A family of Mn16 single-molecule magnets from a reductive aggregation route

The synthesis and magnetic properties of three isostructural hexadecametallic manganese clusters [Mn(16)O(16)(OMe)(6)(O(2)CCH(2)Ph)(16)(MeOH)(6)] (1), [Mn(16)O(16)(OMe)(6)(O(2)CCH(2)Cl)(16)(MeOH)(6)] (2), and [Mn(16)O(16)(OMe)(6)(O(2)CCH(2)Br)(16)(MeOH)(6)] (3) are reported. The complexes were prepared by a reductive aggregation reaction involving phenylacetic acid, chloroacetic acid or bromoacetic acid, and NBu(n)()(4)MnO(4) in MeOH. Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c and consists of 6 Mn(IV) and 10 Mn(III) ions held together by 14 mu(3)-O(2)(-), 2 mu-O(2)(-), 4 mu-MeO(-), and 2 mu-O(2)CCH(2)Ph(-) groups. The remaining 14 mu-O(2)CCH(2)Ph(-) ligands, 2 mu-MeO(-) groups, and 6 terminal MeOH molecules constitute the peripheral ligation in the complex. Variable-temperature, solid-state dc magnetic susceptibility measurements on 1-3 in the temperature range 5.0-300 K reveal that all three complexes are dominated by intramolecular antiferromagnetic exchange interactions. Low-lying excited states preclude an exact determination of the spin ground state for 1-3 by magnetization measurements. Alternating current susceptibility measurements at zero dc field in the temperature range 1.8-10 K and a 3.5 G ac field oscillating at frequencies in the 5-1488 Hz range display, at temperatures below 3 K, a nonzero, frequency-dependent chi(M)"signal for complexes 1-3, with the peak maxima lying at temperatures less than 1.8 K. Single-crystal magnetization versus dc field scans down to 0.04 K for complex 1 show hysteresis behavior at <1 K, establishing 1 as a new member of the SMM family. No clear steps characteristic of quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) were observed in the hysteresis loops.     

Molecular wheels: new Mn12 complexes as single-molecule magnets

The preparation, structure and magnetic properties of three new wheel-shaped dodecanuclear manganese complexes, [Mn12(Adea)8(CH3COO)14] x 7 CH3CN (1 x 7CH3CN), [Mn12(Edea)8(CH3CH2COO)14] (2) and [Mn12(Edea)8(CH3COO)2(CH3CH2COO)12] (3), are reported, where Adea(2-) and Edea(2-) are dianions of the N-allyl diethanolamine and the N-ethyl diethanolamine ligands, respectively. Each complex has six Mn(II) and six Mn(III) ions alternating in a wheel-shaped topology, with eight n-substituted diethanolamine dianions. All variable-temperature direct current (DC) magnetic susceptibility data were collected in 1, 0.1, or 0.01 T fields and in the 1.8-300 K temperature range. Heat capacity data, collected in applied fields of 0-9 T and in the 1.8-100 K temperature range, indicate the absence of a phase-transition due to long-range magnetic ordering for 1 and 3. Variable-temperature, variable-field DC magnetic susceptibility data were obtained in the 1.8-10 K and 0.1-5 T ranges. All complexes show out-of-phase signals in the AC susceptibility measurements, collected in a 50-997 Hz frequency range and in a 1.8-4.6 K temperature range. Extrapolation to 0 K of the in-phase AC susceptibility data collected at 50 Hz indicates an S = 7 ground state for 1, 2, and 3. Magnetization hysteresis data were collected on a single crystal of 1 in the 0.27-0.9 K range and on single crystals of 2 and 3 in the 0.1-0.9 K temperature range. Discrete steps in the magnetization curves associated with resonant quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) confirm these complexes to be single-molecule magnets. The appearance of extra QTM resonances on the magnetic hysteresis of 1 is a result of a weak coupling between two Mn ions at opposite ends of the wheel, dividing the molecule into two ferromagnetic exchange-coupled S = 7/2 halves. The absence of these features on 2 and 3, which behave as rigid spin S = 7 units, is a consequence of different interatomic distances.     

Single-molecule magnets: a new approach to investigate the electronic structure of Mn12 molecules by scanning tunneling spectroscopy

A new approach to the deposition of Mn12 single-molecule magnet monolayers on the functionalized Au(111) surface optimized for the investigation by means of scanning tunneling spectroscopy was developed. To demonstrate this method, the new Mn12 complex [Mn12O12(O2CC6H4F)16(EtOH)4].4.4CHCl3 was synthesized and characterized. In MALDI-TOF mass spectra the isotopic distribution of the molecular ion peak of the latter complex was revealed. The complex was grafted to Au(111) surfaces via two different short conducting linker molecules. The Mn12 molecules deposited on the functionalized surface were characterized by means of scanning tunneling microscopy showing homogeneous monolayers of highest quality. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy measurements over a wider energy range compared with previous results could be performed because of the optimized Au(111) surface functionalization. Furthermore, the results substantiate the general suitability of short acidic linker molecules for the preparation of Mn12 monolayers via ligand exchange and represent a crucial step toward addressing the magnetic properties of individual Mn12 single-molecule magnets.     

Single-molecule magnets: Jahn-Teller isomerism and the origin of two magnetization relaxation processes in Mn12 complexes

Several single-molecule magnets with the composition [Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)x] (x = 3 or 4) exhibit two out-of-phase ac magnetic susceptibility signals, one in the 4-7 K region and the other in the 2-3 K region. New Mn12 complexes were prepared and structurally characterized, and the origin of the two magnetization relaxation processes was systematically examined. Different crystallographic forms of a Mn12 complex with a given R substituent exist where the two forms have different compositions of solvent molecules of crystallization and this results in two different arrangements of bound H2O and carboxylate ligands for the two crystallographically different forms with the same R substituent. The X-ray structure of cubic crystals of [Mn12O12(O2CEt)16(H2O)3]. 4H2O (space group P1) (complex 2a) has been reported previously. The more prevalent needle-form of [Mn12O12(O2CEt)16(H2O)3] (complex 2b) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, which at -170 degrees C has a = 16.462(7) A, b = 22.401(9) A, c = 20.766(9) A, beta = 103.85(2) degrees, and Z = 4. The arrangements of H2O and carboxylate ligands on the Mn12 molecule are different in the two crystal forms. The complex [Mn12O12-(O2)CC6H4-p-Cl)16(H2O)4].8CH2Cl2 (5) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, which at -172 degrees C has a = 29.697(9) A, b = 17.708(4) A, c = 30.204(8) A, beta = 102.12(2) degrees, and Z = 4. The ac susceptibility data for complex 5 show that it has out-of-phase signals in both the 2-3 K and the 4-7 K ranges. X-ray structures are also reported for two isomeric forms of the p-methylbenzoate complex. [Mn12O12(O2CC6H4-p-Me)16(H2O)4]. (HO2CC6H4-p-Me) (6) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, which at 193 K has a = 40.4589(5) A, b = 18.2288(2) A, c = 26.5882(4) A, beta = 125.8359(2) degrees, and Z = 4. [Mn12O12(O2CC6H4-p-Me)16(H2O)4].3(H2O) (7) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I2/a, which at 223 K has a = 29.2794(4) A, b = 32.2371(4) A, c = 29.8738(6) A, beta = 99.2650(10) degrees, and Z = 8. The Mn12 molecules in complexes 6 and 7 differ in their arrangements of the four bound H2O ligands. Complex 6 exhibits an out-of-phase ac peak (chi(M)' ') in the 2-3 K region, whereas the hydrate complex 7 has a chi(M)' ' signal in the 4-7 K region. In addition, however, in complex 6, one Mn(III) ion has an abnormal Jahn-Teller distortion axis oriented at an oxide ion, and thus 6 and 7 are Jahn-Teller isomers. This reduces the symmetry of the core of complex 6 compared with complex 7. Thus, complex 6 likely has a larger tunneling matrix element and this explains why this complex shows a chi(M)' ' signal in the 2-3 K region, whereas complex 7 has its chi(M)' ' peak in the 4-7 K region, i.e., the rate of tunneling of magnetization is greater in complex 6 than complex 7. Detailed 1H NMR experiments (2-D COSY and TOCSY) lead to the assignment of all proton resonances for the benzoate and p-methyl-benzoate Mn12 complexes and confirm the structural integrity of the (Mn12O12) complexes upon dissolution. In solution there is rapid ligand exchange and no evidence for the different isomeric forms of Mn12 complexes seen in the solid state.     

Single-molecule magnets: a family of MnIII/CeIV complexes with a [Mn8CeO8]12+ core

Four heterometallic, enneanuclear Mn8Ce clusters [Mn8CeO8(O2CMe)12(H2O)4] (4), [Mn8CeO8(O2CMe)12(py)4] (5), [Mn8CeO8(O2CPh)12(MeCN)4] [Mn8CeO8(O2CPh)12(dioxane)4] (6), and [Mn8CeO8(O2CCHPh2)12(H2O)4] (7) have been prepared by various methods. Their cores are essentially isostructural and comprise a nonplanar, saddlelike [MnIII8O8]8+ loop containing a central CeIV ion attached to the eight micro3-O2- ions. Peripheral ligation around the [Mn8CeO8]12+ core is provided by eight micro- and four micro3-O2CR- groups. Terminal ligation on four MnIII atoms is provided by H2O in 4 and 7, pyridine in 5, and MeCN/dioxane in 6. Solid-state magnetic susceptibility studies, fits of dc magnetization vs field and temperature data, and in-phase ac susceptibility studies in a zero dc field have established that complexes 4, 5, and 7 possess S=16, S=4 or 5, and S=6+/-1 spin ground states, respectively, but in all cases there are very low-lying excited states. The large variation in the ground-state spins for this isostructural family is rationalized as due to a combination of weak exchange interactions between the constituent MnIII atoms, and the presence of both nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-interactions of comparable magnitudes. Magnetization vs applied dc field sweeps on single crystals of 4.4H2O and 7.4H2O.3MeCN.2CH2Cl2 down to 0.04 K have established that these two complexes are new single-molecule magnets (SMMs). The former also shows an exchange-bias, a perturbation of its single-molecule properties from very weak intermolecular interactions mediated by hydrogen-bonding interactions with lattice-water molecules of crystallization.     

Single-molecule magnets: a new class of tetranuclear manganese magnets

The preparation, X-ray structure, and detailed physical characterization are presented for a new type of single-molecule magnet [Mn4(O2CMe)2(pdmH)6](ClO4)2 (1). Complex 1.2MeCN.Et2O crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1, with cell dimensions at 130 K of a = 11.914(3) A, b = 15.347(4) A, c = 9.660(3) A, alpha = 104.58(1) degree, beta = 93.42(1) degree, gamma = 106.06(1) degree, and Z = 1. The cation lies on an inversion center and consists of a planar Mn4 rhombus that is mixed-valent, MnIII2MnII2. The pdmH- ligands (pdmH2 is pyridine-2,6-dimethanol) function as either bidentate or tridentate ligands. The bridging between Mn atoms is established by either a deprotonated oxygen atom of a pdmH- ligand or an acetate ligand. The solvated complex readily loses all acetonitrile and ether solvate molecules to give complex 1, which with time becomes hydrated to give 1.2.5H2O. Direct current and alternating current magnetic susceptibility data are given for 1 and 1.2.5H2O and indicate that the desolvated complex has a S = 8 ground state, whereas the hydrated 1.2.5H2O has a S = 9 ground state. Ferromagnetic interactions between MnIII-MnII and MnIII-MnIII pairs result in parallel spin alignments of the S = 5/2 MnII and S = 2 MnIII ions. High-frequency EPR spectra were run for complex 1.2.5H2O at frequencies of 218, 328, and 436 GHz in the 4.5-30 K range. A magnetic-field-oriented polycrystallite sample was employed. Fine structure is clearly seen in this parallel-field EPR spectrum. The transition fields were least-squares-fit to give g = 1.99, D = -0.451 K, and B4 degrees = 2.94 x 10(-5) K for the S = 9 ground state of 1.2.5H2O. A molecule with a large-spin ground state with D < 0 can function as a single-molecule magnet, as detected by techniques such as ac magnetic susceptibility. Out-of-phase ac signals (chi' M) were seen for complexes 1 and 1.2.5H2O to show that these complexes are single-molecule magnets. A sample of 1 was studied by ac susceptibility in the 0.4-6.4 K range with the ac field oscillating at frequencies in the 1.1-1000 Hz range. A single peak in chi' M vs temperature plots was seen for each frequency; the temperature of the chi' M peak varies from 2.03 K at 995 Hz to 1.16 K at 1.1 Hz. Magnetization relaxation rates were evaluated in this way. An Arrhenius plot gave an activation energy of 17.3 K, which, as expected, is less than the 22.4 K value calculated for the thermodynamic barrier for magnetization direction reversal for an S = 8 complex with D = -0.35 K. The 1.2.5H2O complex with an S = 9 ground state has its chi' M peaks at higher temperatures.     

Single-molecule magnets: preparation and properties of mixed-carboxylate complexes

Methods are reported for the preparation of mixed-carboxylate versions of the [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CR)(16)(H(2)O)(4)] family of single-molecule magnets (SMMs). [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CCHCl(2))(8)(O(2)CCH(2)Bu(t))(8)(H(2)O)(3)] (5) and [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CHCl(2))(8)(O(2)CEt)(8)(H(2)O)(3)] (6) have been obtained from the 1:1 reaction of the corresponding homocarboxylate species. Complex 5.CH(2)Cl(2).H(2)O crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with, at -165 degrees C, a = 15.762(1), b = 16.246(1), c = 23.822(1) A, alpha = 103.92(1), beta = 104.50(1), gamma = 94.23(1) degrees, Z = 2, and V = 5674(2) A(3). Complex 6.CH(2)Cl(2) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with, at -158 degrees C, a = 13.4635(3), b = 13.5162(3), c = 23.2609(5) A, alpha = 84.9796(6), beta = 89.0063(8), gamma = 86.2375(6) degrees, Z = 2, and V = 4207.3(3) A(3). Complexes 5 and 6 both contain a [Mn(12)O(12)] core with the CHCl(2)CO(2-) ligands ordered in the axial positions and the RCO(2-) ligands (R = CH(2)Bu(t) (5) or Et (6)) in equatorial positions. There is, thus, a preference for the CHCl(2)CO(2-) to occupy the sites lying on the Mn(III) Jahn-Teller axes, and this is rationalized on the basis of the relative basicities of the carboxylate groups. Direct current magnetic susceptibility studies in a 10.0 kG field in the 2.00-300 K range indicate a large ground-state spin, and fitting of magnetization data collected in the 10.0-70.0 kG field and 1.80-4.00 K temperature range gave S = 10, g = 1.89, and D = -0.65 K for 5, and S = 10, g = 1.83, and D = -0.60 K for 6. These values are typical of [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CR)(16)(H(2)O)(4)] complexes. Alternating current susceptibility studies show the out-of-phase susceptibility (chi(M)' ') signals characteristic of the slow relaxation in the millisecond time scale of single-molecule magnets. Arrhenius plots obtained from chi(M)' ' versus T data gave effective barriers to relaxation (U(eff)) of 71 and 72 K for 5 and 6, respectively. (1)H NMR spectra in CD(2)Cl(2) show that 5 and 6 are the main species present on dissolution, but there is evidence for some ligand distribution between axial and equatorial sites, by intra- and/or intermolecular exchange processes.     

Single-molecule magnets: a large Mn30 molecular nanomagnet exhibiting quantum tunneling of magnetization

The largest single-molecule magnet (SMM) to date has been prepared and studied. Recrystallization of known [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CCH(2)Bu(t))(16)(H(2)O)(4)] (1; 8Mn(III), 4Mn(IV)) from CH(2)Cl(2)/MeNO(2) causes its conversion to [Mn(30)O(24)(OH)(8)(O(2)CCH(2)Bu(t))(32)(H(2)O)(2)(MeNO(2))(4)] (2; 3Mn(II), 26Mn(III), Mn(IV)). The structure of 2 consists of a central, near-linear [Mn(4)O(6)] backbone, to either side of which are attached two [Mn(13)O(9)(OH)(4)] units. Peripheral ligation around the resulting [Mn(30)O(24)(OH)(8)] core is by 32 Bu(t)CH(2)CO(2)(-), 2 H(2)O, and 4 MeNO(2) groups. The molecule has crystallographically imposed C(2) symmetry. Variable-temperature and -field magnetization (M) data were collected in the 1.8-4.0 K and 0.1-0.4 T ranges and fit by matrix diagonalization assuming only the ground state is occupied at these temperatures. The fit parameters were S = 5, D = -0.51 cm(-1) = -0.73 K, and g = 2.00, where D is the axial zero-field splitting parameter. AC susceptibility measurements in the 1.8-7.0 K range in a zero DC field and a 3.5 G AC field oscillating at frequencies in the 50-997 Hz range revealed a frequency-dependent out-of-phase (chi(M)') signal below 3 K, indicating 2 to be a single-molecule magnet (SMM), the largest yet obtained. Magnetization versus DC field sweeps show hysteresis loops but no clear steps characteristic of quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM). However, magnetization decay data below 1 K were collected and used to construct an Arrhenius plot that revealed temperature-independent relaxation below 0.3 K. The fit of the thermally activated region above approximately 0.5 K gave U(eff)/k = 15 K, where U(eff) is the effective relaxation barrier. Resonant QTM was confirmed from the appearance of a "quantum hole" when the recent quantum hole digging method was employed. The combined results demonstrate that SMMs can be prepared that are significantly larger than any known to date and that this new, large Mn(30) complex still demonstrates quantum behavior.     

Site-specific ligation of anthracene-1,8-dicarboxylates to an Mn12 core: a route to the controlled functionalisation of single-molecule magnets

A novel single-molecule magnet of the Mn12 family, [Mn12O12(O2CC6H5)8(L)4(H2O)4].8CH2Cl2, has been synthesised by site-specific ligand exchange using a tailor-made dicarboxylate (L2-), which leads to selective occupation of axial binding sites.     

Single-molecule magnets: a molecular approach to nanoscale magnetic materials

A brief survey is provided of single-molecule magnets (SMMs), or molecular nanomagnets. The [Mn₁₂O₁₂(O₂CR)₁₆(H₂O)₄] (Mn₁₂; R = various) family of SMMs continues to be the one with the highest blocking temperatures, and the one on which the most detailed studies are being performed within the chemistry and physics communities. For this reason, methods have been developed for their controlled modification in various ways, and these are summarized. In addition, new SMMs continue to be sought to improve knowledge of this phenomenon, and several representative examples of new synthetic procedures and the resulting products are described.     

Employment of 2,6-diacetylpyridine dioxime as a new route to high nuclearity metal clusters: Mn6 and Mn8 complexes

The employment of the anion of 2,6-diacetylpyridine dioxime (dapdoH2) as a pentadentate chelate in transition metal cluster chemistry is reported. The syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetochemical characterization are described for [Mn6O2(OMe)2(dapdo)2(dapdoH)4](ClO4)2 (1), [Mn6O2(OMe)2(dapdo)2(dapdoH)4][Ca(NO3)4] (2), and [Mn8O4(OH)4(OMe)2(N3)2(dapdo)2(dapdoH)2(H2O)2] (3). The reaction of [Mn3O(O2CMe)6(py)3](ClO4) with 3 equiv of dapdoH2 (with or without 2 equiv of NEt3) in MeOH gave 1. The same cation, but with a [Ca(NO3)4]2- anion, was found in complex 2, which was obtained from the reaction in MeOH between Mn(NO3)2, Ca(NO3)2, and dapdoH2 in the presence of NEt3. In contrast, addition of NaN3 to several reactions comprising MnCl2, dapdoH2, and NEt3 in MeOH gave the octanuclear complex 3. Complexes 1-3 all possess rare topologies and are mixed-valence: 2MnII, 4MnIII for 1 and 2, and 2MnII, 6MnIII for 3. The core of the cation of 1 and 2 consists of two edge-sharing Mn4 tetrahedra at the center of each of which is a micro4-O2- ion. Peripheral ligation is provided by two micro-OMe-, four micro-dapdoH-, and two micro3-dapdo2- groups. The core of 3 consists of two [MnIIMnIII3(micro3-O)2]7+ "butterfly" units linked together by one of the micro3-O2- ions, which thus becomes micro4. Peripheral ligation is provided by four micro-OMe-, two micro-OH-, two micro-dapdoH-, and two micro4-dapdo2- groups. Variable-temperature, solid-state dc and ac magnetization studies were carried out on complexes 1-3 in the 5.0-300 K range; the data for 1 and 2 are identical. Fitting of the obtained magnetization versus field (H) and temperature (T) data by matrix diagonalization and including only axial anisotropy (zero-field splitting, D) established that 1 possesses an S=5 ground state with D=-0.24 cm(-1). For 3, low-lying excited states precluded obtaining a good fit from the magnetization data, and the ground state was instead determined from the ac data, which indicated an S=1 ground state for 3. The combined work demonstrates the ligating flexibility of pyridyl-dioxime chelates and their usefulness in the synthesis of new polynuclear Mnx clusters without requiring the co-presence of carboxylate ligands.     

Single-molecule magnets: a new family of Mn(12) clusters of formula [Mn(12)O(8)X(4)(O(2)CPh)(8)L(6)

The reaction of (NBu(n)(4))[Mn(8)O(6)Cl(6)(O(2)CPh)(7)(H(2)O)(2)] (1) with 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine (hmpH) or 2-(hydroxyethyl)pyridine (hepH) gives the Mn(II)(2)Mn(III)(10) title compounds [Mn(12)O(8)Cl(4)(O(2)CPh)(8)(hmp)(6)] (2) and [Mn(12)O(8)Cl(4)(O(2)CPh)(8)(hep)(6)] (3), respectively, with X = Cl. Subsequent reaction of 3 with HBr affords the Br(-) analogue [Mn(12)O(8)Br(4)(O(2)CPh)(8)(hep)(6)] (4). Complexes 2.2Et(2)O.4CH(2)Cl(2), 3.7CH(2)Cl(2), and 4.2Et(2)O.1.4CH(2)Cl(2) crystallize in the triclinic space group P1, monoclinic space group C2/c, and tetragonal space group I4(1)/a, respectively. Complexes 2 and 3 represent a new structural type, possessing isomeric [Mn(III)(10)Mn(II)(2)O(16)Cl(2)] cores but with differing peripheral ligation. Complex 4 is essentially isostructural with 3. A magnetochemical investigation of complex 2 reveals an S = 6 or 7 ground state and frequency-dependent out-of-phase signals in ac susceptibility studies that establish it as a new class of single-molecule magnet. These signals occur at temperatures higher than those observed for all previously reported single-molecule magnets that are not derived from [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CR)(16)(H(2)O)(x)]. A detailed investigation of forms of complex 2 with different solvation levels reveals that the magnetic properties of 2 are extremely sensitive to the latter, emphasizing the importance to the single-molecule magnet properties of interstitial solvent molecules in the samples. In contrast, complexes 3 and 4 are low-spin molecules with an S = 0 ground state.     

Single-molecule magnets: a Mn25 complex with a record S = 51/2 spin for a molecular species

The reaction of MnCl2.4H2O (3 equiv), pyridine-2,6-dimethanol (pdmH2) (10 equiv), and NaN3 (10 equiv) in MeOH/MeCN (1:2 v/v) with NMe4OH (1 equiv) gave [Mn25O18(OH)2(N3)12(pdm)6(pdmH)6](Cl)2.12MeCN (1.12MeCN) in approximately 30% yield. The cation of complex 1 comprises five Mnx layers of three types in an ABCBA arrangement. Fitting of variable-temperature and -field magnetization data establishes that 1 has an S = 51/2 ground state, the largest value for a molecular species. The complex also displays hysteresis loops below 0.6 K in magnetization vs applied field sweeps, establishing it as the largest spin single-molecule magnet to date.     

Single-crystal 55Mn NMR spectra of two Mn12 single-molecule magnets

The initial application is reported of single-crystal 55Mn NMR spectroscopy, and associated orientation dependence studies, to single-molecule magnets (SMMs). The studies were performed on two members of the Mn12 family of SMMs, [Mn12O12(O2CMe)16(H2O)4].2MeCO2H.4H2O (Mn12-Ac) and [Mn12O12(O2CCH2Br)16(H2O)4].4CH)Cl) (Mn12-BrAc). Single-crystal spectra give a dramatic improvement in the spectral resolution over oriented powder spectra, allowing the clear observation of quadrupolar splittings, the determination of quadrupole coupling parameters (e2qQ), and an assessment of the symmetry-lowering perturbation of the core of Mn12-Ac by hydrogen-bonding interactions with lattice solvate molecules of crystallization. The results emphasize the utility of single-crystal NMR studies to probe the cores of these magnetic molecules.     

Mn12O12(OMe)2(O2CPh)16(H2O)2]2- single-molecule magnets and other manganese compounds from a reductive aggregation procedure

A new synthetic procedure has been developed in Mn cluster chemistry involving reductive aggregation of permanganate (MnO4-) ions in MeOH in the presence of benzoic acid, and the first products from its use are described. The reductive aggregation of NBu(n)4MnO4 in MeOH/benzoic acid gave the new 4Mn(IV), 8Mn(III) anion [Mn12O12(OMe)2(O2CPh)16(H2O)2]2-, which was isolated as a mixture of two crystal forms (NBu(n)4)2[Mn12O12(OMe)2(O2CPh)16(H2O)2].2H2O.4CH2Cl2 (1a) and (NBu(n)4)2[Mn12O12(OMe)2(O2CPh)16(H2O)2].2H2O.CH2Cl2 (1b). The anion of 1 contains a central [Mn(IV)4(mu3-O)2(mu-O)2(mu-OMe)2]6+ unit surrounded by a nonplanar ring of eight Mn(III) atoms that are connected to the central Mn4 unit by eight bridging mu3-O2- ions. This compound is very similar to the well-known [Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)4] complexes (hereafter called "normal Mn12"), with the main difference being the structure of the central cores. Longer reaction times (approximately 2 weeks) led to isolation of polymeric [Mn(OMe)(O2CPh)2]n2, which contains a linear chain of repeating [Mn(III)(mu-O2CPh)2(mu-OMe)Mn(III)] units. The chains are parallel to each other and interact weakly through pi-stacking between the benzoate rings. When KMnO4 was used instead of NBu(n)4MnO4, two types of compounds were obtained, [Mn12O12(O2CPh)16(H2O)4] (3), a normal Mn12 complex, and [Mn4O2(O2CPh)8(MeOH)4].2MeOH (4.2MeOH), a new member of the Mn4 butterfly family. The cyclic voltammogram of 1 exhibits three irreversible processes, two reductions and one oxidation. One-electron reduction of 1 by treatment with 1 equiv of I- in CH2Cl2 gave (NBu(n)4[Mn12O12(O2CPh)16(H2O)3].6CH2Cl2 (5.6CH2Cl2), a normal Mn12 complex in a one-electron reduced state. The variable-temperature magnetic properties of 1, 2, and 5 were studied by both direct current (dc) and alternating current (ac) magnetic susceptibility measurements. Variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility studies revealed that (i) complex 1 possesses an S = 6 ground state, (ii) complex 2 contains antiferromagnetically coupled chains, and (iii) complex 5 is a typical [Mn12]- cluster with an S = 19/2 ground state. Variable-temperature ac susceptibility measurements suggested that 5 and both isomeric forms of 1 (1a,b) are single-molecule magnets (SMMs). This was confirmed by the observation of hysteresis loops in magnetization vs dc field scans. In addition, 1a,b, like normal Mn12 clusters, display both faster and slower relaxing magnetization dynamics that are assigned to the presence of Jahn-Teller isomerism.     

Redox activation of a B-H bond: a new route to metallaboratrane complexes

Oxidative activation of a B-H bond of a coordinated scorpionate ligand provides an unprecedented route to rhodaboratranes.     

Single-molecule magnets: structural characterization, magnetic properties, and (19)F NMR spectroscopy of a Mn(12) family spanning three oxidation levels

The syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CC(6)F(5))(16)(H(2)O)(4)] (2), (NMe(4))[Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CC(6)F(5))(16)(H(2)O)(4)] (3), and (NMe(4))(2)[Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CC(6)F(5))(16)(H(2)O)(4)] (4) are reported. Complex 2 displays quasi-reversible redox couples when examined by cyclic voltammetry in CH(2)Cl(2): one-electron reductions are observed at 0.64 and 0.30 V vs ferrocene. The reaction of complex 2 with 1 and 2 equiv of NMe(4)I yields the one- and two-electron reduced analogues, 3 and 4, respectively. Complexes 2.3CH(2)Cl(2), 3.4.5CH(2)Cl(2).(1)/(2)H(2)O, and 4.6C(7)H(8) crystallize in the triclinic P, monoclinic P2/c, and monoclinic C2/c space groups, respectively. The molecular structures are all very similar, consisting of a central [Mn(IV)O(4)] cubane surrounded by a nonplanar alternating ring of eight Mn and eight mu(3)-O(2)(-) ions. Peripheral ligation is provided by 16 bridging C(6)F(5)CO(2)(-) and 4 H(2)O ligands. Bond valence sum calculations establish that the added electrons in 3 and 4 are localized on former Mn(III) ions giving trapped-valence Mn(IV)(4)Mn(III)(7)Mn(II) and Mn(IV)(4)Mn(III)(6)Mn(II)(2) anions, respectively. (19)F NMR spectroscopy in CD(2)Cl(2) shows retention of the solid-state structure upon dissolution and detrapping of the added electrons in 3 and 4 among the outer ring of Mn ions on the (19)F NMR time scale. DC studies on dried microcrystalline samples of 2, 3, and 4.2.5C(7)H(8) restrained in eicosane in the 1.80-10.0 K and 1-70 kG ranges were fit to give S = 10, D = -0.40 cm(-)(1), g = 1.87, D/g = 0.21 cm(-)(1) for 2, S = 19/2, D = -0.34 cm(-)(1), g = 2.04, D/g = 0.17 cm(-)(1) for 3, and S = 10, D = -0.29 cm(-)(1), g = 2.05, D/g = 0.14 cm(-)(1) for 4, where D is the axial zero-field splitting parameter. The clusters exhibit out-of-phase AC susceptibility signals (chi(M)' ') indicative of slow magnetization relaxation in the 6-8 K range for 2, 4-6 K range for 3, and 2-4 K range for 4; the shift to lower temperatures reflects the decreasing magnetic anisotropy upon successive reduction and, hence, the decreasing energy barrier to magnetization relaxation. Relaxation rate vs T data obtained from chi(M)' ' vs AC oscillation frequency studies down to 1.8 K were combined with rate vs T data from DC magnetization decay vs time measurements at lower temperatures to generate an Arrhenius plot from which the effective barrier (U(eff)) to magnetization reversal was obtained; the U(eff) values are 59 K for 2, 49 and 21 K for the slower- and faster-relaxing species of 3, respectively, and 25 K for 4. Hysteresis loops obtained from single-crystal magnetization vs DC field scans are typical of single-molecule magnets with the coercivities increasing with decreasing T and increasing field sweep rate and containing steps caused by the quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM). The step separations gave D/g values of 0.22 cm(-)(1) for 2, 0.15 and 0.042 cm(-)(1) for the slower- and faster-relaxing species of 3, and 0.15 cm(-)(1) for 4.     

Single-molecule magnets beyond a single lanthanide ion: the art of coupling

The promising future of storing and processing quantized information at the molecular level has been attracting the study of Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) for almost three decades. Although some recent breakthroughs are mainly about the SMMs containing only one lanthanide ion, we believe SMMs can tell a much deeper story than the single-ion anisotropy. Here in this Perspective, we will try to draw a unified picture of SMMs as a delicately coupled spin system between multiple spin centres. The hierarchical couplings will be presented step-by-step, from the intra-atomic hyperfine coupling, to the direct and indirect intra-molecular couplings with neighbouring spin centres, and all the way to the inter-molecular and spin–phonon couplings. Along with the discussions on their distinctive impacts on the energy level structures and thus magnetic behaviours, a promising big picture for further studies is proposed, encouraging the multifaceted developments of molecular magnetism and beyond.

In this Perspective, we draw a unified picture for single-molecule magnets as delicately coupled spin systems, discuss the hierarchical couplings (from intra-atomic to inter-molecular) and their distinctive impacts on the magnetic behaviours.     

Reactions of P/S-containing proligands with coinage metal salts: a new route to polynuclear complexes with unusual structural types

The reactions of P/S-precursors with coinage metal alkoxides and carboxylates offer new perspectives for the synthesis of complex metal aggregates.