Oximate-bridged trinuclear Dy-Cu-Dy complex behaving as a single-molecule magnet and its mechanistic investigation

Lanthanide ions are supposed to be promising candidates for the elements of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) because of the large magnetic momentum and anisotropy. We have established the [Dy2Cu] complex as a new SMM. A plausible mechanism for quantum tunneling of magnetization is proposed for the first time among the 4f-3d heterometallic SMMs. The magnetic coupling parameter between Dy and Cu ions was well-defined as -0.155 K.     

Nuclear Spin Isomers: Engineering a Et4N[DyPc2] Spin Qudit

Two dysprosium isotopic isomers were synthesized: Et₄N[¹⁶³DyPc₂] ( 1 ) with I =5/2 and Et₄N[¹⁶⁴DyPc₂] ( 2 ) with I =0 (where Pc=phthalocyaninato). Both isotopologues are single‐molecule magnets (SMMs); however, their relaxation times as well as their magnetic hystereses differ considerably. Quantum tunneling of the magnetization (QTM) at the energy level crossings is found for both systems via ac‐susceptibility and μ‐SQUID measurements. μ‐SQUID studies of 1 ^{(I =5/2)} reveal several nuclear‐spin‐driven QTM events; hence determination of the hyperfine coupling and the nuclear quadrupole splitting is possible. Compound 2 ^{(I =0)} shows only strongly reduced QTM at zero magnetic field. 1 ^{(I =5/2)} could be used as a multilevel nuclear spin qubit, namely qudit (d =6), for quantum information processing (QIP) schemes and provides an example of novel coordination‐chemistry‐discriminating nuclear spin isotopes. Our results show that the nuclear spin of the lanthanide must be included in the design principles of molecular qubits and SMMs.     

Recent Developments in Lanthanide Single‐Molecule Magnets

Single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) exhibiting slow relaxation of magnetization of purely molecular origin are highly attractive owing to their potential applications in spintronic devices, high‐density information storage, and quantum computing. In particular, lanthanide SMMs have been playing a major role in the advancement of this field because of the large intrinsic magnetic anisotropy of lanthanide metal ions. Herein, some recent breakthroughs that are changing the perspective of the field are highlighted, with special emphasis on synthetic strategies towards the design of high‐performance SMMs.     

Lanthanide double-decker complexes functioning as magnets at the single-molecular level

Double-decker phthalocyanine complexes with Tb3+ or Dy3+ showed slow magnetization relaxation as a single-molecular property. The temperature ranges in which the behavior was observed were far higher than that of the transition-metal-cluster single-molecule magnets (SMMs). The significant temperature rise results from a mechanism in the relaxation process different from that in the transition-metal-cluster SMMs. The effective energy barrier for reversal of the magnetic moment is determined by the ligand field around a lanthanide ion, which gives the lowest degenerate substate a large |Jz| value and large energy separations from the rest of the substates in the ground-state multiplets.     

The Frontier of Molecular Spintronics Based on Multiple‐Decker Phthalocyaninato TbIII Single‐Molecule Magnets

Ever since the first example of a double‐decker complex (SnPc₂) was discovered in 1936, MPc₂ complexes with π systems and chemical and physical stabilities have been used as components in molecular electronic devices. More recently, in 2003, TbPc₂ complexes were shown to be single‐molecule magnets (SMMs), and researchers have utilized their quantum tunneling of the magnetization (QTM) and magnetic relaxation behavior in spintronic devices. Herein, recent developments in Ln^III‐Pc‐based multiple‐decker SMMs on surfaces for molecular spintronic devices are presented. In this account, we discuss how dinuclear Tb^III‐Pc multiple‐decker complexes can be used to elucidate the relationship between magnetic dipole interactions and SMM properties, because these complexes contain two TbPc₂ units in one molecule and their intramolecular Tb^III?Tb^III distances can be controlled by changing the number of stacks. Next, we focus on the switching of the Kondo signal of Tb^III‐Pc‐based multiple‐decker SMMs that are adsorbed onto surfaces, their characterization using STM and STS, and the relationship between the molecular structure, the electronic structure, and the Kondo resonance of Tb^III‐Pc multiple‐decker complexes.

     

Magnetic Relaxation Dynamics of a Binuclear Diluted Er(III)/Y(III) Compound Influenced by Lattice Solvent

It is crucial to investigate the slow relaxation mechanisms of binuclear Er^III‐based single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) and explore strategies for optimizing their magnetic properties. Herein, a doped compound, [Y_1.75Er_0.25(thd)₄Pc] ? 2C₆H₆ ( YEr ? 2C₆H₆ , Hthd=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylheptanedione, H₂Pc=phthalocyanine), was synthesized by doping the paramagnetic erbium(III) compound Er₂ ? 2C₆H₆ in the diamagnetic yttrium(III) matrix Y₂ ? 2C₆H₆ . The doping effect was studied using SQUID magnetization measurements. The results suggest that magnetic‐site dilution improves the magnetic property from a fast relaxation of the pure Er^III compound to a typical SMM relaxation process of the doped sample. In this binuclear system, the dominant single‐ion relaxation is entangled with the neighboring Er^III ion through the intramolecular Er^III???Er^III interaction, which plays an important role in suppressing the quantum tunneling of the magnetization (QTM) process. Furthermore, the influence of lattice solvents on single‐ion relaxation was studied. By releasing the benzene molecules, compound YEr ? 2C₆H₆ can be successfully transformed to a desolvated sample YEr accompanied by structural alteration and improved SMM performance.     

Determination of ligand-field parameters and f-electronic structures of double-decker bis(phthalocyaninato)lanthanide complexes

The f-electronic structures of the ground states of anionic bis(phthalocyaninato)lanthanides, [Pc(2)Ln](-) (Pc = dianion of phthalocyanine, Ln = Tb(3+), Dy(3+), Ho(3+), Er(3+), Tm(3+), or Yb(3+)), are determined. Magnetic susceptibilities of the powder samples of [Pc(2)Ln]TBA (TBA = tetra-n-butylammonium cation) in the range 1.8-300 K showed characteristic temperature dependences which resulted from splittings of the ground-state multiplets. NMR signals for the two kinds of protons on the Pc rings at room temperature were shifted to lower frequency with respect to the diamagnetic Y complex in Ln = Tb, Dy, and Ho cases, and to higher frequency in Er, Tm, and Yb cases. The ratios of the paramagnetic shifts of the two positions were near constant in the six cases. This indicates that the shifts are predominantly caused by the magnetic dipolar term, which is determined by the anisotropy of the magnetic susceptibility of the lanthanide ion. Using a multidimensional nonlinear minimization algorithm, we determined a set of ligand-field parameters that reproduces both the NMR and the magnetic susceptibility data of the six complexes simultaneously. Each ligand-field parameter was assumed to be a linear function of atomic number of the lanthanide. The energies and wave functions of the sublevels of the multiplets are presented. Temperature dependences of anisotropies in the magnetic susceptibilities are theoretically predicted for the six complexes.     

Mononuclear lanthanide single-molecule magnets based on polyoxometalates

[ErW10O36]9- is the first polyoxometalate behaving as a single-molecule magnet (SMM). It shows frequency-dependent out-of-phase magnetization and a thermally activated single relaxation process with an effective barrier of 55.8 K. This single lanthanide ion polyoxometalate is the inorganic analogue of the bis(phthalocyaninato)lanthanide SMMs, both exhibiting very similar ligand field symmetries around the lanthanide ion (idealized D4d). It is chemically stable and offers new avenues for organization and processing of single-molecule magnets. Furthermore, it can be made free from nuclear spins and opens the possibility to be used for studies of decoherence on unimolecular qubits.     

Single-molecule magnet behavior for an antiferromagnetically superexchange-coupled dinuclear dysprosium(III) complex

A family of five dinuclear lanthanide complexes has been synthesized with general formula [Ln(III)(2)(valdien)(2)(NO(3))(2)] where (H(2)valdien = N1,N3-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)diethylenetriamine) and Ln(III) = Eu(III)1, Gd(III)2, Tb(III)3, Dy(III)4, and Ho(III)5. The magnetic investigations reveal that 4 exhibits single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior with an anisotropic barrier U(eff) = 76 K. The step-like features in the hysteresis loops observed for 4 reveal an antiferromagnetic exchange coupling between the two dysprosium ions. Ab initio calculations confirm the weak antiferromagnetic interaction with an exchange constant J(Dy-Dy) = -0.21 cm(-1). The observed steps in the hysteresis loops correspond to a weakly coupled system similar to exchange-biased SMMs. The Dy(2) complex is an ideal candidate for the elucidation of slow relaxation of the magnetization mechanism seen in lanthanide systems.     

Relaxation dynamics of dysprosium(III) single molecule magnets

Over the past decade, lanthanide compounds have become of increasing interest in the field of Single Molecule Magnets (SMMs) due to the large inherent anisotropy of the metal ions. Heavy lanthanide metal systems, in particular those containing the dysprosium(III) ion, have been extensively employed to direct the formation of a series of SMMs. Although remarkable progress is being made regarding the synthesis and characterization of lanthanide-based SMMs, the understanding and control of the relaxation dynamics of strongly anisotropic systems represents a formidable challenge, since the dynamic behaviour of lanthanide-based SMMs is significantly more complex than that of transition metal systems. This perspective paper describes illustrative examples of pure dysprosium(III)-based SMMs, published during the past three years, showing new and fascinating phenomena in terms of magnetic relaxation, aiming at shedding light on the features relevant to modulating relaxation dynamics of polynuclear lanthanide SMMs.     

Initial observation of magnetization hysteresis and quantum tunneling in mixed manganese-lanthanide single-molecule magnets

The preparation of a new family of mixed transition metal/lanthanide clusters is reported. The reaction of [Mn3O(O2CPh)6(py)2(H2O)] with Ln(NO3)3 (Ln = Nd, Gd, Dy, Ho, and Eu) in a 1:2 molar ratio in MeOH/MeCN (1:20 v/v) leads to dark crystals in 55-60% isolated yield of complexes all containing the [Mn11Ln4]45+ core. The Dy compound has been found to give out-of-phase AC susceptibility signals, suggesting it might be a single-molecule magnet (SMM). This was confirmed by the observation of magnetization hysteresis loops. An Arrhenius plot constructed from magnetization decay data gave a barrier to relaxation of 9.3 K and showed the temperature-independent relaxation at very low temperatures indicative of quantum tunneling of magnetization. This is the initial demonstration of hysteresis and quantum behavior in a mixed 3d/4f SMM.     

Magnetic anisotropies in paramagnetic polynuclear metal complexes

The study of the magnetic properties of highly anisotropic paramagnetic molecules is an area of intense current research interest. Of these, single-molecule magnets (SMMs) and single-chain magnets (SCMs) showing non-equilibrium magnetization have remained a key topic over the past two decades. The slow magnetization reversals found in SMMs and SCMs are contingent on two requirements: a large ground-state spin forbidding direct quantum transitions of spin reversal, and a series of excited spin levels, due to the anisotropy of the system, which can act as steppingstones for the thermal relaxation of the spin orientations (the Orbach process). In this critical review, the latter requirement, i.e. the existence of magnetic anisotropies in paramagnetic species, is reviewed with the aim of providing clues towards the rational design of molecule-based magnets (100 references).     

Single-molecule magnets: preparation and properties of low symmetry [Mn4O3(O2CPh-R)4(dbm)3] complexes with S = 9/2

The preparation and properties of [Mn(4)O(3)(O(2)CPh-R)(4)(dbm)(3)] (R = H, p-Me, p-OMe, and o-Cl; dbm(-) is the anion of dibenzoylmethane) single-molecule magnets (SMMs) with virtual C(S) symmetry are reported. They were prepared by controlled potential electrolysis in 26-80% yields. The structures comprise a distorted-cubane core of virtual C(S) symmetry, in contrast to the other, more common complexes of this type with virtual C(3)(V) symmetry. Solid-state magnetic susceptibility data establish the complexes have S = 9/2 ground-state spins, and ac susceptibility studies indicate they are single-molecule magnets (SMMs). Magnetization vs dc field sweeps below 1.00 K reveal hysteresis loops confirming a SMM, with a very large step at zero applied field diagnostic of fast quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) through the anisotropy barrier. The fast QTM rate suggested a significant rhombic ZFS parameter E, as expected from the low (virtual C(S)) symmetry. This was confirmed by high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy on polycrystalline and single-crystal studies. The results confirm the importance of symmetry on the QTM rates.     

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

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

High-spin molecules with magnetic anisotropy toward single-molecule magnets

High-spin molecules with easy-axis magnetic anisotropy show slow magnetic relaxation of spin-flipping along the axis of magnetic anisotropy and are called single-molecule magnets (SMMs). SMMs behave as molecular-size permanent magnets at low temperature and magnetic relaxation occurs by quantum tunneling processes; such molecules are promising candidates for use in quantum devices. We first discuss intramolecular ferromagnetic interactions for preparing high-spin molecules. Second, we determine the magnetic anisotropy for single metal ions with d(n) configurations and discuss how molecular anisotropy arises from single-ion anisotropy of the assembled component metal ions.     

Significant increase of the barrier energy for magnetization reversal of a single-4f-ionic single-molecule magnet by a longitudinal contraction of the coordination space

Two-electron oxidation of [{Pc(OEt)8}2TbIII]- [Pc(OEt)8=dianion of 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octaethoxyphthalocyanine], which leads to a longitudinal contraction of the coordination space of the single-4f-ionic single-molecule magnet (SMM), resulted in a significant increase of the magnetization-reversal barrier energy and a remarkable upward temperature shift of chi' peaks and chi'T drops. This is the first evidence that the dynamic magnetism of 4f SMMs can be controlled by a redox reaction on the ligand side without introducing any additional magnetic site or spin system.     

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.     

Dinuclear single-molecule magnets with porphyrin-phthalocyanine mixed triple-decker ligand systems giving SAP and SP coordination polyhedra

Two terbium ions in a triple-decker complex (Pc)Tb(Pc)Tb(T(p-OMe)PP) (Pc = phthalocyaninato, T(p-OMe)PP = tetra-p-methoxyphenylporphyrinato) have shown sharply different magnetic behaviours depending on symmetry of the coordination polyhedron. The fast quantum tunnelling relaxation process in a square-prismatic site has been revealed to be hindered by magnetic-dipolar coupling between the f-electronic systems.     

Six‐Coordinate Lanthanide Complexes: Slow Relaxation of Magnetization in the Dysprosium(III) Complex

A series of six‐coordinate lanthanide complexes {(H₃O)[Ln(NA)₂]?H₂O}_n (H₂NA=5‐hydroxynicotinic acid; Ln=Gd^III ( 1?Gd ); Tb^III ( 2?Tb ); Dy^III ( 3?Dy ); Ho^III ( 4?Ho )) have been synthesized from aqueous solution and fully characterized. Slow relaxation of the magnetization was observed in 3?Dy . To suppress the quantum tunneling of the magnetization, 3?Dy diluted by diamagnetic Y^III ions was also synthesized and magnetically studied. Interesting butterfly‐like hysteresis loops and an enhanced energy barrier for the slow relaxation of magnetization were observed in diluted 3?Dy . The energy barrier (Δ_τ) and pre‐exponential factor (τ₀) of the diluted 3?Dy are 75 K and 4.21×10^?5 s, respectively. This work illustrates a successful way to obtain low‐coordination‐number lanthanide complexes by a framework approach to show single‐ion‐magnet‐like behavior.     

Site‐Resolved Two‐Step Relaxation Process in an Asymmetric Dy2 Single‐Molecule Magnet

Elaborate chemical design is of utmost importance in order to slow down the relaxation dynamics in single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) and hence improve their potential applications. Much interest was devoted to the study of distinct relaxation processes related to the different crystal fields of crystallographically independent lanthanide ions. However, the assignment of the relaxation processes to specific metal sites remains a challenging task. To address this challenge, a new asymmetric Dy₂ SMM displaying a well‐separated two‐step relaxation process with the anisotropic centers in fine‐tuned local environments was elaborately designed. For the first time a one‐to‐one relationship between the metal sites and the relaxation processes was evidenced. This work sheds light on complex multiple relaxation and may direct the rational design of lanthanide SMMs with enhanced magnetic properties.