Enhanced Single-Chain Magnet Behavior via Anisotropic Exchange in a Cyano-Bridged MoIII–MnII Chain

Anisotropic magnetic exchange is of great value for the design of high performance molecular nanomagnets. In the present work, enhanced single-chain magnet (SCM) behavior is observed for a Mo^III–Mn^II chain that exhibits anisotropic magnetic exchange. Self-assembly of the pentagonal bipyramidal [Mo(CN)₇]⁴⁻ anion and the Mn^II unit with a tridentate ligand results in a neutral double zigzag 2,4-ribbon structure which exhibits SCM behavior with a high relaxation barrier of 178(4) K. Open magnetic hysteresis loops are observed below 5.2 K, with a coercive field of 1.5 T at 2 K. Interestingly, this SCM can be considered to be a result of a step-wise process based on our previously reported Mn₂Mo single-molecule magnets (SMMs).     

A Single‐Chain Magnet Tape Based on Hexacyanomanganate(III)

The tape‐like chain {[(tptz)Mn^II(H₂O)Mn^III(CN)₆]₂Mn^II(H₂O)₂}_n?4n MeOH?2n H₂O based on the anisotropic building block hexacyanomanganate(III) exhibits long‐range magnetic ordering below 5.1 K as well as single‐chain magnetic behavior at lower temperatures with an effective energy barrier of 40.5(7) K.     

Three‐Dimensional Antiferromagnetic Order of Single‐Chain Magnets: A New Approach to Design Molecule‐Based Magnets

Two one‐dimensional compounds composed of a 1:1 ratio of Mn^III salen‐type complex and Ni^II oximato moiety with different counter anions, PF₆^? and BPh₄^?, were synthesized: [Mn(3,5‐Cl₂saltmen)Ni(pao)₂(phen)]PF₆ ( 1 ) and [Mn(5‐Clsaltmen)Ni(pao)₂(phen)]BPh₄ ( 2 ), where 3,5‐Cl₂saltmen^2?=N,N′‐(1,1,2,2‐tetramethylethylene)bis(3,5‐dichlorosalicylideneiminate); 5‐Clsaltmen^2?=N,N′‐(1,1,2,2‐tetramethylethylene)bis(5‐chlorosalicylideneiminate); pao^?=pyridine‐2‐aldoximate; and phen=1,10‐phenanthroline. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study was carried out for both compounds. In 1 and 2 , the chain topology is very similar forming an alternating linear chain with a [‐Mn^III‐ON‐Ni^II‐NO‐] repeating motif (where ‐ON‐ is the oximate bridge). The use of a bulky counteranion, such as BPh₄^?, located between the chains in 2 rather than PF₆^? in 1 , successfully led to the magnetic isolation of the chains in 2 . This minimization of the interchain interactions allows the study of the intrinsic magnetic properties of the chains present in 1 and 2 . While 1 and 2 possess, as expected, very similar paramagnetic properties above 15 K, their ground state is antiferromagnetic below 9.4 K and paramagnetic down to 1.8 K, respectively. Nevertheless, both compounds exhibit a magnet‐type behavior at temperatures below 6 K. While for 2 , the observed magnetism is well explained by a Single‐Chain Magnet (SCM) behavior, the magnet properties for 1 are induced by the presence in the material of SCM building units that order antiferromagnetically. By controlling both intra‐ and interchain magnetic interactions in this new [Mn^IIINi^II] SCM system, a remarkable AF phase with a magnet‐type behavior has been stabilized in relation with the intrinsic SCM properties of the chains present in 1 . This result suggests that the simultaneous enhancement of both intrachain (J) and interchain (J′) magnetic interactions (with keeping J ? J′), independently of the presence of AF phase might be an efficient route to design high temperature SCM‐based magnets.     

A Cobalt Pyrenylnitronylnitroxide Single‐Chain Magnet with High Coercivity and Record Blocking Temperature

Coordination of a [Co(hfac)₂] moiety (hfac=hexafluoroacetylacetonate) with a nitronylnitroxide radical linked to bulky, rigid pyrene (PyrNN) gives a helical 1:1 chain complex, in which both oxygen atoms of the radical NO^. groups are bonded to Co^II ions with strong antiferromagnetic exchange. The complex shows single‐chain magnet (SCM) behavior with frequency‐dependent magnetic susceptibility, field‐cooled and zero‐field‐cooled susceptibility divergence with a high blocking temperature of around 14 K (a record among SCMs), and hysteresis with a very large coercivity of 32 kOe at 8 K. The magnetic behavior is partly related to good chain isolation induced by the large pyrene units. Two magnetic relaxation processes have been observed, a slower one attributable to longer, and a faster one attributable to short chains. No evidence of magnetic ordering has been found.     

Two Trihydrazine‐Bridged Cobalt(II) Chain Compounds Exhibiting Antiferromagnetic Ordering and Single‐Chain Magnetic Behavior

Two new trihydrazine bridged Co^II chain compounds have been synthesized and magnetically characterized. The two compounds are both composed of [Co(N₂H₄)₃]²⁺ chains. One exhibits antiferromagnetic ordering behavior while the other behaves as a single‐chain magnet (SCM) at low temperature.     

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.     

Chiral Supramolecular Nanotubes of Single‐Chain Magnets

We report a single‐chain magnet (SCM) made of a terbium(III) building block and a nitronyl‐nitroxide radical (NIT) functionalized with an aliphatic chain. This substitution is targeted to induce a long‐range distortion of the polymeric chain and accordingly it gives rise to chains that are curled with almost 20 nm helical pitch. They self‐organize as a chiral tubular superstructure made of 11 chains wound around each other. The supramolecular tubes have a 4.5 nm internal diameter. Overall, this forms a porous chiral network with almost 44 % porosity. Ab initio calculations highlight that each Tb^III ion possesses high magnetic anisotropy. Indeed, notwithstanding the supramolecular arrangement each chain behaves as a SCM. Magnetic relaxation with both finite and infinite‐size regimes is observed and confirms the validity of the Ising approximation. This is associated with quite strong coercive field and magnetic remanence (H_c=2400 Oe M_R=2.09 μ_B at 0.5 K) for this class of compounds.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Properties of Iron(II) and Manganese(II) Bis[Tris(1‐Ethyl‐4‐Methylimidazolyl‐κN)Phosphine] Complexes

Fe^IIL₂(OTf)₂ ( 1 ) and Mn^IIL₂(OTf)₂ ( 2 ) (L = tris(1‐ethyl‐4‐methylimidazolyl‐κN)phosphine; OTf= trifluoromethanesulfonate) were synthesized and their X‐ray structures were determined. Both complexes possess distorted octahedral geometry with high spin electron configuration at ambient temperature. Compound 1 exhibits a quasi‐reversible wave with E_1/2 of 0.745 V versus Ag/AgNO₃. Variable temperature magnetic measurements indicate that no spin‐crossover phenomenon for 1 is observed between 2.5 and 300 K. In addition, a plot of 1/χ_M versus T(K) is linear with a Curie constant of 3.48 emu mol^?1 K.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Magnetic Behaviour of Two 1‐D Chain Manganese‐Nitroxide Complexes Bridged by Isophthalate Anions

Two one‐dimensional (1‐D) chain manganese‐nitroxide complexes {[Mn(NIT4Py)₂(ip)(H₂O)₂]·4H₂O}_n ( 1 ) and [Mn(IM4Py)₂(ip)(H₂O)₂]_n ( 2 ) (NIT4Py = 2‐(4′‐pyridinyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide, IM4Py = 2‐(4′‐pyridinyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl and ip = isophthalate anion) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectrum and electronic absorption spectra. Complex 1 was structurally characterized and it crystallizes in neutral 1‐D chains where Mn^II nitroxide units [Mn(NIT4Py)₂(H₂O)₂] are linked by isophthalate anions. The magnetic measurements show that complex 1 exhibits antiferromagnetic couplings, while complex 2 exhibits ferromagnetic interactions between the Mn^II ion and the nitroxide radicals.     

Heterometallic Fe2II–UV and Ni2II–UV Exchange‐Coupled Single‐Molecule Magnets: Effect of the 3 d Ion on the Magnetic Properties

Uranium‐based compounds have been put forward as ideal candidates for the design of single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) with improved properties, but to date, only two examples of exchange‐coupled 3d–5f SMM containing uranium have been reported and both are based on the Mn^II ion. Here we have synthesized the first examples of exchange‐coupled uranium SMMs based on Fe^II and Ni^II. The SMM behavior of these complexes containing a quasi linear {M?O?U?O?M} core arises from intramolecular Fe?U and Ni?U exchange interactions combined with the high Ising anisotropy of the uranyl(V) moiety. The measured values of the relaxation barrier (53.9±0.9 K in the UFe₂ complex and of 27.4±0.5 K in the UNi₂ complex) show clearly the dependency on the spin value of the transition metal, providing important new information for the future design of improved uranium‐based SMMs.     

Controlled Synthesis of Heterotrimetallic Single‐Chain Magnets from Anisotropic High‐Spin 3 d–4 f Nodes and Paramagnetic Spacers

By using the node‐and‐spacer approach in suitable solvents, four new heterotrimetallic 1D chain‐like compounds (that is, containing 3d–3d′–4f metal ions), {[Ni(L)Ln(NO₃)₂(H₂O)Fe(Tp*)(CN)₃] ? 2 CH₃CN ? CH₃OH}_n (H₂L=N,N′‐bis(3‐methoxysalicylidene)‐1,3‐diaminopropane, Tp*=hydridotris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)borate; Ln=Gd ( 1 ), Dy ( 2 ), Tb ( 3 ), Nd ( 4 )), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. All of these compounds are made up of a neutral cyanide‐ and phenolate‐bridged heterotrimetallic chain, with a {? Fe? C?N? Ni(? O? Ln)? N?C? }_n repeat unit. Within these chains, each [(Tp*)Fe(CN)₃]^? entity binds to the Ni^II ion of the [Ni(L)Ln(NO₃)₂(H₂O)]⁺ motif through two of its three cyanide groups in a cis mode, whereas each [Ni(L)Ln(NO₃)₂(H₂O)]⁺ unit is linked to two [(Tp*)Fe(CN)₃]^? ions through the Ni^II ion in a trans mode. In the [Ni(L)Ln(NO₃)₂(H₂O)]⁺ unit, the Ni^II and Ln^III ions are bridged to one other through two phenolic oxygen atoms of the ligand (L). Compounds 1 – 4 are rare examples of 1D cyanide‐ and phenolate‐bridged 3d–3d′–4f helical chain compounds. As expected, strong ferromagnetic interactions are observed between neighboring Fe^III and Ni^II ions through a cyanide bridge and between neighboring Ni^II and Ln^III (except for Nd^III) ions through two phenolate bridges. Further magnetic studies show that all of these compounds exhibit single‐chain magnetic behavior. Compound 2 exhibits the highest effective energy barrier (58.2 K) for the reversal of magnetization in 3d/4d/5d–4f heterotrimetallic single‐chain magnets.     

A Three‐Dimensional MnII‐[MoIII(CN)7]4– Ferrimagnet Containing Formate as a Second Bridging Ligand

Self‐assembly of the [Mo(CN)₇]^4– anion and the Mn²⁺ ion in the aqueous solution containing ammonium formate results in a new coordination polymer, {(NH₄)₃[(H₂O)Mn₃(HCOO)][Mo(CN)₇]₂·4H₂O}_n. Single crystal X‐ray analysis revealed a very complicated three‐dimensional (3D) framework, where both the [Mo(CN)₇]^4– and the formate anions act as bridges between the Mn^II centers. Magnetic measurements revealed that this compound displays ferrimagnetic ordering below 70 K. Competing antiferromagnetic interactions between the spin carriers might lead to spin frustration and non‐linear alignment of the magnetic moments. Specifically, this compound is the first mixed [Mo(CN)₇]^4–/HCOO^– bridged molecule magnet.     

Octacyanidotungstate(IV) Coordination Chains Demonstrate a Light‐Induced Excited Spin State Trapping Behavior and Magnetic Exchange Photoswitching

A huge increase in the magnetization of two coordination chains based on tetravalent octacyanidometalates (W^IV and Mo^IV) is observed on irradiation with 436 nm light, while no such behavior is observed for the Nb^IV analogue. A photomagnetic response based solely on [W^IV(CN)₈]⁴⁻ is demonstrated for the first time. The observed behavior is attributed to the light‐induced excited spin state trapping (LIESST) effect at the octacyanidometalate, and to the resulting magnetic exchange ON/OFF photoswitching between the Mn^II center and the photoinduced high‐spin (S =1) W^IV or Mo^IV centers.     

A New 3D Manganese(II) Coordination Polymer with 4,4‐Dicarboxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine and 1,10‐Phenanthroline: Synthesis,Structural, and Magnetic Properties

A new 3D Mn^II metal‐organic framework compound {Mn(phen)(dcbp)}_n (H₂dcbp = 4,4‐dicarboxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine, phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) was isolated under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized. In the compound, the dcbp ligand is deprotonated to give a neutral species (metal:ligand with 1:1 stoichiometry). Along the c axis, the neighboring Mn^II ions are linked by two carboxylate bridges in µ₂‐coordinating mode to generate a 1D zigzag chain, and these chains are interlinked by dicarboxylate groups of long dcbp ligands to generate a 3D (4,4)‐connected structure with the (4².8⁴) net topology. IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements were made, which indicated weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Mn^II ions of the compound.     

Metamagnetism and Single‐Chain Magnetic Behavior in a Homospin One‐Dimensional Iron(II) Coordination Polymer

Reaction of FeCl₂?4 H₂O with KNCSe and pyridine in ethanol leads to the formation of the discrete complex [Fe(NCSe)₂(pyridine)₄] ( 1 ) in which the Fe^II cations are coordinated by two N‐terminal‐bonded selenocyanato anions and four pyridine co‐ligands. Thermal treatment of compound 1 enforces the removal of half of the co‐ligands leading to the formation of a ligand‐deficient (lacking on neutral co‐ligands) intermediate of composition [Fe(NCSe)₂(pyridine)₂]_n ( 2 ) to which we have found no access in the liquid phase. Compound 2 is obtained only as a microcrystalline powder, but it is isotypic to [Cd(NCSe)₂(pyridine)₂]_n and therefore, its structure was determined by Rietveld refinement. In its crystal structure the metal cations are coordinated by two pyridine ligands and four selenocyanato anions and are linked into chains by μ‐1,3 bridging anionic ligands. Magnetic measurements on compound 1 show only paramagnetic behavior, whereas for compound 2 an unexpected magnetic behavior is found, which to the best of our knowledge was never observed before for a iron(II) homospin compound. In this compound metamagnetism and single‐chain magnetic behavior coexist. The metamagnetic transition between the antiferromagnetically ordered phase and a field‐induced ferromagnetic phase of the high‐spin iron(II) spin carriers is observed at a transition field H_C of 1300 Oe and the single‐chain magnetic behavior is characterized by a blocking temperature T_B, estimated to be about 5 K.     

Tetranuclear Manganese Complex Incorporating 2‐Pyridyloximate Ligand: Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Magnetic Property

A tetranuclear manganese complex of the composition {Mn₄[(Py)C(Ph)NO]₄(CH₃CH₂OH)₃(CH₃CH₂O)Cl₃}·2H₂O ( 1 ) was synthesized by solvothermal reaction, and characterized by X‐ray single crystal diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. X‐ray analysis revealed that complex 1 contains a [Mn₄(NO)₄]⁴⁺ core with three Mn^II atoms displaying distorted octahedral arrangements and one Mn^II ion exhibiting a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement. Low‐temperature magnetic susceptibility measurement for the solid sample of 1 revealed antiferromagnetic Mn^II ··· Mn^II interactions.     

Diverse Ligand‐Functionalized Mixed‐Valent Hexamanganese Sandwiched Silicotungstates with Single‐Molecule Magnet Behavior

Under hydrothermal conditions, replacement of the water molecules in the [Mn^III₄Mn^II₂O₄(H₂O)₄]⁸⁺ cluster of mixed‐valent Mn₆ sandwiched silicotungstate [(B‐α‐SiW₉O₃₄)₂Mn^III₄Mn^II₂O₄(H₂O)₄]^12? ( 1 a ) with organic N ligands led to the isolation of five organic–inorganic hybrid, Mn₆‐substituted polyoxometalates (POMs) 2 – 6 . They were all structurally characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, diffuse‐reflectance spectroscopy, and powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compounds 2 – 6 represent the first series of mixed‐valent {Mn^III₄Mn^II₂O₄(H₂O)_4?n(L)_n} sandwiched POMs covalently functionalized by organic ligands. The preparation of 1 – 6 not only indicates that the double‐cubane {Mn^III₄Mn^II₂O₄(H₂O)_4?n(L)_n} clusters are very stable fragments in both conventional aqueous solution and hydrothermal systems and that organic functionalization of the [Mn^III₄Mn^II₂O₄(H₂O)₄]⁸⁺ cluster by substitution reactions is feasible, but also demonstrates that hydrothermal environments can promote and facilitate the occurrence of this substitution reaction. This work confirms that hydrothermal synthesis is effective for making novel mixed‐valent POMs substituted with transition‐metal (TM) clusters by combining lacunary Keggin precursors with TM cations and tunable organic ligands. Furthermore, magnetic measurements reveal that 3 and 6 exhibit single‐molecule magnet behavior.     

Single‐Chain Magnetic Behavior in a Hetero‐Tri‐Spin Complex Mediated by Supramolecular Interactions with TCNQF.− Radicals

The self‐assembly of organic TCNQF^.? radicals (2‐fluoro‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyano‐p‐quinodimethane) and the anisotropic [Tb(valpn)Cu]³⁺ dinuclear cations produced a single‐chain magnet (SCM) involving stacking interactions of TCNQF^.? radicals (H₂valpn is the Schiff base from the condensation of o‐vanillin with 1,3‐diaminopropane). Static and dynamic magnetic characterizations reveal that the effective energy barrier for the reversal of the magnetization in this hetero‐tri‐spin SCM is significantly larger than the barrier of the isolated single‐molecule magnet based on the {TbCu} dinuclear core.     

Hydrophobicity‐Driven Self‐Assembly of an Eighteen‐Membered Honeycomb Lattice with Almost Classical Spins

The design and synthesis of model compounds that do not exist naturally is one of the important targets in modern coordination chemistry. Herein, an eighteen‐membered honeycomb structure with equal numbers of Mn^II (s=5/2) and Gd^III (s=7/2) metal centers has been prepared, for the first time, by using a hydrophobic force‐directed self‐assembling process. Due to the weakly coupled Gd^III pairs, the magnetic properties are mainly determined by eight‐membered chains in the experimentally considered temperature range. These [Mn₄Gd₄] ”finite‐size“ chains, albeit with large Hilbert space, can be fully resolved by the high‐temperature series expansion and the powerful finite‐temperature Lanczos method, which reveal that the exchange‐couplings between the metal centers are antiferromagnetic and consistent with the magnetization measurement. Interestingly, from the surface‐engineering point of view, the [Mn₄Gd₄] chains are ”precisely“ assembled into a 2D honeycomb pattern, which is potentially desirable in the design of weakly coupled qubits.     

Synthesis,Structure and Magnetic Properties of a Novel N‐Benzenesulfonyl‐L‐glutamic Acid‐bridged Manganese(II) Polymer with Double‐Chain Structure

First N‐benzenesulfonyl‐L‐glutamic acid‐bridged manganese(II) coordination polymer [Mn(bipy)(bs‐glu)]_n (bs‐glu = N‐benzenesulfonyl‐L‐glutamic acid dianion, bipy = 2, 2′‐bipyridine) has been synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁. The γ‐carboxyl group coordinates to the Mn^II atom in a chelating mode, while the α‐carboxyl group coordinates in a bidentate‐bridging mode. The complex displays a one‐dimensional double‐chain polymer. Magnetic measurements show that there are weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent Mn^II ions in the compound.