One-dimensional coordination polymers of antiferromagnetically-coupled [Mn4] single-molecule magnets

Reactions of the rhombic [MnII2 MnIII2 (hmp)6]4+ complex in acetonitrile with simple carboxylate ligands yield (i) three new isolated [Mn4] complexes, namely [Mn4(hmp)6(CH3COO)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2.4H2O (1), [Mn4(hmp)6(CCl3COO)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (2) and [Mn4(hmp)6(C6H5COO)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2.4CH3CN.2H2O (3) in the presence of either bulky carboxylate or of an excess of Mn(II) source; and (ii) two 1D arrangements of [Mn4] complexes connected through double syn-syn carboxylate bridges when using acetate and chloroacetate, namely {[Mn4(hmp)6(CH3COO)2](ClO4)2.H2O}n (4) and {[Mn4(hmp)6(ClCH2COO)2](ClO4)2.2H2O}n (5). The assembly of such building blocks can thus be controlled by an adequate choice of the bridging anion. As expected, the isolated [Mn4] complexes behave as Single-Molecule Magnets as shown by the study of their static and dynamic magnetic properties. Detailed magnetic studies both on polycrystalline samples and single crystals show that the chain compounds are isolated antiferromagnetic chains. The slow relaxation of their staggered magnetization has been studied thanks to finite-size effects induced by the intrinsic defects of the material     

2-（羟甲基）-N-甲基咪唑桥联Mn2ⅡMn2Ⅲ四核配合物的合成、结构和磁性简

报道了3个2-(羟甲基)-N-甲基咪唑(Hhmmi)桥联的Mn2ⅡMn2Ⅲ四核配合物[Mn4(hmmi)6(DMF)2·(N3)2](ClO4)2(1),[Mn4(hmmi)6(H2O)2(N3)2](ClO4)2(2)和[Mn4(hmmi)6Cl4]·6CH3CN(3·6CH3CN)的合成、晶体结构和磁性. 在配合物1~3中,中心结构皆为四核蝶形混合价Mn结构,2个MnⅡ占据蝶形两翼位置,2个MnⅢ占据蝶形中间位置. MnⅢ离子间通过hmmi-上的μ3-烷氧原子桥联,相应MnⅢ-O-MnⅢ键角为101.3°~103.4°;而MnⅢ-MnⅡ离子间通过hmmi-上的μ3-和μ2-烷氧原子桥联,相应MnⅢ-O-MnⅡ键角为92.5°~113.7°. 对配合物1~3进行变温磁化率拟合,结果表明,MnⅢ-MnⅢ间呈铁磁相互作用,而MnⅢ-MnⅡ间以及Mn4分子间存在较弱的铁磁或反铁磁耦合.     

Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of a Mn(21) single-molecule magnet

The reaction of [Mn(3)O(O(2)CMe)(6)(py)(3)](ClO(4)) (1; 3Mn(III)) with [Mn(10)O(4)(OH)(2)(O(2)CMe)(8)(hmp)(8)](ClO(4))(4) (2; 10Mn(III)) in MeCN affords the new mixed-valent complex [Mn(21)O(14)(OH)(2)(O(2)CMe)(16)(hmp)(8)(pic)(2)(py)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(4) (3; 3Mn(II)-18Mn(III); hmp(-) is the anion of 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine), with an average Mn oxidation state of +2.85. Complex 3.7MeCN crystallizes in the triclinic space group P. The structure consists of a low symmetry [Mn(21)(micro(4)-O)(4)(micro(3)-O)(12)(micro-O)(16)] core, with peripheral ligation provided by 16 MeCO(2)(-), 8 hmp(-), and 2 pic(-) groups and one molecule each of water and pyridine. The magnetic properties of 3 were investigated by both dc and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements. Fitting of dc magnetization data collected in the 0.1-0.8 T and 1.8-4.0 K ranges gave S = (17)/(2), D approximately -0.086 cm(-)(1), and g approximately 1.8, where S is the molecular spin of the Mn(21) complex and D is the axial zero-field splitting parameter. ac susceptibility studies in the 10-997 Hz frequency range reveal the presence of a frequency-dependent out-of-phase ac magnetic susceptibility (chi(M)' ') signal consistent with slow magnetization relaxation rates. Fitting of dc magnetization decay versus time data to the Arrhenius equation gave a value of the effective barrier to relaxation (U(eff)) of 13.2 K. Magnetization versus applied dc field sweeps exhibited hysteresis. Thus, complex 3 is a new member of the small but growing family of single-molecule magnets.     

Studies of a linear single-molecule magnet

Reaction of the dinuclear complex [Mn2O2(bpy)4](ClO4)3 with H3cht (cis,cis-l,3,5-cyclohexanetriol) in MeCN produces the complex [Mn3(Hcht)2(bpy)4](ClO4)3.Et2O.2MeCN (1.Et2O.2MeCN). Dc magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the existence of weak ferromagnetic exchange between the three Mn ions, leading to a spin ground state of S = 7, with D = -0.23 cm(-1). W-Band (94 GHz) EPR measurements on restrained powdered crystalline samples confirm the S = 7 ground state and determine the ground state zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameters of D = -0.14 cm(-1) and B4(0)= +1.5 x 10(-5) cm(-1). The apparent 4th order behaviour is due to a breakdown of the strong exchange limit approximation (J approximately d, the single-ion ZFS). Single crystal dc relaxation decay and hysteresis loop measurements reveal the molecule to have an appreciable energy barrier to magnetization relaxation, displaying low temperature sweep rate and temperature-dependent hysteresis loops. Density functional studies confirm the ferromagnetic exchange coupling between the Mn ions.     

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

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

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.     

Structure and magnetic ordering of a 2-D Mn(II)(TCNE)I(OH2) (TCNE = tetracyanoethylene) organic-based magnet (T(c) = 171 K)

Mn(II)(TCNE)I(OH(2)) was isolated from the reaction of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and MnI(2)(THF)(3), and has a 2-D structure possessing an unusual, asymmetric bonded μ(4)-[TCNE]˙(-). Direct antiferromagnetic coupling between the S = 5/2 Mn(II) and S = 1/2 [TCNE]˙(-) leads to magnetic ordering as a canted antiferrimagnet at a T(c) of 171 K.     

MnIII2 (5-Rsaltmen)2NiII(pao)2(L)]2+: an S(T)=3 building block for a single-chain magnet that behaves as a single-molecule magnet

Mn(III)-Ni(II)-Mn(III) linear-type trinuclear complexes bridged by oximate groups were selectively synthesized by the assembly reaction of [Mn2(5-Rsaltmen)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (5-Rsaltmen2-=N,N'-(1,1,2,2-tetramethylethylene) bis(5-R-salicylideneiminate); R=Cl, Br) with [Ni(pao)2(phen)] (pao-=pyridine-2-aldoximate; phen=1,10-phenanthroline) in methanol/water: [Mn2(5-Rsaltmen)2Ni(pao)2(phen)](ClO4)2 (R=Cl, 1; R=Br, 2). Structural analysis revealed that the [Mn(III)-ON-Ni(II)-NO-Mn(III)] skeleton of these trimers is in every respect similar to the repeating unit found in the previously reported series of 1D materials [Mn2(saltmen)2Ni(pao)2(L1)2](A)(2) (L(1)=pyridine, 4-picoline, 4-tert-butylpyridine, N-methylimidazole; A=ClO4-, BF4-, PF6-, ReO4-). Recently, these 1D compounds have attracted a great deal of attention for their magnetic properties, since they exhibit slow relaxation of the magnetization (also called single-chain magnet (SCM) behavior). This unique magnetic behavior was explained in the framework of Glauber's theory, generalized for chains of ferromagnetically coupled anisotropic spins. Thus, in these 1D compounds, the [Mn(III)-ON-Ni(II)-NO-Mn(III)] unit was considered as an S(T)=3 anisotropic spin. Direct-current magnetic measurements on 1 and 2 confirm their S(T)=3 ground state and strong uniaxial anisotropy (D/k(B) approximately -2.4 K), in excellent agreement with the magnetic characteristic deduced in the study on the SCM series. The ac magnetic susceptibility of these trimers is strongly frequency-dependent and characteristic of single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior. The relaxation time tau shows a thermally activated (Arrhenius) behavior with tau0 approximately 1x10(-7) s and Delta(eff)/k(B) approximately 18 K. The effective energy barrier for reversal of the magnetization Delta(eff) is consistent with the theoretical value (21 K) estimated from |D| S2T. The present results reinforce consistently the interpretation of the SCM behavior observed in the [Mn2(saltmen)2Ni(pao)2(L1)2](A)2 series and opens new perspectives to design single-chain magnets.     

From an S(T) = 3 single-molecule magnet to diamagnetic ground state depending on the molecular packing of Mn(III)salen-type dimers decorated by N,N'-dicyano-1,4-naphthoquinonediiminate radicals

Two manganese(III) tetradentate Schiff-base dimers to which N,N'-dicyano-1,4-naphthoquinonediiminate (DCNNQI) radicals are attached have been selectively synthesized by varying the solvents used in the reactions: [Mn2(5-MeOsaltmen)2(DCNNQI)2].MeOH (1) and [Mn2(5-MeOsaltmen)(2)(DCNNQI)(2)] x 2CH2Cl2.2CH3CN (2) [5-MeOsaltmen2- = N,N'-(1,1,2,2-tetramethylethylene)bis(5-methoxysalicylideneiminate)]. These two complexes share the same molecular core, [(DCNNQI.-)-Mn(III)-(O)2-Mn(III)-(DCNNQI.-)], where -(O)2- is a biphenolate bridge in the out-of-plane dimerized [Mn(2)(5-MeOsaltmen)2]2+ moiety. However, their packing arrangements are completely different. Whereas complex 1 is found to be relatively isolated, strong intermolecular dimerization of the DCNNQI moieties (with the nearest contact being approximately 3.0 A) is observed in 2, forming a one-dimensional chain of [-Mn(III)-(O)2-Mn(III)-(DCNNQI.-)2-](infinity). The magnetic susceptibility of 1 can be modeled with an [S = 1/2, 2, 2, 1/2] four-spin system including strong antiferromagnetic Mn(III)/DCNNQI radical coupling (J(Mn/rad)/kB = -23 K) and ferromagnetic Mn(III)/Mn(III) coupling through the biphenolate bridge (J(Mn/Mn)/kB = +2.0 K). These interactions lead to an ST = 3 ground state that possesses significant uniaxial anisotropy (D(S=3)/kB = -2.1 K). Low-temperature ac and dc magnetic data of 1 reveal its single-molecule magnet behavior with quantum tunneling of the magnetization. By contrast, 2 possesses the diamagnetic ground state induced by dominating Mn(III)-Mn(III) antiferromagnetic interactions mediated by the diamagnetic DCNNQI dimers and/or pi-pi contact along the b axis.     

Initial example of a triangular single-molecule magnet from ligand-induced structural distortion of a [MnIII3O]7+ complex

The reaction of [Mn3O(O2CR)6(py)3](ClO4) (R = Me, Et) with methyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime (mpkoH) in a 1:3 molar ratio in MeOH/MeCN leads to [Mn3O(O2CR)3(mpko)3](ClO4) in 80-90% isolated yield. Ferromagnetic exchange interactions between the three MnIII ions in the nonplanar [MnIII3O]7+ triangular core lead to a spin ground state of S = 6; single-crystal studies reveal the temperature and sweep rate dependent hysteresis loops expected for a single-molecule magnet.     

Ferromagnetic coupling through spin polarization in the hexanuclear [MnII(3)CuII(3)] complex

A novel Cu(II)-Mn(II) hexanuclear complex of formula [[MnCuL](3)(tma)](ClO(4))(3).8H(2)O [H(2)L = macrocyclic Robson proligand; H(3)tma = trimesic acid] has been obtained by connecting three heterobinuclear [Cu(II)Mn(II)L](2+) cationic species through the trimesate anion. The complex exhibits a C(3) rotational symmetry, imposed by the geometry of the bridging ligand. The interaction within each Mn(II)-Cu(II) pair is antiferromagnetic (J = -16.7 cm(-1)). A weak ferromagnetic coupling among the three S = 2 resulting spins through the tricarboxylato bridge leads to a S = 6 ground spin state, for which the spin polarization mechanism is responsible.     

Acetonitrile-facilitated reductive dimerization of TCNE to octacyanobutanediide, [C4(CN)8]2-, by Iron(II) chloride

The redox properties of MCl2 (M=Mn, Fe, Co) acetonitrile solvates were electrochemically and spectroscopically characterized. The three voltammogram waves at 0.86, 0.48, and 0.21 V versus SCE for FeCl(2) dissolved in MeCN are assigned as one-electron reduction potentials for [Fe(II)Cl(x)(NCMe)4-x]2-x (1相似文献   

Dimetallic complexes of a structurally versatile pyridazine-containing Schiff-base macrocyclic ligand with pendant pyridine arms

The new [2 + 2] Schiff-base macrocyclic ligand L2, containing pyridazine head units and pyridine pendant arms, was synthesised as [Ba(II)2L2(ClO4)4(OH2)] 1 from the barium(II) ion templated condensation reaction of 3,6-diformylpyridazine and N1-(2-aminoethyl)-N1-(methylene-2-pyridyl)-ethane-1,2-diamine. Subsequent transmetallation reactions of 1 with copper(II), iron(II) and manganese(II) perchlorates led to the formation of [Cu(II)2L2](ClO4)4.2MeCN 2, [Fe(II)2L2(MeCN)2](ClO4)4 3 and two manganese complexes, 4 and 5, with the same formula, [Mn(II)2L2(MeCN)(OH2)](ClO4)4, but slightly different crystal structures, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray structural analyses reveal the variety of structures which can be supported by L2 in order to meet the coordination environment preferences of the incorporated metal ions. The barium(II) ions in 1 have an irregular ten-coordinate geometry whereas the copper(II) ions in 2 have a square pyramidal geometry and the iron(II) ions in 3 have an octahedral geometry, while in 4 and 5 every manganese(II) ion is seven-coordinate and the environment can be best described as distorted pentagonal bipyramidal. In 1, 4 and 5 the pyridazine moieties bridge the metal centres [Ba(1)...Ba(2) 4.9557(3)A 1; Mn(1)...Mn(2) 4.520(1)A 4; Mn(1)[dot dot dot]Mn(2) 4.3707(8)A 5] but this is not observed in the copper(II) and iron(II) complexes, 2 and 3, in which the metal ions are well separated [Cu(1)...Cu(2) 5.9378(6)A 2; Fe(1)...Fe(2) 5.7407(12)A 3]. In the cyclic voltammogram of [Cu2(II)L2](ClO4)4.2MeCN 2 in MeCN vs. Ag/AgCl two separate reversible one-electron transfer steps are observed [E(1/2)=0.04 V, DeltaE= 0.12 V and E(1/2)= 0.20 V, DeltaE=0.12 V; K(c)=510; in this system E(1/2)(Fc+/Fc)=0.42 V and DeltaE(Fc+/Fc)=0.08 V]. The other complexes cannot be reversibly reduced/oxidised.     

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.     

A Mn(III)2Ni(II) single-chain magnet separated by a thick isolating network of BPh4- anions

The assembly reaction of a Mn(III) salen-type dimeric complex, [MnIII2(saltmen)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (saltmen2- = N,N'-(1,1,2,2-tetramethylethylene)bis(salycylideneiminate)), and a Ni(II) oximato complex, [Ni(II)(pao)2(phen)] (pao- = pyridine-2-aldoximate; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), in the presence of NaBPh4 yielded a heterometallic chain of [MnIII2(saltmen)2NiI)(pao)2(phen)](BPh4)2 (Mn2Ni-BPh4) having a [-Mn(III)-ON-Ni(II)-NO-Mn(III)-(OPh)2-] repeating unit surrounded by a "zeolite-like" network of BPh4- anions. Thanks to such bulky ion-walls, each chain is not only structurally separated with a nearest inter-chain metalmetal distance of 14.4 A (MnNi) but also magnetically extremely well isolated. This magnetic isolation and the ferromagnetic interactions between S = 3 anisotropic units constituting the chain play key roles that induce single-chain magnet behavior in this system.     

Synthesis and some first-row transition-metal complexes of the 1,2,4-triazole-based Bis(terdentate) ligands TsPMAT and PMAT

The employment of a strategy based on nucleophilic substitution, rather than Schiff base condensation, for the preparation of 1,2,4-triazole-based ligands has been investigated and has led to the synthesis of two new ligands, 4-amino-3,5-bis{[N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-(4-toluenesulfonyl)amino]methyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole (TsPMAT, 14) and 4-amino-3,5-bis{[(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]methyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole (PMAT, 15). These are the first examples of bis(terdentate) ligands incorporating the 1,2,4-triazole unit. TsPMAT (14) forms a dinuclear 2:2 complex with Co(BF4)2.6 H2O even when reacted in a metal-to-ligand molar ratio of 2:1. Similarly, the reaction of PMAT (15) with Mn(ClO4)2.6H2O or M(BF4)2.6 H2O (M=Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) in a ligand-to-metal molar ratio of 1:1 has afforded a series of complexes with the general formula [M(II) (2)(PMAT)2]X4. The metal centres in these complexes of TsPMAT (14) and PMAT (15) are encapsulated by two ligand molecules and doubly bridged by the N2 units of the 1,2,4-triazole moieties, which gives rise to N6 coordination spheres that are strongly distorted from octahedral, as evidenced by the X-ray crystal structure analyses of [Co(II) (2)(TsPMAT)(2)](BF(4))(4)6 MeCN (246 MeCN) and [Fe(II) 2(PMAT)2](BF4)4DMF (27DMF). Studies of the magnetic properties of [Co(II) 2(TsPMAT)2](BF4)4.4 H2O (244 H2O), [Mn(II) 2(PMAT)2](ClO4)4 (26), and [Co(II) 2(PMAT)2](BF4)4 (28) have revealed weak antiferromagnetic coupling (J=-3.3, -0.16, and -2.4 cm(-1), respectively) between the two metal centres in these complexes.     

Heptanuclear and decanuclear manganese complexes with the anion of 2-hydroxymethylpyridine

The synthesis and magnetic properties are reported of two new clusters [Mn(10)O(4)(OH)(2)(O(2)CMe)(8)(hmp)(8)](ClO(4))(4) (1) and [Mn(7)(OH)(3)(hmp)(9)Cl(3)](Cl)(ClO(4)) (2). Complex 1 was prepared by treatment of [Mn(3)O(O(2)CMe)(6)(py)(3)](ClO(4)) with 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine (hmpH) in CH(2)Cl(2), whereas 2 was obtained from the reaction of MnCl(2).4H(2)O, hmpH, and NBu(n)(4)MnO(4) in MeCN followed by recrystallization in the presence of NBu(n)(4)ClO(4). Complex 1.2py.10CH(2)Cl(2).2H(2)O crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1. The cation consists of 10 Mn(III) ions, 8 mu(3)-O(2)(-) ions, 2 mu(3)-OH(-) ions, 8 bridging acetates, and 8 bridging and chelating hmp(-) ligands. The hmp(-) ligands bridge through their O atoms in two ways: two with mu(3)-O atoms and six with mu(2)-O atoms. Complex 2.3CH(2)Cl(2).H(2)O crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1. The cation consists of four Mn(II) and three Mn(III) ions, arranged as a Mn(6) hexagon of alternating Mn(II) and Mn(III) ions surrounding a central Mn(II) ion. The remaining ligation is by three mu(3)-OH(-) ions, three terminal chloride ions, and nine bridging and chelating hmp(-) ligands. Six hmp(-) ligands contain mu(2)-O atoms and three contain mu(3)-O atoms. The Cl(-) anion is hydrogen-bonded to the three mu(3)-OH(-) ions. Variable-temperature direct current (dc) magnetic susceptibility data were collected for complex 1 in the 5.00-300 K range in a 5 kG applied field. The chi(M)T value gradually decreases from 17.87 cm(3) mol(-1) K at 300 K to 1.14 cm(3) mol(-1) K at 5.00 K, indicating an S = 0 ground state. The ground-state spin of complex 2 was established by magnetization measurements in the 0.5-3.0 T and 1.80-4.00 K ranges. Fitting of the data by matrix diagonalization, incorporating only axial anisotropy (DS(z)(2)), gave equally good fits with S = 10, g = 2.13, D = -0.14 cm(-1) and S = 11, g = 1.94, D = -0.11 cm(-1). Magnetization versus dc field scans down to 0.04 K reveal no hysteresis attributable to single-molecule magnetism behavior, only weak intermolecular interactions.     

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of the face-centered cubic clusters [Tp(8)(H(2)O)(12)M(6)Fe(8)(CN)(24)](4+) (M = Co, Ni)

Reactions between K[TpFe(CN)3] (Tp- = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate) and M(ClO4)2 x 6H2O (M = Co or Ni) in a mixture of acetonitrile and methanol afford, upon crystallization via THF vapor diffusion, [Tp8(H2O)12Co6Fe8(CN)24](ClO4)4.12THF x 7H2O (1) and [Tp8(H2O)12Ni6Fe8(CN)24](ClO4)4.12THF x 7H2O (2). Both compounds contain cyano-bridged clusters with a face-centered cubic geometry, wherein octahedral CoII or NiII centers are situated at the face-centering sites. The results of variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate the presence of ferromagnetic exchange coupling within both molecules to give ground states of S = 7 and 10, respectively. Low-temperature magnetization data reveal significant zero-field splitting, with the best fits for the Co6Fe8 and Ni6Fe8 clusters yielding D = -0.54 and 0.21 cm-1, respectively; ac magnetic susceptibility measurements performed on both samples showed no evidence of the slow relaxation effects associated with single-molecule magnet behavior.     

Quantum tunneling and quantum phase interference in a [Mn(II)2Mn(III)2] single-molecule magnet

[Mn4(hmp)6(H2O)2(NO3)2](NO3)2.2.5H2O (1) has been synthesized from the reaction of 2-hydroxymethylpyridine (Hhmp) with Mn(NO3)2.4H2O in the presence of tetraethylammonium hydroxide. 1 crystallizes in the triclinic P space group with two crystallographically independent centrosymmetrical [Mn4(hmp)6(H2O)2(NO3)2]2+ complexes in the packing structure. Four Mn ions are arranged in a double-cuboidal fashion where outer Mn2+ are heptacoordinated and inner Mn3+ are hexacoordinated. dc magnetic measurements show that both Mn2+...Mn3+ and Mn3+...Mn3+ interactions are ferromagnetic with J(wb)/k(B) = +0.80(5) K, and J(bb)/k(B) = +7.1(1) K, respectively, leading to an S(T) = 9 ground state. Combined ac and dc measurements reveal the single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior of 1 with both thermally activated and ground-state tunneling regimes, including quantum phase interference. In the thermally activated regime, the characteristic relaxation time (tau) of the system follows an Arrhenius law with tau0 = 6.7 x 10(-)(9) s and delta(eff)/k(B) = 20.9 K. Below 0.34 K, tau saturates indicating that the quantum tunneling of the magnetization becomes the dominant relaxation process as expected for SMMs. Down to 0.04 K, field dependence of the magnetization measured using the mu-SQUID technique shows the presence of very weak inter-SMM interactions (zJ'/k(B) approximately -1.5 x 10(-3) K) and allows an estimation of D/k(B) at -0.35 K. Quantum phase interference has been used to confirm the D value and to estimate the transverse anisotropic parameter to E/k(B) = +0.083 K and the ground-state tunnel splitting delta(LZ) = 3 x 10(-7) K at H(trans) = 0 Oe. These results rationalize the observed tunneling time (tau(QTM)) and the effective energy barrier (delta(eff)).