Fluoride‐Bridged {GdIII3MIII2} (M=Cr,Fe, Ga) Molecular Magnetic Refrigerants

The reaction of fac‐[M^IIIF₃(Me₃tacn)]?x H₂O with Gd(NO₃)₃?5H₂O affords a series of fluoride‐bridged, trigonal bipyramidal {Gd^III₃M^III₂} (M=Cr ( 1 ), Fe ( 2 ), Ga ( 3 )) complexes without signs of concomitant GdF₃ formation, thereby demonstrating the applicability even of labile fluoride‐complexes as precursors for 3d–4f systems. Molecular geometry enforces weak exchange interactions, which is rationalized computationally. This, in conjunction with a lightweight ligand sphere, gives rise to large magnetic entropy changes of 38.3 J kg^?1 K^?1 ( 1 ) and 33.1 J kg^?1 K^?1 ( 2 ) for the field change 7 T→0 T. Interestingly, the entropy change, and the magnetocaloric effect, are smaller in 2 than in 1 despite the larger spin ground state of the former secured by intramolecular Fe–Gd ferromagnetic interactions. This observation underlines the necessity of controlling not only the ground state but also close‐lying excited states for successful design of molecular refrigerants.     

Syntheses,Structures, and Properties of Two New Tri‐spin Lanthanide‐Nitronyl Nitroxide (LnIII = GdIII and HoIII) Complexes

Abstract. Two radical–Ln^III–radical complexes, [Ln(hfac)₃(NITPh‐Ph)₂] [Ln = Gd ( 1 ) and Ho ( 2 ), hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate; and NITPh‐Ph = 4′‐biphenyl‐4, 4, 5, 5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide] were synthesized and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, magnetic measurements, as well as IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. X‐ray crystal structure analysis revealed that the structures of both complexes are isomorphous, the central Ln^III ions are coordinated by six oxygen atoms from three hfac ligand molecules and two oxygen atoms from nitronyl radicals. The temperature dependencies of the magnetic susceptibilities were studied. They showed that in the Gd^III complex, ferromagnetic interactions between Gd^III and the radicals and antiferromagnetic interactions between the radicals coexist in this system (with J_Rad–Gd = 0.1 cm^–1, J_Rad–Rad = –0.309 cm^–1).     

The Construction of Open GdIII Metal–Organic Frameworks Based on Methanetriacetic Acid: New Objects with an Old Ligand

The preparation, X‐ray crystallography and magnetic investigation of the first examples of methanetriacetate (mta)‐containing lanthanide(III) complexes of formulae [Gd(mta)(H₂O)₃]_n ? 4 n H₂O ( 1 ) [Gd(mta)(H₂O)₃]_n ? 2 n H₂O ( 2 ) and [Gd₂(mta)₂(H₂O)₂]_n ? 2 n H₂O ( 3 ) are described herein. This tripodal ligand promotes the formation of 6³ networks; thus 1 consists of a honeycomb structure, whereas in 2 two of these layers are condensed to form a rare five‐connected two‐dimensional (4⁸6²) network. Compound 3 can be seen as an aggregation of 6³ layers leading to a three‐dimensional (6,6)‐connected binodal (4¹²6³)(4⁹6⁶)‐ nia net, in which the gadolinium(III) ions and the mta ligands act as octahedral and as trigonal prismatic nodes, respectively. The magnetic properties of 1 – 3 were investigated in the temperature range 1.9–300 K. A close fit to the Curie law ( 1 ) and weak either antiferro‐ [J=?0.0063(1) cm^?1 ( 2 )] or ferromagnetic [J=+0.0264(6) cm^?1 ( 3 )] interactions between the Gd^III ions are observed; the different exchange pathways involved [extended tris‐bidentate mta ( 1 ) and μ‐O(1);κ²O(1),O(2) ( 2 and 3 ) plus single syn–syn carboxylate‐mta ( 3 )] accounting for these magnetic features. The nature and magnitude of the magnetic interactions, between the Gd^III ions in 1 – 3 , agree with the small amount of data existing in the literature for these kind of bridges.     

Hetero‐tri‐spin [2p‐3d‐4f] Chain Compounds Based on Nitronyl Nitroxide Lanthanide Metallo‐Ligands: Synthesis,Structure, and Magnetic Properties

Employing nitronyl nitroxide lanthanide(III) complexes as metallo‐ligands allowed the efficient and highly selective preparation of three series of unprecedented hetero‐tri‐spin (Cu?Ln‐radical) one‐dimensional compounds. These 2p–3d–4f spin systems, namely [Ln₃Cu(hfac)₁₁(NitPhOAll)₄] (Ln^III=Gd 1_Gd , Tb 1_Tb , Dy 1_Dy ; NitPhOAll=2‐(4′‐allyloxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide), [Ln₃Cu(hfac)₁₁(NitPhOPr)₄] (Ln^III=Gd 2_Gd , Tb 2_Tb , Dy 2_Dy , Ho 2_Ho , Yb 2_Yb ; NitPhOPr=2‐(4′‐propoxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐imidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide) and [Ln₃Cu(hfac)₁₁(NitPhOBz)₄] (Ln^III=Gd 3_Gd , Tb 3_Tb , Dy 3_Dy ; NitPhOBz=2‐(4′‐benzyloxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐imidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide) involve O‐bound nitronyl nitroxide radicals as bridging ligands in chain structures with a [Cu‐Nit‐Ln‐Nit‐Ln‐Nit‐Ln‐Nit] repeating unit. The dc magnetic studies show that ferromagnetic metal–radical interactions take place in these hetero‐tri‐spin chain complexes, these and the next‐neighbor interactions have been quantified for the Gd derivatives. Complexes 1_Tb and 2_Tb exhibit frequency dependence of ac magnetic susceptibilities, indicating single‐chain magnet behavior.     

Heterotrimetallic Coordination Polymers: {CuIILnIIIFeIII} Chains and {NiIILnIIIFeIII} Layers: Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Magnetic Properties

The use of the [Fe^III(AA)(CN)₄]^? complex anion as metalloligand towards the preformed [Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ or [Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ heterometallic complex cations (AA=2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) and 1,10‐phenathroline (phen); H₂valpn=1,3‐propanediyl‐bis(2‐iminomethylene‐6‐methoxyphenol)) allowed the preparation of two families of heterotrimetallic complexes: three isostructural 1D coordination polymers of general formula {[Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III(H₂O)₃(μ‐NC)₂Fe^III(phen)(CN)₂ {(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃}]NO₃ ? 7 H₂O}_n (Ln=Gd ( 1 ), Tb ( 2 ), and Dy ( 3 )) and the trinuclear complex [Cu^II(valpn)La^III(OH₂)₃(O₂NO)(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃] ? NO₃ ? H₂O ? CH₃CN ( 4 ) were obtained with the [Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ assembling unit, whereas three isostructural heterotrimetallic 2D networks, {[Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III(ONO₂)₂(H₂O)(μ‐NC)₃Fe^III(bipy)(CN)] ? 2 H₂O ? 2 CH₃CN}_n (Ln=Gd ( 5 ), Tb ( 6 ), and Dy ( 7 )) resulted with the related [Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ precursor. The crystal structure of compound 4 consists of discrete heterotrimetallic complex cations, [Cu^II(valpn)La^III(OH₂)₃(O₂NO)(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃]⁺, nitrate counterions, and non‐coordinate water and acetonitrile molecules. The heteroleptic {Fe^III(bipy)(CN)₄} moiety in 5 – 7 acts as a tris‐monodentate ligand towards three {Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III} binuclear nodes leading to heterotrimetallic 2D networks. The ferromagnetic interaction through the diphenoxo bridge in the Cu^II?Ln^III ( 1 – 3 ) and Ni^II?Ln^III ( 5 – 7 ) units, as well as through the single cyanide bridge between the Fe^III and either Ni^II ( 5 – 7 ) or Cu^II ( 4 ) account for the overall ferromagnetic behavior observed in 1 – 7 . DFT‐type calculations were performed to substantiate the magnetic interactions in 1 , 4 , and 5 . Interestingly, compound 6 exhibits slow relaxation of the magnetization with maxima of the out‐of‐phase ac signals below 4.0 K in the lack of a dc field, the values of the pre‐exponential factor (τ_o) and energy barrier (E_a) through the Arrhenius equation being 2.0×10^?12 s and 29.1 cm^?1, respectively. In the case of 7 , the ferromagnetic interactions through the double phenoxo (Ni^II–Dy^III) and single cyanide (Fe^III–Ni^II) pathways are masked by the depopulation of the Stark levels of the Dy^III ion, this feature most likely accounting for the continuous decrease of χ_M T upon cooling observed for this last compound.     

Polynuclear Complexes with Alkoxo and Phenoxo Bridges from In Situ Generated Hydroxy‐Rich Schiff Base Ligands: Syntheses,Structures, and Magnetic Properties

Complexes of new Schiff base ligands generated in situ from the reaction of 1‐aminoglycerol, aldehydes, and metal ions are reported. [Cu₄(HL¹)₄] ( 1 ) and [Ni₄O(HL¹)₃(H₂O)₃)] ? 6 H₂O ? DMF ? DMSO ( 2 ) have M₄O₄ cubane cores, with the L/M molar ratios of 4:4 and 3:4, respectively. [Mn^III₃Mn^IINaOCl₄(HL¹)₃] ? 3 M eCN ( 3 ) has a unique pentanuclear trigonal propeller‐shaped Mn^III₃Mn^IINa core structure, and the coordination assemblies are linked by hydrogen bonds to afford a 3D channel structure. [Cu₂(HL²)₂] ( 4 ) has a bis(μ₂‐alkoxo)‐bridged Cu₂O₂ core, with the binuclear species linked by hydrogen bonds to afford a 1D double‐chain. [Ni₇(OH)₂(OCH₃)₄(H₂L³)₂(MeOH)₂(H₂O)₂]‐ (ClO₄)₂ ? 10 H₂O ( 5 ) has a heptanuclear structure containing heptadentate di‐Schiff base ligands, with the nickel(II) ions bridged by phenoxo, alkoxo, hydroxo, and methoxo groups to afford a very rare face‐sharing hexadruple defective cubane core with a Ni@Ni₆ arrangement. The lattice water molecules are linked by hydrogen bonds to form helical chains, which are further hydrogen‐bonded to the coordination moieties to afford a 2D network. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and nonlinear data‐fitting revealed that the “2+4” type of cubane complex 1 shows medium intradimeric ferromagnetic interactions and weak interdimeric ferromagnetic interactions. For complexes 2 and 5 , coexistent ferro‐ and antiferromagnetic couplings afford a non‐zero spin ground state. However, compound 3 shows antiferromagnetic interactions between Mn^III and Mn^II, and ferromagnetic interactions between the Mn^III centers, resulting in a global antiferromagnetic behavior. In conclusion, the reaction of 1‐aminoglycerol with aldehydes and metal salts afforded polynuclear complexes with a rich structural diversity and remarkable magnetic behavior.     

Designing Novel Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Synthesis and Relaxometric Characterization of three Gadolinium(III) Complexes Based on Functionalized Pyridine‐Containing Macrocyclic Ligands

The three novel pyridine‐containing 12‐membered macrocyclic ligands 1 – 3 were synthesized. The coordinating arms are represented by three acetate moieties in 1 and 3 and by one acetate and two phosphonate moieties in 2 . In all three ligands, the acetate arm in the distal position is substituted, with a benzyl group in 1 and 2 and with an arylmethyl moiety in 3 . The relaxivities r_1p (20 MHz, 25°) of Gd^III complexes are: GD?1 , r_1p=8.3 mM ^?1 s^?1; GD?2 , r_1p8.1 mM ^?1 s^?1; Gd?3 , r_1p10.5 mM ^?1 s^?1. ¹H‐NMRD and ¹⁷O‐NMR T₂ data show that Gd?1 and Gd?3 contain two H₂O molecules in the inner sphere, whereas the presence of two phosphonate arms allows the coordination of only one H₂O molecule in Gd?2 . Interestingly, the exchange lifetime of coordinated H₂O in the three complexes is similar in spite of the difference in the coordination number of the Gd^III ion (i.e., 9 in Gd?1 and Gd?3 , and 8 in Gd?2 ). ¹H‐Relaxometric measurements at different pH and in the presence of lactate and oxalate were carried out to get some insight into the formation of ternary complexes from Gd?1 and Gd?3 . Finally, it was found that binding to human‐serum albumin (HSA) of Gd?1 and Gd?2 , though weak, yields limited relaxivity enhancements, likely as a consequence of effects on the hydration sphere caused by donor atoms on the surface of the protein.     

Fluoride‐Bridged {GdIII3MIII2} (M=Cr,Fe, Ga) Molecular Magnetic Refrigerants

The reaction of fac‐[M^IIIF₃(Me₃tacn)]⋅x H₂O with Gd(NO₃)₃⋅5H₂O affords a series of fluoride‐bridged, trigonal bipyramidal {Gd^III₃M^III₂} (M=Cr ( 1 ), Fe ( 2 ), Ga ( 3 )) complexes without signs of concomitant GdF₃ formation, thereby demonstrating the applicability even of labile fluoride‐complexes as precursors for 3d–4f systems. Molecular geometry enforces weak exchange interactions, which is rationalized computationally. This, in conjunction with a lightweight ligand sphere, gives rise to large magnetic entropy changes of 38.3 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ ( 1 ) and 33.1 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ ( 2 ) for the field change 7 T→0 T. Interestingly, the entropy change, and the magnetocaloric effect, are smaller in 2 than in 1 despite the larger spin ground state of the former secured by intramolecular Fe–Gd ferromagnetic interactions. This observation underlines the necessity of controlling not only the ground state but also close‐lying excited states for successful design of molecular refrigerants.     

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.     

Gadolinium(III)‐Hydroxy Ladders Trapped in Succinate Frameworks with Optimized Magnetocaloric Effect

Two kinds of inorganic gadolinium(III)‐hydroxy “ladders”, [2×n] and [3×n], were successfully trapped in succinate (suc) coordination polymers, [Gd₂(OH)₂(suc)₂(H₂O)]_n ? 2n H₂O ( 1 ) and [Gd₆(OH)₈(suc)₅(H₂O)₂]_n ? 4n H₂O ( 2 ), respectively. Such coordination polymers could be regarded as alternating inorganic–organic hybrid materials with relatively high density. Magnetic and heat capacity studies reveal a large cryogenic magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in both compounds, namely (ΔH=70 kG) 42.8 J kg^?1 K^?1 for complex 1 and 48.0 J kg^?1 K^?1 for complex 2 . The effect of the high density is evident, which gives very large volumetric MCEs up to 120 and 144 mJ cm^?3 K^?1 for complexes 1 and 2 , respectively.     

Oligonuclear 3d–4f Complexes as Tectons in Designing Supramolecular Solid‐State Architectures: Impact of the Nature of Linkers on the Structural Diversity

Heteronuclear cationic complexes, [LCuLn]³⁺ and [(LCu)₂Ln]³⁺, were employed as nodes in designing high‐nuclearity complexes and coordination polymers with a rich variety of network topologies (L is the dianion of the Schiff base resulting from the 2:1 condensation of 3‐methoxysalycilaldehyde with 1,3‐propanediamine). Two families of linkers have been chosen: the first consists of exo‐dentate ligands bearing nitrogen‐donor atoms (bipyridine (bipy), dicyanamido (dca)), whereas the second consists of exo‐dentate ligands with oxygen‐donor atoms (anions derived from the acetylenedicarboxylic (H₂acdca), fumaric (H₂fum), trimesic (H₃trim), and oxalic (H₂ox) acids). The ligands belonging to the first family prefer copper(II ) ions, whereas the ligands from the second family interact preferentially with oxophilic rare‐earth cations. The following complexes have been obtained and crystallographically characterized: [LCu^II(OH₂)Gd^III(NO₃)₃] ( 1 ), [{LCu^IIGd^III(NO₃)₃}₂(μ‐4,4′‐bipy)] ( 2 ), [LCu^IIGd^III(acdca)_1.5(H₂O)₂] ? 13 H₂O ( 3 ), [LCu^IIGd^III(fum)_1.5(H₂O)₂] ? 4 H₂O ? C₂H₅OH ( 4 ), [LCu^IISm^III(H₂O)(Hfum)(fum)] ( 5 ), [LCu^IIEr^III(H₂O)₂(fum)]NO₃ ? 3 H₂O ( 6 ), [LCu^IISm^III(fum)_1.5(H₂O)₂] ? 4 H₂O ? C₂H₅OH ( 7 ), [{(LCu^II)₂Sm^III}₂fum₂](OH)₂ ( 8 ), [LCu^IIGd^III(trim)(H₂O)₂] ? H₂O ( 9 ), [{(LCu^II)₂Pr^III}(C₂O₄)_0.5(dca)]dca ? 2 H₂O ( 10 ), [LCu^IIGd^III(ox)(H₂O)₃][Cr^III(2,2′‐bipy)(ox)₂] ? 9 H₂O ( 11 ), and [LCuGd(H₂O)₄{Cr(CN)₆}] ? 3 H₂O ( 12 ). Compound 1 is representative of the whole family of binuclear Cu^II–Ln^III complexes which have been used as precursors in constructing heteropolymetallic complexes. The rich variety of the resulting structures is due to several factors: 1) the nature of the donor atoms of the linkers, 2) the preference of the copper(II ) ion for nitrogen atoms, 3) the oxophilicity of the lanthanides, 4) the degree of deprotonation of the polycarboxylic acids, 5) the various connectivity modes exhibited by the carboxylato groups, and 6) the stoichiometry of the final products, that is, the Cu^II/Ln^III/linker molar ratio. A unique cluster formed by 24 water molecules was found in crystal 11 . In compounds 2 , 3 , 4 , 9 , and 11 the Cu^II–Gd^III exchange interaction was found to be ferromagnetic, with J values in the range of 3.53–8.96 cm^?1. Compound 12 represents a new example of a polynuclear complex containing three different paramagnetic ions. The intranode Cu^II–Gd^III ferromagnetic interaction is overwhelmed by the antiferromagnetic interactions occurring between the cyanobridged Gd^III and Cr^III ions.     

High‐Performance Magnetic Refrigerant Featuring One‐Dimensional Gd‐O Chains and O‐Gd3 Triangles

Magnetic cooling at low temperature has attracted intensive interest in cryogenics research, which may become important as cooling medium for long‐wave photon detectors to support space exploration. Here, we report a Gd‐based quaternary magnetic refrigerant material, Gd₅BSi₂O₁₃, containing chains of face‐shared GdO₉ polyhedra and geometrically frustrated OGd₃ triangles. Magnetic measurements indicate that Gd₅BSi₂O₁₃ exhibits a large magnetocaloric effect (MCE) about 1.74 times that of the practical magnetic refrigerant GGG (−ΔS_m=67.0 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹). We analyzed the origin of the large MCE by comparing Gd^III‐containing compounds with different structures and concentrations of Gd^III.     

catena‐Poly[[bis(μ‐2‐sulfonatobenzoato)bis[triaquagadolinium(III)]]‐μ‐oxalato]

The asymmetric unit of the title coordination polymer, [Gd₂(C₇H₄O₅S)₂(C₂O₄)(H₂O)₆]_n or [Gd(2‐SB)(ox)_0.5(H₂O)₃]_2n (2‐SB is 2‐sulfonatobenzoate and ox is oxalate), (I), consists of one Gd^III ion, one 2‐SB anion, three coordinated water molecules and one half of an ox ligand. The ox ligand is located on a crystallographic inversion centre. The Gd^III centre shows a distorted tricapped trigonal–prismatic coordination formed by nine O atoms from two 2‐SB anions, one ox ligand and three coordinated water molecules. The carboxylate and sulfonate groups of the 2‐SB anions adopt μ₂‐η¹:η² and μ₁‐η⁰:η⁰:η¹ coordination modes to link two Gd^III ions, generating a centrosymmetric binuclear [Gd₂(2‐SB)₂(H₂O)₆]²⁻ subunit. The ox ligand acts as a bridge, linking the binuclear [Gd₂(2‐SB)₂(H₂O)₆]²⁻ subunits into a one‐dimensional chain structure parallel to the b axis. Furthermore, extensive O—H...O hydrogen bonds connect the chains into a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture.     

A novel three‐dimensional heterometallic coordination polymer: poly[[diaquadi‐μ3‐chlorido‐μ2‐chlorido‐tri‐μ3‐nicotinato‐tricopper(I)gadolinium(III)] hemihydrate]

In the title polymeric heterometallic compound, {[Cu₃Gd(C₆H₄NO₂)₃Cl₃(H₂O)₂]·0.5H₂O}_n, comprising copper(I) and gadolinium(III) cations bridged by nicotinate (nic) ligands and chloride anions, the Gd^III centers display a bicapped trigonal prismatic geometry, defined by six carboxylate O atoms and two water molecules. For copper(I), one Cu center is three‐coordinated by three chloride ions and displays a trigonal–planar geometry; the other two Cu centers are four‐coordinated and display a very distorted tetrahedral geometry. The chloride anions act in μ₂‐ and μ₃‐bridging modes, linking the Cu^I ions into an infinite chain. The nic ligand exhibits a tridentate coordination mode, with the carboxylate O atoms linking to two Gd^III ions and the N atom linking to one Cu^I ion. Thus, a novel three‐dimensional heterometallic coordination polymer is constructed from Gd–carboxylate subunits and Cu—Cl chains. In addition, intra‐ and intermolecular O—H...O and O—H...Cl hydrogen bonds are also observed within the three‐dimensional structure. Topologically, the framework represents an unusual 3,6‐connected (4.8²)₃(4¹⁰.6⁵) net.     

Proton‐Conducting Magnetic Coordination Polymers

Three isostructural lanthanide‐based two‐ dimensional coordination polymers (CPs) {[Ln₂(L)₃(H₂O)₂]_n ? 2n CH₃OH) ? 2n H₂O} (Ln=Gd³⁺ ( 1 ), Tb³⁺ ( 2 ), Dy³⁺ ( 3 ); H₂L=cyclobutane‐1,1‐dicarboxylic acid) were synthesized by using a low molecular weight dicarboxylate ligand and characterized. Single‐crystal structure analysis showed that in complexes 1 – 3 lanthanide centers are connected by μ₃‐bridging cyclobutanedicarboxylate ligands along the c axis to form a rod‐shaped infinite 1D coordination chain, which is further linked with nearby chains by μ₄‐connected cyclobutanedicarboxylate ligands to form 2D CPs in the bc plane. Viewing the packing of the complexes down the b axis reveals that the lattice methanol molecules are located in the interlayer space between the adjacent 2D layers and form H‐bonds with lattice and coordinated water molecules to form 1D chains. Magnetic properties of complexes 1 – 3 were thoroughly investigated. Complex 1 exhibits dominant ferromagnetic interaction between two nearby gadolinium centers and also acts as a cryogenic magnetic refrigerant having a significant magnetic entropy change of ?ΔS_m=32.8 J kg^?1 K^?1 for ΔH=7 T at 4 K (calculated from isothermal magnetization data). Complex 3 shows slow relaxation of magnetization below 10 K. Impedance analysis revealed that the complexes show humidity‐dependent proton conductivity (σ=1.5×10^?5 S cm^?1 for 1 , σ=2.07×10^?4 S cm^?1 for 2 , and σ=1.1×10^?3 S cm^?1 for 3 ) at elevated temperature (>75 °C). They retain the conductivity for up to 10 h at high temperature and high humidity. Furthermore, the proton conductivity results were correlated with the number of water molecules from the water‐vapor adsorption measurements. Water‐vapor adsorption studies showed hysteretic and two‐step water vapor adsorption (182000 μL g^?1 for 1 , 184000 μL g^?1 for 2 , and 1874000 μL g^?1 for 3 ) in the experimental pressure range. Simulation of water‐vapor adsorption by the Monte Carlo method (for 1 ) confirmed the high density of adsorbed water molecules, preferentially in the interlayer space between the 2D layers.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Magnetic Behaviour of the new Tetrameric Gadolinium Carboxylate [Gd4(OH)4(CF3COO)8(H2O)4] · 2.5 H2O

The novel tetrameric gadolinium(III) compound [Gd₄(OH)₄(CF₃COO)₈(H₂O)₄] · 2.5 H₂O was synthesized and structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography. The Gd³⁺ ions are bridged by hydroxide ions and carboxylate groups to tetramers with Gd³⁺‐Gd³⁺ distances between 384.2(2) and 388.1(2) pm. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (Z = 4). The magnetic behaviour of [Gd₄(OH)₄(CF₃COO)₈(H₂O)₄] · 2.5 H₂O was investigated in the temperature range of 2 to 300 K. The magnetic data of this compound indicate antiferromagnetic interactions (J_ex = ?0.0197 cm^?1).     

Comprehensive Evaluation of the Physicochemical Properties of LnIII Complexes of Aminoethyl‐DO3A as pH‐Responsive T1‐MRI Contrast Agents

N‐Substituted aminoethyl groups were attached to 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7‐triacetic acid (DO3A) with the aim to design pH‐responsive Ln^III complexes based on the pH‐dependent on/off ligation of the amine nitrogen to the metal ion. The following ligands were synthesized: AE ‐ DO3A (aminoethyl‐DO3A), MAE ‐ DO3A (N‐methylaminoethyl‐DO3A), DMAE ‐ DO3A (N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl‐DO3A) and MEM ‐ AE ‐ DO3A (N‐methoxyethyl‐N‐methylaminoethyl‐DO3A). The physicochemical properties of the Ln^III complexes were investigated for the evaluation of their potential applicability as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. In particular, a ¹H and ¹⁷O NMR relaxometric study was carried out for these Gd^III complexes at two different pH values: at basic pH (pendant amino group coordinated to the metal centre) and at acidic pH (protonated amine, not interacting with the metal ion). Eu^III complexes allow one to estimate the number of inner‐sphere water molecules through luminescence lifetime measurements and obtain some structural information through variable‐temperature (VT) high‐resolution ¹H NMR studies. Equilibria between differently hydrated species were found for most of the complexes at both acidic and basic pH. The thermodynamic stability of Ca^II, Zn^II, Cu^II and Ln^III complexes and kinetics of formation and dissociation reactions of Ln^III complexes of AE ‐ DO3A and DMAE ‐ DO3A were investigated showing stabilities comparable to currently approved Gd^III‐based CAs. In detail, higher total basicity (Σlog K_i^H) and higher stability constants of Ln^III complexes were found for AE ‐ DO3A with respect to DMAE ‐ DO3A (i.e., log K_{Gd‐ AE‐DO3A} =22.40 and log K_{Gd‐ DMAE‐DO3A} =20.56). The transmetallation reactions of Gd^III complexes are very slow (Gd‐ AE ‐ DO3A : t_1/2=2.7×10⁴ h; Gd‐ DMAE ‐ DO3A : 1.1×10⁵ h at pH 7.4 and 298 K) and occur through proton‐assisted dissociation.     

Syntheses,structural determination,and binding studies of binuclear eight-coordinate (enH2)[GdIII 2(pdta)2(H2O)2] · 8H2O and mononuclear nine-coordinate (enH2)[GdIII(egta)(H2O)]2 · 6H2O

The (enH₂)[Gd^III ₂(pdta)₂(H₂O)₂]?·?8H₂O (1) (en?=?ethylenediamine and H₄pdta?=?propylenediamine-N,?N,?N′,?N′-tetraacetic acid) and (enH₂)[Gd^III(egta)(H₂O)]₂?·?6H₂O (2) (H₄egta?=?ethyleneglycol-bis-(2-aminoethylether)-N,?N,?N′,?N′-tetraacetic acid) complexes were synthesized and characterized by infrared spectrum, thermal analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex (enH₂)[Gd^III ₂(pdta)₂(H₂O)₂]?·?8H₂O has a binuclear eight-coordinate structure with pseudo square antiprism and crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with C2/c space group. Through a carboxylate bridge, an infinite 1-D zigzag polymeric binuclear [Gd^III ₂(pdta)₂(H₂O)₂]^2? complex anion is formed. All infinite zigzag polymeric complex anions link through hydrogen bonds, yielding a layer structure. (enH₂)[Gd^III(egta)(H₂O)]₂?·?6H₂O has a mononuclear nine-coordinate structure with pseudo monocapped square antiprism and crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with P2₁/n space group. Each enH₂ ²⁺ cation, through hydrogen bonds, connects two adjacent [Gd^III(egta)(H₂O)]^? complex anions.     

Tetrathiafulvalene‐amido‐2‐pyridine‐N‐oxide as Efficient Charge‐Transfer Antenna Ligand for the Sensitization of YbIII Luminescence in a Series of Lanthanide Paramagnetic Coordination Complexes

The tetrathiafulvalene‐amido‐2‐pyridine‐N‐oxide ( L ) ligand has been employed to coordinate 4f elements. The architecture of the complexes mainly depends on the ionic radii of the lanthanides. Thus, the reaction of L in the same experimental protocol leads to three different molecular structure series. Binuclear [Ln₂(hfac)₅(O₂CPhCl)( L )₃] ? 2 H₂O (hfac^?=1,1,1,5,5,5‐hexafluoroacetylacetonate anion, O₂CPhCl^?=3‐chlorobenzoate anion) and mononuclear [Ln(hfac)₃( L )₂] complexes were obtained by using rare‐earth ions with either large (Ln^III=Pr, Gd) or small (Ln^III=Y, Yb) ionic radius, respectively, whereas the use of Tb^III that possesses an intermediate ionic radius led to the formation of a binuclear complex of formula [Tb₂(hfac)₄(O₂CPhCl)₂( L )₂]. Antiferromagnetic interactions have been observed in the three dinuclear compounds by using an extended empirical method. Photophysical properties of the coordination complexes have been studied by solid‐state absorption spectroscopy, whereas time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations have been carried out on the diamagnetic Y^III derivative to build a molecular orbital diagram and to reproduce the absorption spectrum. For the [Yb(hfac)₃( L )₂] complex, the excitation at 19 600 cm^?1 of the HOMO→LUMO+1/LUMO+2 charge‐transfer transition induces both line‐shape emissions in the near‐IR spectral range assigned to the ²F_5/2→²F_7/2 (9860 cm^?1) ytterbium‐centered transition and a residual charge‐transfer emission around 13 150 cm^?1. An efficient antenna effect that proceeds through energy transfer from the singlet excited state of the tetrathiafulvalene‐amido‐2‐pyridine‐N‐oxide chromophore is evidence of the Yb^III sensitization.     

Syntheses,Structures, Photoluminescence,and Magnetism of a Series of Discrete Lanthanide Complexes based on 2,5‐Dichlorobenzoate and 1,10‐Phenanthroline

The syntheses and crystal structures of eight lanthanide complexes with formula [Ln(2,5‐DCB)_x(phen)_y] are reported, which are characterized via single‐crystal, powder X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, photoluminescence measurement, and DC/AC magnetic measurement. These eight complexes are isostructural, and possess a discrete dinuclear structure. The adjacent dinuclear molecules are linked by the hydrogen bonding interactions into a one‐dimensional (1D) supramolecular chain. The neighboring 1D chains are further extended into a two‐dimensional (2D) supramolecular layer by the π–π stacking interactions. The photoluminescent properties of complexes 1 (Nd^III), 2 (Sm^III), 3 (Eu^III), 5 (Tb^III), 6 (Dy^III), and 8 (Yb^III) were investigated. Magnetic investigations also reveal the presence of ferromagnetic interactions in complexes 4 (Gd^III), 6 (Dy^III), and 7 (Er^III). Additionally, complex 6 (Dy^III) demonstrates field‐induced slow magnetic relaxation behavior.