A family of dodecanuclear Mn11Ln single-molecule magnets

A series of four isostructural dodecanuclear complexes [Mn^III₉Mn^II₂Ln^III(O)₈(OH)(piv)₁₆(NO₃)(CH₃CN)]·xCH₃CN·yC₇H₁₆ (piv = pivalate; x = ½, y = ¾, Ln = Tb (1); x = 2, y = ½, Ln = Dy (2), Ho (3), and Y (4)) has been prepared for which the structural motif described as ‘a lanthanide ion nested in a large manganese shell’ is observed. All compounds show out-of-phase signals in their ac susceptibilities, and their single-molecule magnet behaviour was confirmed by single-crystal micro-SQUID studies of 1-3 which show hysteresis loops of molecular origin at T < 1.0 K. The SMM behaviour observed in compounds 1-3 is more pronounced than that for 4, which contains the diamagnetic Y^III ion. This is principally the result of ferromagnetic coupling between the paramagnetic anisotropic Ln^III ions (Tb^III, Dy^III and Ho^III) and the manganese shell, which enhances the total spin ground state of the complexes.     

Magnetic properties of nitric oxide adsorbed within channel crystals

The crystalline one-dimensional compounds, [M₂(bza)₄(pyz)]_n (bza = benzoate; pyz = pyrazine; M = Cu^II (1)) and [M₂(bza)₄(2-mpyz)]_n (2-mpyz = 2-methylpyrazine; M = Rh^II (2), Cu^II (3)), demonstrate gas absorbency of NO. The amounts of adsorbed NO gas are 0.61 for 1, 0.30 for 2, and 0.23 for 3 per M₂ unit at 195 K (800 Torr). The crystals of 1 adsorbed more NO molecules than did those of 2 and 3. The magnetic susceptibilities of the NO-inclusion crystals indicate that included NO molecules interact antiferromagnetically with neighboring guests without dimerization to N₂O₂. Magnetic behaviors indicated NO aggregation in the narrow 1D channels of 1–3 under unsaturated adsorption conditions.     

A unique 2-D hollow sheet structure and magnetic behavior of a cyanide- and triamine-bridged MnIICrIII ferrimagnet

A 2-D cyanide- and triamine-bridged Mn^IICr^III ferrimagnet, [Mn₃(dien)₂(H₂O)₂][Cr(CN)₆]₂ · 4H₂O (1), has been prepared by the combination of Mn²⁺, diethylenetriamine (dien) co-ligand and [Cr(CN)₆]³⁻. This compound forms a unique 2-D hollow sheet structure constructed by 1-D ribbon networks on the basis of triamine (dien)-bridged trinuclear Mn^II units. Compound 1 readily looses all lattice water molecules and irreversibly changes to a dehydrated form, [Mn₃(dien)₂(H₂O)₂][Cr(CN)₆]₂ (1a), in the air. Cryomagnetic studies of 1 and 1a reveal an antiferromagnetic interaction between Cr^III and Mn^II ions, and an unusual long-range ferrimagnetic ordering below 30 K (1) and 40 K (1a) with multiple magnetic phase changes below T_C. MCD spectra of 1a show a strong Faraday ellipticity associated with the LMCT band of the Cr–CN below 300 nm. Faraday ellipticity is remarkably enhanced below T_C in line with the characteristics long-range ferrimagnetic ordering.     

Long-distance electronic interaction in a molecular wire consisting of a ferrocenyl–ethynyl unit bridging two [(η5-C5H5)(dppe)M] metal centers

Several multinuclear ferrocenyl–ethynyl complexes of formula [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(dppe)M^II?CC–(fc)_n–CC–M^II(dppe)(η⁵-C₅H₅)] (fc = ferrocenyl; dppe = Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂; 1: M^II = Ru²⁺, n = 1; 2: M^II = Ru²⁺, n = 2; 3: M^II = Ru²⁺, n = 3; 4: M^II = Fe²⁺, n = 2; 5: M^II = Fe²⁺, n = 3) were studied. Structural determinations of 2 and 4 confirm the ferrocenyl group directly linked to the ethynyl linkage which is linked to the pseudo-octahedral [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(dppe)M] metal center. Complexes of 1–5 undergo sequential reversible oxidation events from 0.0 V to 1.0 V referred to the Ag/AgCl electrode in anhydrous CH₂Cl₂ solution and the low-potential waves have been assigned to the end-capped metallic centers. The solid-state and solution-state electronic configurations in the resulting oxidation products of [1]⁺ and [2]²⁺ were characterized by IR, X-band EPR spectroscopy, and UV–Vis at room temperature and 77 K. In [1]⁺ and [2]²⁺, broad intervalence transition band near 1600 nm is assigned to the intervalence transition involving photo-induced electron transfer between the Ru³⁺ and Fe²⁺ metal centers, indicating the existence of strong metal-to-metal interaction. Application of Hush’s theoretical analysis of intervalence transition band to determine the nature and magnitude of the electronic coupling between the metal sites in complexes [1]⁺ and [2]²⁺ is also reported. Computational calculations reveal that the ferrocenyl–ethynyl-based orbitals do mix significantly with the (η⁵-C₅H₅)(dppe)Ru metallic orbitals. It clearly appears from this work that the ferrocenyl–ethynyl spacers strongly contribute in propagating electron delocalization.     

N,N-dimethyl-selenobenzamide: two solid phases and low-temperature phase change

Two polymorphs (I: mp 49.0–50.0°C; II: mp 80.0–82.0°C) of N,N-dimethyl-selenobenzamide, (CH₃)₂NC(Se)Ph, have been observed. Both I and II can be prepared separately using the same reaction under different conditions. The phase change from phase I to phase II occurs at low temperatures and this has been confirmed by solid state NMR (¹³C), powder X-ray, and single-crystal structural studies. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals that the lower melting point form (phase I) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 with two conformations in the unit cell, while the higher melting point form (phase II) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with one conformation in the unit cell. Theoretical calculations on model clusters using the Universal Forcefield (UFF) show that the total energy of phase I (triclinic form) is 5.9 kcal per mol molecule higher than that of phase II (monoclinic form). Also, the immersion energy which is due to non-bonding interactions, namely Van der Waals and Coulombic (electrostatic) terms, has been calculated using UFF. The Van der Waals terms were very similar in the two crystalline forms (triclinic: −43.1 kcal mol⁻¹; monoclinic: −44.8 kcal mol⁻¹), but the Coulombic terms were significantly different (triclinic: −14.0 kcal mol⁻¹; monoclinic: −31.5 kcal mol⁻¹) and favor the monoclinic form. The triclinic form (phase I) is a kinetically favored metastable phase and upon cooling it changes to the monoclinic form (phase II), a thermodynamically stable phase.     

Magnetic dilution effect on the charge transfer phase transition and the ferromagnetic transition for an iron mixed-valence complex, (n-C3H7)4N[FeII1−xZnIIxFeIII(dto)3] (dto = C2O2S2)

Iron mixed-valence complex, (n-C₃H₇)₄N[Fe^IIFe^III(dto)₃] (dto = C₂O₂S₂) shows a new-type of phase transition coupled with spin and charge around 120 K, where the charge transfer between the Fe^II and Fe^III sites occurs reversibly, and shows the ferromagnetic transition at 7 K. To investigate the magnetic structure and its dimensionality of (n-C₃H₇)₄N[Fe^IIFe^III(dto)₃], we have synthesized a mixed crystal system, (n-C₃H₇)₄N[Fe^II_1?xZn^II_xFe^III(dto)₃], and measured its magnetic properties. In this system, the magnetic moment is reduced with increasing of Zn ratio. Moreover, the ferromagnetic interaction changes to the antiferromagnetic one and the remnant magnetization disappears between x = 0.48 and 0.96, while the charge transfer between the Fe^II and Fe^III sites disappears above x = 0.26. In this paper, we present the magnetic dilution effect on the charge transfer phase transition and the ferromagnetic transition by means of magnetic susceptibility measurement and ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy.     

Nanocomposite of a chromium Prussian blue with TiO2. Redox reactions and the synthesis of Prussian blue molecule-based magnets

The reaction of [NEt₄]₃[Cr(CN)₆] with titanium(III) p-toluenesulfonate at a pH of 2 affords a gray solid whose metal content and spectroscopic and magnetic properties are fully consistent with it being a Prussian blue material of stoichiometry “Ti^III[Cr^III(CN)₆] · H₂O”. The carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen content, however, are not consistent with this stoichiometry, and further investigation showed that the gray material has a powder X-ray diffraction profile, infrared spectrum, and magnetic properties very similar to those of the “all-chromium” Prussian blue Cr^II[Cr^III(CN)₆]_0.67 · 6H₂O. All data, including the C, H, and N weight percentages, are consistent with the conclusion that the material isolated is a nanocomposite of Cr^II[Cr^III(CN)₆]_0.67 · xH₂O and TiO₂ in the ratio of 1–1.6. These results suggest that Ti^III reduces some of the [Cr^III(CN)₆]³⁻ ions to generate Ti^IV and Cr^II; the former hydrolyzes to amorphous TiO₂ · 2H₂O, the latter loses its bound CN ligands and reacts with unreacted [Cr^III(CN)₆]³⁻ ions to generate the crystalline all-chromium PB species. The electrochemical potentials suggest that the [Cr^III(CN)₆]³⁻ ion should not be reduced by Ti^III; evidently, this unfavorable reaction is driven by the insolubility of the reaction products. The results constitute a cautionary tale in two respects: first, that the characterization of Prussian blue materials must be conducted with care and, second, that the insolubility of Prussian blue analogues can sometimes drive reactions that in solution are thermodynamically unfavorable.     

Reactivity of intramolecularly coordinated aluminum compounds to R3EOH (E = Sn,Si). Remarkable migration of N,C,N and O,C,O pincer ligands

The reaction of organoaluminum compounds containing O,C,O or N,C,N chelating (so called pincer) ligands [2,6-(YCH₂)₂C₆H₃]AlⁱBu₂ (Y = MeO 1, ^tBuO 2, Me₂N 3) with R₃SnOH (R = Ph or Me) gives tetraorganotin complexes [2,6-(YCH₂)₂C₆H₃]SnR₃ (Y = MeO, R = Ph 4, Y = MeO, R = Me 5; Y = ^tBuO, R = Ph 6, Y = ^tBuO, R = Me 7; Y = Me₂N, R = Ph 8, Y = Me₂N, R = Me 9) as the result of migration of O,C,O or N,C,N pincer ligands from aluminum to tin atom. Reaction of 1 and 2 with (ⁿBu₃Sn)₂O proceeded in similar fashion resulting in 10 and 11 ([2,6-(YCH₂)₂C₆H₃]SnⁿBu₃, Y = MeO 10; Y = ^tBuO 11) in mixture with ⁿBu₃SnⁱBu. The reaction 1 and 3 with 2 equiv. of Ph₃SiOH followed another reaction path and ([2,6-(YCH₂)₂C₆H₃]Al(OSiPh₃)₂, Y = MeO 12, Me₂N 13) were observed as the products of alkane elimination. The organotin derivatives 4–11 were characterized by the help of elemental analysis, ESI-MS technique, ¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopy and in the case 6 and 8 by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). Compounds 12 and 13 were identified using elemental analysis,¹H, ¹³C, ²⁹Si NMR and IR spectroscopy.     

A convenient MnIII starting material for the synthesis of homo- and heterometallic manganese carboxylate clusters: Mn9 and Mn10−xFex complexes

The use of a convenient source of Mn^III ions, namely the [Mn(OR)(O₂CR′)₂]_n (R = H, Me, and R′ = Me, Bu^t) family of 1-D coordination polymers, afforded two new enneanuclear and decanuclear molecular clusters, homometallic [Mn₉O₇(O₂CBu^t)₁₃(MeCN)₂] (3) and heterometallic [Mn_10?xFe_x(OMe)₂₀(O₂CMe)₁₀] (x < 10) (4), respectively. Compound 3 was synthesized by a solvent-induced structural transformation, whereas complex 4 resulted from the reaction of [Mn(OH)(O₂CMe)₂]_n with an Fe^III source. The core of 3 comprises two [Mn₄O₂]⁸⁺ butterfly units and a [Mn₃O]⁷⁺ triangular unit fused together by sharing one Mn atom. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of 3 revealed dominant antiferromagnetic interactions within the molecule, and a ground state of S = 1 with many low-lying excited states. Complex 4 is a mixed Fe^III/Mn^III single-strand molecular wheel, which forms 3D nanotubular stacks arranged in a zig–zag fashion. The described work suggests that the [Mn(OR)(O₂CR′)₂]_n compounds represent excellent starting materials for Mn^III carboxylate cluster chemistry.     

Study on the valence fluctuation and the magnetism of an iron mixed-valence complex, (n-C4H9)4N[FeIIFeIII(mto)3](mto = C2O3S)

In the case of iron mixed-valence complexes whose spin states are situated in the spin-crossover region, conjugated phenomena coupled with spin and charge are expected. In general, the Fe site coordinated by six S atoms is in the low-spin state, while the Fe site coordinated by six O atoms is in the high-spin state. From this viewpoint, we have synthesized and investigated physical properties for an monothiooxalato-bridged (mto = C₂O₃S) iron mixed-valence complex, (n-C₄H₉)₄N[Fe^IIFe^III(mto)₃], consisting of Fe^IIIO₃S₃ and Fe^IIO₆ octahedra, which behaves as a ferrimagnet with its magnetic transition temperature of T_N = 38 K and Weiss temperature of θ = ?93 K. From the analysis of ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectra of ⁵⁷Fe enriched complexes, (n-C₄H₉)₄N[⁵⁷Fe^IIFe^III(mto)₃] and (n-C₄H₉)₄N[Fe^II57Fe^III(mto)₃], the charge transfer between Fe^II and Fe^III exists in the paramagnetic phase. Considering the time window of ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, the time scale of the valence fluctuation is at least slower than 10^?7 s. In order to confirm the valence fluctuation between Fe^II and Fe^III, we investigated the dielectric constant and found an anomalous enhancement attributed to the Fe valence fluctuation between 170 and 250 K.     

New transition metal sulfates templated by 1,4-butanediamine, (C4H14N2)[MII(H2O)6](SO4)2·4H2O (MII: Co,Ni): Structure,reactivity and thermal decomposition

Two new hybrid materials, (C₄H₁₄N₂)[M^II(H₂O)₆](SO₄)₂·4H₂O (M^II: Co (I), Ni (II)), have been synthesised by slow evaporation method at room temperature and crystallographically characterized. They crystallise isotypically in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/n, with the following unit-cell parameters a = 9.2285(3), b = 11.3333(4), c = 10.6693(4) Å, β = 109.004(2)°, Z = 2 and V = 1055.07(6) Å³ for I and a = 9.2127(2), b = 11.3182(2), c = 10.6434(2) Å, β = 109.094(1)°, Z = 2 and V = 1048.74(4) Å³ for II. The structure of the two supramolecular compounds consists of metallic cation octahedrally coordinated to six water molecules, sulfate anions, 1,4-butanediammonium cation and water molecules linked together via two types of hydrogen bonds, O–H?O and N–H?O. The two compounds are not stable at room temperature and their partial dehydration depends on the humidity of the environment. The thermal decomposition of precursors, studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction (TDXD), shows successive intermediate hydrates and crystalline anhydrous compounds upon dehydration.     

Mn4 single-molecule magnets with a planar diamond core and S=9

The syntheses and magnetic properties are reported for three Mn₄ single-molecule magnets (SMMs): [Mn₄(hmp)₆(NO₃)₂(MeCN)₂](ClO₄)₂·2MeCN (3), [Mn₄(hmp)₆(NO₃)₄]·(MeCN) (4), and [Mn₄(hmp)₄(acac)₂(MeO)₂](ClO₄)₂·2MeOH (5). In each complex there is a planar diamond core of Mn^III ₂Mn^II ₂ ions. An analysis of the variable-temperature and variable-field magnetization data indicate that all three molecules have intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling and a S=9 ground state. The presence of a frequency-dependent alternating current susceptibility signal indicates a significant energy barrier between the spin-up and spin-down states for each of these three Mn^III ₂Mn^II ₂ complexes. The fact that these complexes are SMMs has been confirmed by the observation of hysteresis in the plot of magnetization versus magnetic field measured for single crystals of complexes 3 and 4. The hysteresis loops for both of these complexes exhibit steps characteristic of quantum tunneling of magnetization. Complex 4 shows its first step at zero field, whereas the first step for complex 3 is shifted to −0.10 T. This shift is attributable to weak intermolecular antiferromagnetic exchange interactions present for complex 3.     

Synthesis,structural characterizations,spectroscopic and magnetic properties of MnII and MnIII complexes with an unprecedented bridging coordination mode of 2-salicylichydrazono-1,3-dithiolane ligand

Two new complexes [Mn^III(HL)₂(acac)] and [Mn^II(HL)₂]_n have been obtained by reacting manganese(III) acetylacetonate monohydrate or manganese(II) chloride monohydrate with 2-salicylichydrazono-1,3-dithiolane ligand (H₂L). Both compounds have been fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the solid state, the molecular packing are described and discussed in term of weak H-bonds and short contacts. The unprecedented bridging coordination mode of this ligand lead to the first 2-salicylichydrazono-1,3-dithiolane-bridged coordination polymer [Mn^II(HL)₂]_n. The EPR spectrum of this compound was obtained with g ≈ 2.07, corresponding to a manganese ion (+II) in octahedral high-spin coordination sphere. The Mn^II complex exhibit paramagnetic behavior corresponding to quasi-isolated metal centers.     

Phosphanes with bulky oligosilyl substituents

By reaction of dichloroheptasilane [(SiMe₃)₂MeSi]₂SiCl₂ with lithiumphosphanides LiPHR, the silylphosphanes [(SiMe₃)₂MeSi]₂SiClPHR with R = 2, 4, 6-tri-tert-butylphenyl ( = supermesityl, Mes1) (1) and Si(SiMe₃)₃ ( = hypersilyl, Hyp) (2) were prepared. Both compounds were characterized with X-ray diffraction, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Compound 1 did not react with n-BuLi, but only with a large excess of tert-BuLi. Phosphasilene [(SiMe₃)₂MeSi]₂SiPMes¹ could be identified by a ³¹P NMR signal at +346 ppm. All attempts to separate it from the reaction mixture failed due to many by-products which had formed through SiSi and SiP bond cleavage. Lithiation of 2 was possible with 4.2 equiv. of tert-BuLi, and crystals of the lithiumphosphanide [(SiMe₃)₂MeSi]₂SiClPLiHyp (3) could be obtained from THF, albeit in a quality not sufficient for X-ray diffraction. All attempts to achieve LiCl elimination and formation of the phosphasilene [(SiMe₃)₂MeSi]₂SiPSi(SiMe₃)₃ failed due to the unusual stability of the lithiumphosphanide. Prolongued refluxing in toluene (110 °C) only led to complete loss of coordinated THF, and ³¹P⁷Li spin spin coupling could be observed in the ³¹P NMR spectrum (¹J_PLi = 84 Hz).Reaction of potassium phosphanide [(SiMe₃)₃Si]SiMe₃PK with SiCl₄ led to the formation of [(SiMe₃)₃Si](SiMe₃)P(SiCl₃) (4), which could be successfully characterized with X-ray diffraction and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. SiP bond lengths vary between 218 pm (SiCl₃) and 230 pm (hypersilyl). Despite these differences, ³¹P²⁹Si coupling constants are nearly identical (92.4 Hz and 85.5 Hz, respectively).     

Synthesis,structures and magnetic properties of two novel tetranuclear iron(III) single-molecule magnets: Enhanced energy barriers in solution

[Fe^III₄(acac)₆(Br-mp)₂] (1) and [Fe^III₄(acac)₆(tmp)₂] (2) were obtained from the reaction of Fe(acac)₂ with the appropriate tripodal alcohol. Both magnetic clusters show clear signatures for ferrimagnetic super exchange coupling. A fit of the DC susceptibility of 1 with the Kambe model gives J = ?8.2 ± 0.2 cm^?1, with g = 1.96 ± 0.02. Powder AC susceptibility data display significant frequency dependence for both compounds. The observation of an out-of-phase component demonstrates that these molecules may be single-molecule magnets (SMMs). AC susceptibility data for frozen solutions of 1 and 2 in toluene also show an out-of-phase signal proving these molecules are SMMs in solution. Going from powder to solution, the χ″ signals shift to higher temperatures which points towards an increase in energy barrier for the magnetization relaxation.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the chromic oxidation of 3-O-methyl-d-glucopyranose

The oxidation of 3-O-methyl-d-glucopyranose (Glc3Me) by Cr^VI in acid medium yields Cr^III, formic acid and 2-O-methyl-d-arabinose as final products when a 50-times or higher excess of Glc3Me over Cr^VI is used. The redox reaction takes place through the combination of Cr^VI → Cr^IV → Cr^II and Cr^VI → Cr^IV → Cr^III pathways. Intermediacy of free radicals and Cr^II in the reaction was demonstrated by the observation of induced polymerization of acrylamide and detection of CrO₂²⁺ formed by reaction of Cr^II with O₂. Intermediate oxo-Cr^V–Glc3Me species were detected by EPR spectroscopy. In 0.3–0.5 mol/L HClO₄, intermediate Cr^V rapidly decompose to the reaction products, while, at pH 5.5–7.5, where the redox processes are very slow, five-coordinate Cr^V bis-chelates of the pyranose and furanose forms of Glc3Me remain more than 15 h in solution. The C1–C2 bond cleavage of Glc3Me upon reaction with Cr^VI distinguishes this derivative from glucose, which is oxidized to gluconic acid.     

Complexes derived from the copper(II) perchlorate/maleamic acid/2,2′-bipyridine and copper(II) perchlorate/maleic acid/2,2′-bipyridine reaction systems: Synthetic,reactivity, structural and spectroscopic studies

A systematic investigation of the reactions of Cu(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O with maleamic acid (H₂L) in the presence of 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) has been carried out. The chemical and structural identity of the products depends on the solvent, the absence or presence of external hydroxides in the reaction mixture and the molar ratio of the reactants. Various reaction schemes have led to the isolation of the complexes [Cu₂(HL)₂(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Cu₂(HL)₂(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O (1 · 2H₂O), [Cu(L′′)(bpy)]_n · 2nH₂O (2 · 2nH₂O), [Cu₂(L′′)(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂]_n(ClO₄)_2n · 0.5nH₂O (3 · 0.5nH₂O), [Cu₂(L′′)₂(bpy)₂] · 2MeOH (5 · 2MeOH), [Cu₂(L′)₂(bpy)₂(ClO₄)₂] (6) and [Cu(ClO₄)₂(bpy)(MeCN)₂] (7b), where L′′^2? and L′^? are the maleate(?2) and monomethyl maleate(?1) ligands, respectively. The HL^? ion has been transformed to L′′^2? and L′^? in the known compounds 2 · 2nH₂O and 6, respectively, via metal ion-assisted processes involving hydrolysis (2 · 2nH₂O) and methanolysis (6) of the primary amide group. The reaction that leads to 6 takes place through the formation of the mononuclear complex [Cu(ClO₄)₂(bpy)(MeOH)₂] (7a), whose structure was assigned on the basis of its spectral similarity with the structurally characterized complex 7b. The structures of the cations in 1 and 1 · 2H₂O consists of two Cu^II atoms bridged by the carboxylate groups of the two HL^? ligands, each exhibiting the less common η² coordination mode; a chelating bpy molecule and a H₂O ligand complete square pyramidal coordination at each metal centre. The structure of the dinuclear repeating unit in the 1D coordination polymer 3 · 0.5nH₂O consists of two Cu^II atoms bridged by two syn,syn η¹:η¹:μ₂ carboxylate groups belonging to two L′′^2? ions; each ligand bridged two neighboring [Cu^II,II₂] units thus promoting the formation of a helical chain. The structure of the dinuclear molecule of complex 5 · 2MeOH consists of two Cu^II atoms bridged by two η² carboxylate groups from two L′′^2? ligands; the second carboxylate group of each maleate(?2) ligand is monodentately coordinated to Cu^II, creating a remarkable seven-membered chelating ring. The L′^? ion behaves as a carboxylate-type ligand in 6, with the carboxylate group being in the familiar syn,syn η¹:η¹:μ₂ coordination mode; a chelating bpy molecule and a coordinated ClO₄^? complete five-coordination at each Cu^II centre. The crystal structures of the complexes are stabilized by various H-bonding patterns. Characteristic IR bands of the complexes are discussed in terms of the known structures and the coordination modes of the ligands.     

A mixed-valence Mn6 cluster capped by nitronyl nitroxide units

A mixed-valence Mn₆ cluster, [Mn₆O₂(t-BuCO₂)₁₀(H₂O)(NNPy)₂] (2), has been synthesized by the assembly of [Mn₆O₂(t-BuCO₂)₁₀(THF)₄] · THF (1) with a nitronyl nitroxide radical molecule, 2-(p-pyridyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (NNPy). Complex 2 consists of [Mn₆O₂]¹⁰⁺ core and two NNPy radical attachments, where the [Mn₆O₂]¹⁰⁺ core is composed of two Mn^III ions (i.e., the inner Mn ions) bridged by two μ₄-O²⁻ and four Mn^II ions (i.e., the outer Mn ions) surrounding the inner Mn^III ions via the two μ₄-O²⁻, forming an edge-shared double-tetrahedral polygon (vertices: Mn ions, centers: μ₄-O²⁻). Bridges by pivalate groups in μ₂- and μ₃-modes assist the coordination spheres around these Mn ions. Two of the outer Mn^II ions in trans position are, to the sixth coordination site, occupied by NNPy molecule (pyridine-N coordination). One of the outer Mn^II ions is occupied by a water molecule to complete octahedral geometry, but the rest of them is vacancy taking a square-pyramidal geometry. The variable-temperature direct current (DC) magnetic susceptibility was collected in the temperature range of 1.81 to 300 K at a 1 kOe appled field. The molar magnetic susceptibility (χ_M) steadily increases from 0.053 emu mol⁻¹ at 300 K to 0.29 emu mol⁻¹ at 20 K, showing a kink (peak), and then increases rapidly to 0.70 emu mol⁻¹ at 1.81 K. The profile of this magnetic behavior indicates that the intracluster spin cancellation takes place bellow 20 K to derive an S_Mn6 = 0 by strong antiferromagnetic interaction between Mn ions. This is consequently leading to paramagnetic isolation of only the two nitronyl nitroxide units as if remaining as exchange-uncorrelated spin carriers. The variable-temperature ESR spectra show a sharp signal below 30 K with g = 2.00, proving the presence of free nitronyl nitroxide radical, in which double integral of such signal obeys the Curie–Weiss law that follows the susceptibility result in the low-temperature region.     

Synthesis of open-framework iron phosphates, [C5N2H14]2[FeIII2F2(HPO4)4]·2H2O and [C5N2H14][FeIII4(H2O)4F2(PO4)4], with one- and three-dimensional structures

The hydrothermal syntheses and structures of two new open-framework iron phosphates, [C₅N₂H₁₄]₂[Fe^III₂F₂(HPO₄)₄]·2H₂O, I, and [C₅N₂H₁₄][Fe^III₄(H₂O)₄F₂(PO₄)₄], II, are presented. While the structure of I consist of FeO₄F₂ octahedra and HPO₄ terahedra linked to form one-dimensional structure, that of II consist of FeO₄(H₂O)₂, FeO₄(H₂O)F, FeO₄F₂ and PO₄ units connected to give rise to a three-dimensional structure. The structure of I resembles the naturally occurring mineral tancoite while II resembles the iron phosphate, ULM-12, [C₆N₂H₁₄][Fe₄(PO₄)₂F₂(H₂O)₃]. Magnetic susceptibility studies indicate anti-ferromagnetic behavior in both the compounds with T_N=200 and 175 K for I and II, respectively. Crystal data: I, monoclinic, space group=P2₁/n (no. 14). a=7.2261(6), b=16.5731(14), c=11.0847(10) Å, β=97.265(2)°, V=1316.8(2) Å³, Z=4, ρ_calc=1.952 g cm⁻¹, μ_(MoKα)=1.446 mm⁻¹, R₁=0.0448 and wR₂=0.1141 for 1882 data [I>2σ(I)]; for II, monoclinic, space group=P2₁/n (no. 14). a=9.9691(3), b=12.4013(3), c=17.3410(3) Å, β=103.762(1)°, V=2082.32(9) Å³, Z=4, ρ_calc=2.576 g cm⁻¹, μ_(MoKα)=3.162 mm⁻¹, R₁=0.0510 and wR₂=0.1064 for 2979 data [I>2σ(I)].