hysteresis opening and coercive field.     

Slow Magnetic Relaxation in a Co2Dy Trimer and a Co2Dy2 Tetramer

The combination of Co(III) and Dy(III) with a compartmental Schiff base ligand (H₃L=3-[(2-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzylidene)-amino]-propane-1,2-diol), presenting three different coordinating pockets, has allowed the synthesis of two novel Co(III)−Dy(III) complexes: [Co₂Dy(HL)₄]NO₃ ⋅ 2CH₃CN ( 1 ), a rare example of trinuclear linear Co^III₂Dy^III complex (and the first with slow relaxation of magnetization in absence of a DC field) and [Co₂Dy₂(μ₃−OH)₂(HL)₂(OAc)₆] ⋅ 4.6H₂O ( 2 ), the first tetranuclear Co^III₂Dy^III₂ cluster with a rhomb-like structure where the Co(III) ions are connected along the short diagonal of the rhomb. 1 presents two different relaxation processes: a fast relaxation dominated by Quantum tunnelling (QT) and a slow relaxation with an energy barrier of 40 K. 2 shows two close relaxation processes without applied DC fields that follow QT and Orbach mechanisms whereas for H_DC=500 Oe, the QT is cancelled and a direct term appears. Here we present the synthesis, X-ray structure and magnetic characterization of these two Co(III)−Dy(III) single-ion/molecule magnets.     

Insight into D6h Symmetry: Targeting Strong Axiality in Stable Dysprosium(III) Hexagonal Bipyramidal Single‐Ion Magnets

Following a novel synthetic strategy where the strong uniaxial ligand field generated by the Ph₃SiO^? (Ph₃SiO^?=anion of triphenylsilanol) and the 2,4‐di‐^tBu‐PhO^? (2,4‐di‐^tBu‐PhO^?=anion of 2,4‐di‐tertbutylphenol) ligands combined with the weak equatorial field of the ligand L^N6 , leads to [Dy^III(L^N6)(2,4‐di‐^tBu‐PhO)₂](PF₆) ( 1 ), [Dy^III(L^N6)(Ph₃SiO)₂](PF₆) ( 2 ) and [Dy^III(L^N6)(Ph₃SiO)₂](BPh₄) ( 3 ) hexagonal bipyramidal dysprosium(III) single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) with high anisotropy barriers of U_eff=973 K for 1 , U_eff=1080 K for 2 and U_eff=1124 K for 3 under zero applied dc field. Ab initio calculations predict that the dominant magnetization reversal barrier of these complexes expands up to the 3rd Kramers doublet, thus revealing for the first time the exceptional uniaxial magnetic anisotropy that even the six equatorial donor atoms fail to negate, opening up the possibility to other higher‐order symmetry SMMs.     

Effects of substituents on bridging ligands on the single‐molecule magnet properties of Zn2Dy2 cluster complexes

Two new Zn₂Dy₂ complexes were constructed from Zn (II) salen‐type Schiff base complex fragment and 2,6‐pyridinedimethanol (H₂pdm) or its Br‐substituted analogue (4‐bromopyridine‐2,6‐diyl)dimethanol (H₂Brpdm); their molecular formulas are [Zn₂Dy₂(L)₂(pdm)₂(MeOH)₂](ClO₄)₂ [ 1 , H₂L = N, N′‐ bis(3‐methoxysalicylidene)‐1,3‐diaminopropane] and [Zn₂Dy₂(L)₂(Brpdm)₂(MeOH)₂](ClO₄)₂ [ 2 ], the Dy (III) ions of which have a NO₇ triangular dodecahedral coordination sphere. The two complexes show not only ferromagnetic interaction but also field‐induced single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behavior, which are rare Dy (III)‐containing cluster complexes with the NO₇ triangular dodecahedral coordination sphere that can show good magnetic relaxation. The energy barrier value of complex 2 is higher than those of complex 1 and the Dy (III) complexes with the DyNO₇ triangular dodecahedral coordination configuration reported in the literature.     

Heterotrimetallic Coordination Polymers: {CuIILnIIIFeIII} Chains and {NiIILnIIIFeIII} Layers: Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Magnetic Properties

The use of the [Fe^III(AA)(CN)₄]^? complex anion as metalloligand towards the preformed [Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ or [Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ heterometallic complex cations (AA=2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) and 1,10‐phenathroline (phen); H₂valpn=1,3‐propanediyl‐bis(2‐iminomethylene‐6‐methoxyphenol)) allowed the preparation of two families of heterotrimetallic complexes: three isostructural 1D coordination polymers of general formula {[Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III(H₂O)₃(μ‐NC)₂Fe^III(phen)(CN)₂ {(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃}]NO₃ ? 7 H₂O}_n (Ln=Gd ( 1 ), Tb ( 2 ), and Dy ( 3 )) and the trinuclear complex [Cu^II(valpn)La^III(OH₂)₃(O₂NO)(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃] ? NO₃ ? H₂O ? CH₃CN ( 4 ) were obtained with the [Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ assembling unit, whereas three isostructural heterotrimetallic 2D networks, {[Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III(ONO₂)₂(H₂O)(μ‐NC)₃Fe^III(bipy)(CN)] ? 2 H₂O ? 2 CH₃CN}_n (Ln=Gd ( 5 ), Tb ( 6 ), and Dy ( 7 )) resulted with the related [Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ precursor. The crystal structure of compound 4 consists of discrete heterotrimetallic complex cations, [Cu^II(valpn)La^III(OH₂)₃(O₂NO)(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃]⁺, nitrate counterions, and non‐coordinate water and acetonitrile molecules. The heteroleptic {Fe^III(bipy)(CN)₄} moiety in 5 – 7 acts as a tris‐monodentate ligand towards three {Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III} binuclear nodes leading to heterotrimetallic 2D networks. The ferromagnetic interaction through the diphenoxo bridge in the Cu^II?Ln^III ( 1 – 3 ) and Ni^II?Ln^III ( 5 – 7 ) units, as well as through the single cyanide bridge between the Fe^III and either Ni^II ( 5 – 7 ) or Cu^II ( 4 ) account for the overall ferromagnetic behavior observed in 1 – 7 . DFT‐type calculations were performed to substantiate the magnetic interactions in 1 , 4 , and 5 . Interestingly, compound 6 exhibits slow relaxation of the magnetization with maxima of the out‐of‐phase ac signals below 4.0 K in the lack of a dc field, the values of the pre‐exponential factor (τ_o) and energy barrier (E_a) through the Arrhenius equation being 2.0×10^?12 s and 29.1 cm^?1, respectively. In the case of 7 , the ferromagnetic interactions through the double phenoxo (Ni^II–Dy^III) and single cyanide (Fe^III–Ni^II) pathways are masked by the depopulation of the Stark levels of the Dy^III ion, this feature most likely accounting for the continuous decrease of χ_M T upon cooling observed for this last compound.     

Magnetic Blocking from Exchange Interactions: Slow Relaxation of the Magnetization and Hysteresis Loop Observed in a Dysprosium–Nitronyl Nitroxide Chain Compound with an Antiferromagnetic Ground State

The combination of the anisotropic Dy^III ion and organic radicals as spin carriers results in discrete and one‐dimensional lanthanide–radical magnetic materials, namely, [Dy(hfac)₃(NITThienPh)₂] ( 1 ) and [Dy₂(hfac)₆(NITThienPh)₂]_n ( 2 ; hfac=hexafluoroacetylacetonate, NITThienPh=2‐(5‐phenyl‐2‐thienyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐imidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide). Linking monomeric 1 with the Dy^III ion leads to the formation of polymeric 2 , and the transformation between them is chemically controllable and reversible. The characterization of both static and dynamic magnetic properties shows that the dominant intrachain exchange interaction is important to observe magnetic bistability in 2 rather than that in 1 . Monomeric 1 exhibits paramagnetic behavior, whereas polymeric 2 shows the unusual coexistence of superparamagnetic and two‐step field‐induced metamagnetic behaviors. The antiferromagnetic ground state of 2 does not prevent the dynamic relaxation of the magnetization with the finite‐sized effect in the lanthanide–radical system. Energy barriers to thermally activated relaxation for 2 are 53 and 98 K in the low‐ and high‐temperature regimes, respectively. A hysteresis loop is observed with the coercive field of 99 Oe at 2 K.     

Exploring the Vibrational Side of Spin‐Phonon Coupling in Single‐Molecule Magnets via 161Dy Nuclear Resonance Vibrational Spectroscopy

Synchrotron‐based nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy (NRVS) using the Mössbauer isotope ¹⁶¹Dy has been employed for the first time to study the vibrational properties of a single‐molecule magnet (SMM) incorporating Dy^III, namely [Dy(Cy₃PO)₂(H₂O)₅]Br₃?2 (Cy₃PO)?2 H₂O ?2 EtOH. The experimental partial phonon density of states (pDOS), which includes all vibrational modes involving a displacement of the Dy^III ion, was reproduced by means of simulations using density functional theory (DFT), enabling the assignment of all intramolecular vibrational modes. This study proves that ¹⁶¹Dy NRVS is a powerful experimental tool with significant potential to help to clarify the role of phonons in SMMs.