Strong Equatorial Crystal Field Enhances the Axial Anisotropy and Energy Barrier for Spin Reversal Process in Yb2 Single Molecule Magnets

The importance of equatorial crystal fields on magnetic anisotropy of ytterbium single molecule magnets (SMMs) is observed for the first time. Herein, we report three similar dinuclear ytterbium complexes with the formula [Yb₂(3-OMe-L)₂(DMF)₂(NO₃)₂]⋅DMF ( 1 ), [Yb₂(3-H-L)₂(DMF)₂(NO₃)₂]⋅DMF⋅H₂O ( 2 ), and [Yb₂(3-NO₃-L)₂(DMF)₂(NO₃)₂] ( 3 ), [where 3-X-H₂L=N′-(2-hydroxy-3-X-benzylidene)picolinohydrazide, X=OMe ( 1 ), H ( 2 ) NO₂ ( 3 )]. Detailed magnetic measurements reveal the presence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Yb centers and a field-induced slow relaxation of magnetization in all complexes. A higher energy barrier for spin reversal was observed for complex 1 (U_eff=50 K) and it decreases in the order of 2 (47 K) to 3 (40 K). Notably, complex 1 shows a remarkable energy barrier within the frequency range of 1–850 Hz reported for Yb-based SMMs. Further, ab initio calculations show a higher axial anisotropy and lower quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) in the ground state for 1 compared to 2 and 3 . It was also observed that the presence of a strong crystal field in the equatorial plane (when the ∡ O1−Yb−O3 bond angle is close to 90°) enhances the axial anisotropy and improves the SMM behavior in the studied complexes. Both the experimental and theoretical analysis of relaxation dynamics discloses that Raman and QTM play major role on slow relaxation process for all complexes. To provide more insight into the exchange interactions, broken-symmetry DFT calculations were performed.     

The Metallofullerene Field‐Induced Single‐Ion Magnet HoSc2N@C80

The low‐temperature magnetic properties of the endohedral metallofullerene HoSc₂N@C₈₀ have been studied by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry. Alternating current (ac) susceptibility measurements reveal that this molecule exhibits slow relaxation of magnetization in a small applied field with timescales in the order of milliseconds. The equilibrium magnetic properties of HoSc₂N@C₈₀ indicate strong magnetic anisotropy. The large differences in magnetization relaxation times between the present compound and the previously investigated DySc₂N@C₈₀ are discussed.     

Calixarene-supported hexadysprosium cluster showing single molecule magnet behavior

The syntheses, crystal structures, magnetic and luminescent properties of three isomorphous compounds [Ln III 6 (μ 4-O) 2 (C4A) 2-(NO 3 ) 2 (HCOO) 2 (CH 3 O) 2 (DMF) 4 (CH 3 OH) 4 ] (Ln = Gd (1), Tb (2) and Dy (3); H 4 C4A = p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene) are reported. These three compounds are featured with the sandwich-like units constructed by two tail-to-tail calixarene molecules and an in-between Ln III 6 octahedron. The Dy III compound exhibits both single molecule magnet behavior and photoluminescence.     

Slow Relaxation of the Magnetization in Anilato-Based Dy(III) 2D Lattices

The search for two- and three-dimensional materials with slow relaxation of the magnetization (single-ion magnets, SIM and single-molecule magnets, SMM) has become a very active area in recent years. Here we show how it is possible to prepare two-dimensional SIMs by combining Dy(III) with two different anilato-type ligands (dianions of the 3,6-disubstituted-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone: C₆O₄X₂²⁻, with X = H and Cl) in dimethyl sulfoxide (dmso). The two compounds prepared, formulated as: [Dy₂(C₆O₄H₂)₃(dmso)₂(H₂O)₂]·2dmso·18H₂O (1) and [Dy₂(C₆O₄Cl₂)₃(dmso)₄]·2dmso·2H₂O (2) show distorted hexagonal honeycomb layers with the solvent molecules (dmso and H₂O) located in the interlayer space and in the hexagonal channels that run perpendicular to the layers. The magnetic measurements of compounds 1, 2 and [Dy₂(C₆O₄(CN)Cl)₃(dmso)₆] (3), a recently reported related compound, show that the three compounds present slow relaxation of the magnetization. In compound 1 the SIM behaviour does not need the application of a DC field whereas 2 and 3 are field-induced SIM (FI-SIM) since they show slow relaxation of the magnetization when a DC field is applied. We discuss the differences observed in the crystal structures and magnetic properties based on the X group of the anilato ligands (H, Cl and Cl/CN) in 1–3 and in the recently reported derivative [Dy₂(C₆O₄Br₂)₃(dmso)₄]·2dmso·2H₂O (4) with X = Br, that is also a FI-SIM.     

A Uranium‐Based UO2+–Mn2+ Single‐Chain Magnet Assembled trough Cation–Cation Interactions

Single‐chain magnets (SCMs) are materials composed of magnetically isolated one‐dimensional (1D) units exhibiting slow relaxation of magnetization. The occurrence of SCM behavior requires the fulfillment of stringent conditions for exchange and anisotropy interactions. Herein, we report the synthesis, the structure, and the magnetic characterization of the first actinide‐containing SCM. The 5f–3d heterometallic 1D chains [{[UO₂(salen)(py)][M(py)₄](NO₃)}]_n, (M=Cd ( 1 ) and M=Mn ( 2 ); py=pyridine) are assembled trough cation–cation interaction from the reaction of the uranyl(V) complex [UO₂(salen)py][Cp*₂Co] (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) with Cd(NO₃)₂ or Mn(NO₃)₂ in pyridine. The infinite UMn chain displays a high relaxation barrier of 134±0.8 K (93±0.5 cm^?1), probably as a result of strong intra‐chain magnetic interactions combined with the high Ising anisotropy of the uranyl(V) dioxo group. It also exhibits an open magnetic hysteresis loop at T<6 K, with an impressive coercive field of 3.4 T at 2 K.     

A Mononuclear Uranium(IV) Single‐Molecule Magnet with an Azobenzene Radical Ligand

A tetravalent uranium compound with a radical azobenzene ligand, namely, [{(SiMe₂NPh)₃‐tacn}U^IV(η²‐N₂Ph₂^.)] ( 2 ), was obtained by one‐electron reduction of azobenzene by the trivalent uranium compound [U^III{(SiMe₂NPh)₃‐tacn}] ( 1 ). Compound 2 was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and ¹H NMR, IR, and UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy. The magnetic properties of 2 and precursor 1 were studied by static magnetization and ac susceptibility measurements, which for the former revealed single‐molecule magnet behaviour for the first time in a mononuclear U^IV compound, whereas trivalent uranium compound 1 does not exhibit slow relaxation of the magnetization at low temperatures. A first approximation to the magnetic behaviour of these compounds was attempted by combining an effective electrostatic model with a phenomenological approach using the full single‐ion Hamiltonian.     

Cadmium-Inspired Self-Polymerization of {LnIIICd2} Units: Structure,Magnetic and Photoluminescent Properties of Novel Trimethylacetate 1D-Polymers (Ln = Sm,Eu, Tb,Dy, Ho,Er, Yb)

A series of heterometallic carboxylate 1D polymers of the general formula [Ln^IIICd₂(piv)₇(H₂O)₂]_n·nMeCN (Ln^III = Sm (1), Eu (2), Tb (3), Dy (4), Ho (5), Er (6), Yb (7); piv = anion of trimethylacetic acid) was synthesized and structurally characterized. The use of Cd^II instead of Zn^II under similar synthetic conditions resulted in the formation of 1D polymers, in contrast to molecular trinuclear complexes with Ln^IIIZn₂ cores. All complexes 1–7 are isostructural. The luminescent emission and excitation spectra for 2–4 have been studied, the luminescence decay kinetics for 2 and 3 was measured. Magnetic properties of the complexes 3–5 and 7 have been studied; 4 and 7 exhibited the properties of field-induced single-molecule magnets in an applied external magnetic field. Magnetic properties of 4 and 7 were modelled using results of SA-CASSCF/SO-RASSI calculations and SINGLE_ANISO procedure. Based on the analysis of the magnetization relaxation and the results of ab initio calculations, it was found that relaxation in 4 predominantly occurred by the sum of the Raman and QTM mechanisms, and by the sum of the direct and Raman mechanisms in the case of 7.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of a Novel Heterobimetallic Rhenium(IV)–Dysprosium(III) Chain

The use of the mononuclear rhenium(IV) precursor [ReBr₅(H₂pydc)]^? (H₂pydc=3,5‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid) as a metalloligand towards dysprosium(III) afforded the first heterobimetallic Re^IV–Dy^III complex. Crystal structures and static and dynamic magnetic properties of both rhenium‐containing species are reported herein. The 5d–4f compound shows an extended 1D structure and the AC magnetic measurements reveal frequency dependence at low temperature suggesting slow relaxation of the magnetization.     

Trends in trigonal prismatic Ln-[1]ferrocenophane complexes and discovery of a Ho3+ single-molecule magnet

Lanthanide metallocenophanes are an intriguing class of organometallic complexes that feature rare six-coordinate trigonal prismatic coordination environments of 4f elements with close intramolecular proximity to transition metal ions. Herein, we present a systematic study of the structural and magnetic properties of the ferrocenophanes, [LnFc₃(THF)₂Li₂]⁻, of the late trivalent lanthanide ions (Ln = Gd (1), Ho (2), Er (3), Tm (4), Yb (5), Lu (6)). One major structural trend within this class of complexes is the increasing diferrocenyl (Fc²⁻) average twist angle with decreasing ionic radius (r_ion) of the central Ln ion, resulting in the largest average Fc²⁻ twist angles for the Lu³⁺ compound 6. Such high sensitivity of the twist angle to changes in r_ion is unique to the here presented ferrocenophane complexes and likely due to the large trigonal plane separation enforced by the ligand (>3.2 Å). This geometry also allows the non-Kramers ion Ho³⁺ to exhibit slow magnetic relaxation in the absence of applied dc fields, rendering compound 2 a rare example of a Ho-based single-molecule magnet (SMM) with barriers to magnetization reversal (U) of 110–131 cm⁻¹. In contrast, compounds featuring Ln ions with prolate electron density (3–5) don''t show slow magnetization dynamics under the same conditions. The observed trends in magnetic properties of 2–5 are supported by state-of-the-art ab initio calculations. Finally, the magneto-structural relationship of the trigonal prismatic Ho-[1]ferrocenophane motif was further investigated by axial ligand (THF in 2) exchange to yield [HoFc₃(THF*)₂Li₂]⁻ (2-THF*) and [HoFc₃(py)₂Li₂]⁻ (2-py) motifs. We find that larger average Fc²⁻ twist angles (in 2-THF* and 2-py as compared to in 2) result in faster magnetic relaxation times at a given temperature.

Lanthanide ferrocenophanes are an intriguing class of organometallic complexes that feature rare six-coordinate trigonal prismatic coordination environments of 4f elements with close intramolecular proximity to iron ions.     

Influence of Guest Exchange on the Magnetization Dynamics of Dilanthanide Single‐Molecule‐Magnet Nodes within a Metal–Organic Framework

Multitopic organic linkers can provide a means to organize metal cluster nodes in a regular three‐dimensional array. Herein, we show that isonicotinic acid N‐oxide (HINO) serves as the linker in the formation of a metal–organic framework featuring Dy₂ single‐molecule magnets as nodes. Importantly, guest solvent exchange induces a reversible single‐crystal to single‐crystal transformation between the phases Dy₂(INO)₄(NO₃)₂?2 solvent (solvent=DMF (Dy₂‐DMF), CH₃CN (Dy₂‐CH₃CN)), thereby switching the effective magnetic relaxation barrier (determined by ac magnetic susceptibility measurements) between a negligible value for Dy₂‐DMF and 76 cm^?1 for Dy₂‐CH₃CN. Ab initio calculations indicate that this difference arises not from a significant change in the intrinsic relaxation barrier of the Dy₂ nodes, but rather from a slowing of the relaxation rate of incoherent quantum tunneling of the magnetization by two orders of magnitude.     

Luminescent and Magnetic Tb-MOF Flakes Deposited on Silicon

The synthesis of a terbium-based 2D metal–organic framework (MOF), of formula [Tb(MeCOO)(PhCOO)₂] (1), a crystalline material formed by neutral nanosheets held together by Van der Waals interactions, is presented. The material can be easily exfoliated by sonication and deposited onto different substrates. Uniform distributions of Tb-2D MOF flakes onto silicon were obtained by spin-coating. We report the luminescent and magnetic properties of the deposited flakes compared with those of the bulk. Complex 1 is luminescent in the visible and has a sizeable quantum yield of QY = 61% upon excitation at 280 nm. Photoluminescence measurements performed using a micro-Raman set up allowed us to characterize the luminescent spectra of individual flakes on silicon. Magnetization measurements of flakes-on-silicon with the applied magnetic field in-plane and out-of-plane display anisotropy. Ac susceptibility measurements show that 1 in bulk exhibits field-induced slow relaxation of the magnetization through two relaxation paths and the slowest one, with a relaxation time of τ_lf ≈ 0.5 s, is assigned to a direct process mechanism. The reported exfoliation of lanthanide 2D-MOFs onto substrates is an attractive approach for the development of multifunctional materials and devices for different applications.     

Synthesis,structure, DNA binding studies and nuclease activities of two luminescent neodymium complexes

Two neodymium(III) complexes, [Nd(Phen)(NO₃)₃(DMF)₂] (1) and [Nd(Phen)₂(NO₃)₃] (2) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; DMF = dimethylformamide), have been synthesized with a view to design artificial luminescent nucleases and nuclease mimics. The complexes were characterized by spectroscopic, powder, and single crystal XRD studies. The complexes, as expected, have luminescent properties. The DNA binding studies of both complexes have been carried out by spectroscopic studies e.g. electronic absorption (UV–Vis), fluorescence emission as well as viscosity measurements. The nuclease activity of the complexes has been established by gel electrophoresis using pUC19 circular plasmid DNA. The results of DNA binding as well as DNA cleavage activity and the model studies of interaction with pNPP indicate that both neodymium complexes demonstrate nuclease activity through phosphoester bond cleavage.     

[ReF6]2−: A Robust Module for the Design of Molecule‐Based Magnetic Materials

A facile synthesis of the [ReF₆]^2? ion and its use as a building block to synthesize magnetic systems are reported. Using dc and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements, INS and EPR spectroscopies, the magnetic properties of the isolated [ReF₆]^2? unit in (PPh₄)₂[ReF₆]?2 H₂O ( 1 ) have been fully studied including the slow relaxation of the magnetization observed below ca. 4 K. This slow dynamic is preserved for the one‐dimensional coordination polymer [Zn(viz)₄(ReF₆)]_∞ ( 2 , viz=1‐vinylimidazole), demonstrating the irrelevance of low symmetry for such magnetization dynamics in systems with easy‐plane‐type anisotropy. The ability of fluoride to mediate significant exchange interactions is exemplified by the isostructural [Ni(viz)₄(ReF₆)]_∞ ( 3 ) analogue in which the ferromagnetic Ni^II–Re^IV interaction (+10.8 cm^?1) dwarfs the coupling present in related cyanide‐bridged systems. These results reveal [ReF₆]^2? to be an unique new module for the design of molecule‐based magnetic materials.     

Syntheses,structures, and properties of four coordination polymers based on 2,7-di(pyridin-4-yl)-9H-fluoren-9-one

Four coordination polymers (CPs), [Cd(2,7-dpfo)₂(NO₃)₂(CH₃OH)]_n (1) , [Zn(2,7-dpfo)(NO₃)(CH₃COO)]_n (2) , [Co(2,7-dpfo)₂(H₂L)]_n (3) , and [Ni(2,7-dpfo)₂(H₂L)]_n (4) (where 2,7-dpfo is 2,7-di(pyridin-4-yl)-9H-fluoren-9-one and H₄L is 1,1′:4′,1′′-terphenyl-4,2′,5′,4′′-tetracarboxylic acid), were synthesized and structurally characterized. Compounds 1 – 4 were determined by elemental analyses, single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analyses. Compound 1 displays a one-dimensional (1D) zigzag chain structure, while compound 2 possesses a 1D ladder chain structure. Compounds 3 and 4 are isostructural and consist of 1D chains. The solid-state luminescent properties of 1 and 2 and the magnetic properties of 3 and 4 were also investigated.     

Asymmetric Ring Opening in a Tetrazine-Based Ligand Affords a Tetranuclear Opto-Magnetic Ytterbium Complex

We report the formation of a tetranuclear lanthanide cluster, [Yb₄(bpzch)₂(fod)₁₀] ( 1 ), which occurs from a serendipitous ring opening of the functionalised tetrazine bridging ligand, bpztz (3,6-dipyrazin-2-yl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) upon reacting with Yb(fod)₃ (fod⁻=6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octandionate). Compound 1 was structurally elucidated via single-crystal X-ray crystallography and subsequently magnetically and spectroscopically characterised to analyse its magnetisation dynamics and its luminescence behaviour. Computational studies validate the observed M_J energy levels attained by spectroscopy and provides a clearer picture of the slow relaxation of the magnetisation dynamics and relaxation pathways. These studies demonstrate that 1 acts as a single-molecule magnet (SMM) under an applied magnetic field in which the relaxation occurs via a combination of Raman, direct, and quantum tunnelling processes, a behaviour further rationalised analysing the luminescent properties. This marks the first lanthanide-containing molecule that forms by means of an asymmetric tetrazine decomposition.     

Terminal Ligand and Packing Effects on Slow Relaxation in an Isostructural Set of [Dy(H2dapp)X2]+ Single Molecule Magnets**

We report three structurally related single ion Dy compounds using the pentadentate ligand 2,6-bis((E)-1-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)-hydrazineylidene)ethyl)pyridine (H₂dapp) [Dy(H₂dapp)(NO₃)₂]NO₃ ( 1 ), [Dy(H₂dapp)(OAc)₂]Cl ( 2 ) and [Dy(H₂dapp)(NO₃)₂]Cl_0.92(NO₃)_0.08 ( 3 ). The (H₂dapp) occupies a helical twisted pentagonal equatorial arrangement with two anionic ligands in the axial positions. Further influence on the electronic and magnetic structure is provided by a closely associated counterion interacting with the central N−H group of the (H₂dapp). The slow relaxation of the magnetisation shows that the anionic acetates give the greatest slowing down of the magnetisation reversal. Further influence on the relaxation properties of compounds 1 and 2 is the presence of short nitrate-nitrate intermolecular ligand contact opening further lattice relaxation pathways.     

Luminescent and photocatalytic properties of a 6-connected msw-type 3D CdII metal–organic framework

Hydrothermal reactions of H₆bhc and Cd(NO₃)₂·4H₂O produced a new Cd^II compound [Cd₃(bhc)(H₂O)₈]_n (H₆bhc = benzene-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexacarboxylic acid). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that this compound features a 3D framework with bhc^6- ligands in a μ₆-bridging mode. Its luminescent and photocatalytic properties were explored.     

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,structure and magnetic properties of unsymmetrical dodecanuclear Mn–Ln clusters

Reaction of manganese acetate and lanthanide nitrates in the presence of excess of PhCOOH affords highly asymmetric dodecanuclear mixed-metal [Mn₁₀Ln₂(OH)(O)₈(PhCOOH)(PhCOO)₁₉] (Ln = Pr^III (1), Nd^III (2)) clusters. The similar reaction, but with only 2 equiv. of PhCOOH resulted in the compounds with higher nuclearity [Mn₁₁Eu₄(O)₈(OH)₈(PhCOO)₁₈(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₆]NO₃ · 4CH₃CN (3). Variable-temperature solid-state magnetic susceptibility of 1 and 2 in the temperature range 1.8–300 K were carried out, and for both complexes antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the metal centers were observed, giving an estimated S = 17/2 ground state. AC magnetic susceptibility data have revealed out-of-phase signals, which suggest that these complexes exhibit a slow relaxation of magnetization as observed in single-molecule magnets.     

A {Tb2Fe3} Pyramid Single‐Molecule Magnet with Ferromagnetic Tb‐Fe Interaction

The influence of magnetic interactions to the magnetization dynamics was well experimentally studied in a 3d‐4f single‐molecule magnet (SMM) [Tb^III₂Fe^III₃(μ₅‐O)L₂(NO₃)₄Cl] ( 1 , H₄L = N,N,N’,N’‐tetrakis(2‐hydroxyethyl)ethylene diamine) and its diamagnetic‐ ion‐diluted samples. Significant ferromagnetic coupling between Tb^III and Fe^III ions and SMM behavior of 1 were observable, which proved clearly that the magnetic interaction between 3d‐4f spin carriers has also an excessive impact on fine‐tuning the magnetization dynamic behaviors of 3d‐4f complexes.