Construction of 3d-4f mixed-metal complexes based on a binuclear oxovanadium unit: synthesis, crystal structure, EPR, and magnetic properties

The oxovanadium(IV)-lanthanide(III) heteronuclear complexes, [[Ce(H2O)7(VO)(TTHA)0.5][(VO)2(TTHA)]].8H2O (2), [Pr(H2O)7(VO)3(TTHA)1.5].10H2O (3), and [Nd(H2O)7(VO)3(TTHA)(1.5)].10H2O (4) (H6TTHA = triethylenetetraaminehexaacetic acid), were prepared based on a binuclear building block of [(VO)2(TTHA)]2- in [VO(H2O)5][(VO)2TTHA].4H2O (1). The X-ray crystallographic studies show that 1 is an ion-pair complex, containing the [(VO)2(TTHA)]2- unit as a useful building block. Adding the light Ln3+ ions to this synthesis system, three new 3d-4f mixed-metal-based complexes were obtained. Although the light lanthanide ions always exhibit similar chemical behavior, the structures of 2-4 are not homologous. 2 is exhibited as a one-dimensional coordination polymer, comprising an unusual Ce2V2 heterometallic lattice in the chain structure, which is the second report of a oxovanadium(IV)-lanthanide(III) coordination polymer. 3 and 4 are isomorphic, every two of the Ln3+ cations linked three [(VO)2(TTHA)]2- anions, forming an interesting linear octanuclear structure. This kind of heteronuclear linear complex is rather rare, which expands the realm of 3d-4f complexes. Further investigations such as IR spectra, UV-vis spectra, magnetic properties, and EPR spectra were studied, and a detailed discussion is given for this system.     

Heterometallic cubane-like {M2Ln2} (M = Ni, Zn; Ln =, Gd, Dy) and {Ni2Y2} aggregates. Synthesis, structures and magnetic properties

The syntheses, structural determinations and magnetic studies of tetranuclear M(II)Ln(III) complexes (M = Ni, Zn; Ln = Y, Gd, Dy) involving an in situ compartmentalized schiff base ligand HL derived from the condensation of o-vanillin and 2-hydrazinopyridine as main ligand are described. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that all complexes are closely isostructural, with the central core composed of distorted {M(2)Ln(2)O(4)} cubes of the formulas [Ni(2)Ln(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(L)(2)(OAc)(4)(H(2)O)(3.5)](ClO(4))(2)·3H(2)O (Ln = Y 1 and Gd 2), [Ni(2)Dy(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(L)(2)(OAc)(5)(EtOH)(H(2)O)(1.5)](ClO(4))·EtOH·H(2)O (3) and [Zn(2)Ln(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(L)(2)(OAc)(5)(EtOH)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))·2EtOH·1.5H(2)O (Gd 4 and Dy 5). The Ln(III) ions are linked by two hydroxo bridges and each M(II) ion is also involved in a double phenoxo-hydroxo bridge with the two Ln(III) ions, so that each hydroxo group is triply linked to the two Ln(III) and one M(II) ions. The magnetic properties of all complexes have been investigated. Ni(2)Y(2) (1) has a ferromagnetic Ni(II)Ni(II) interaction. A weak ferromagnetic Ni(II)Ln(III) interaction is observed in the Ni(2)Ln(2) complexes (Ln = Gd 2, Dy 3), along with a weak antiferromagnetic Ln(III)Ln(III) interaction, a D zero-field splitting term for the nickel ion and a ferromagnetic Ni(II)Ni(II) interaction. The isomorphous Zn(2)Ln(2) (Ln = Gd 4, Dy 5) does confirm the presence of a weak antiferromagnetic Ln(III)Ln(III) interaction. The Ni(2)Dy(2) complex (3) does not behave as a SMM, which could result from a subtractive combination of the Dy and Ni anisotropies and an increased transverse anisotropy, leading to large tunnel splittings and quantum tunneling of magnetization. On the other hand, Zn(2)Dy(2) (5) exhibits a possible SMM behavior, where its slow relaxation of magnetization is probably attributed to the presence of the anisotropic Dy(III) ions.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and properties of oxovanadium(IV)-lanthanide(III) heteronuclear complexes

A new series of oxovanadium(IV)-lanthanide(III) heteronuclear complexes [Yb(H2O)8]2[(VO)2(TTHA)](3)21 H2O (1), {[Ho(H2O)7(VO)2(TTHA)][(VO)2(TTHA)](0.5)} 8.5 H2O (2), {[Gd(H2O)7(VO)2(TTHA)][(VO)2(TTHA)](0.5)}8.5 H2O (3), {[Eu(H2O)7][(VO)2(TTHA)](1.5)} 10.5 H2O (4), and [Pr2(H2O)6(SO4)2][(VO)2(TTHA)] (5) (H6TTHA=triethylenetetraaminehexaacetic acid) were prepared by using the bulky flexible organic acid H(6)TTHA as structure-directing agent. X-ray crystallographic studies reveal that they contain the same [(VO)2(TTHA)]2- unit as building block, but the Ln3+ ion lies in different coordination environments. Although the lanthanide ions always exhibit similar chemical behavior, the structures of the complexes are not homologous. Compound 1 is composed of a [Yb(H2O)8]3+ ion and a [(VO)2(TTHA)]2- ion. Compounds 2 and 3 are isomorphous; both contain a trinuclear [Ln(H2O)7(VO)2(TTHA)]+ (Ln=Ho for 2 and Gd for 3) ion and a [(VO)2(TTHA)]2- ion. Compound 4 is an extended one-dimensional chain, in which each Eu3+ ion links two [(VO)2(TTHA)]2- ions. For 5, the structure is further assembled into a three-dimensional network with an interesting framework topology comprising V2Pr2 and V4Pr2 heterometallic lattices. Moreover, 4 and 5 are the first oxovanadium(IV)-lanthanide(III) coordination polymers and thus enlarge the realm of 3d-4f complexes. The IR, UV/Vis, and EPR spectra and the magnetic properties of the heterometallic complexes were studied. Notably, 2 shows unusual ferromagnetic interactions between the VO2+ and Ho3+ ions.     

Ln2(C2O4)2(pyzc)2(H2O)2]n[Ln = Pr (1), Er (2)]: novel two-dimensional lanthanide coordination polymers with 2-pyrazinecarboxylate and oxalate

We report for the first time hydrothermal synthesis of lanthanide-pyzcH polymers, [Ln2(C2O4)2(pyzc)2 (H2O)2]n [Ln = Pr (1), Er (2)], in which pyzcH was decomposed into C2O42- and thus caused novel two-dimensional hexagonal lattice networks. The magnetic property of polymer 1 has been studied by an approximate treatment being enlightened by McPherson et al. (Inorg. Chim. Acta 1988, 148, 265), leading to Delta = -4.3 cm-1, zJ' = -11.73 cm-1, and g = 0.79. Complex 2 displays an intense room-temperature, liquid-state luminescent emission.     

Two series of novel rare earth complexes with dicyanamide [Ln(dca)2(phen)2(H2O)3][dca].(phen), (Ln = Pr, Gd, and Sm) and [Ln(dca)3(2,2'-bipy)2(H2O)]n, (Ln = Gd, Sm, and La): syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties

Two series of novel complexes, [Ln(dca)(2)(Phen)(2)(H(2)O)(3)](dca).(phen) (Ln = Pr (1), Gd (2), and Sm (3), dca = N(CN)(-), phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) and [Ln(dca)(3)(2,2'-bipy)(2)(H(2)O)](n), (Ln = Gd (4), Sm (5), and La (6), 2,2'-bipy = 2,2'-bipydine), have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structures of the first series (1-3) are isomorphous and consist of discrete [Ln(dca)(2)(Phen)(2)(H(2)O)(3)]+ cations, dca anions, and lattice phen molecules; whereas the structures of the second series (4-6) are characterized by infinite chains [Ln(dca)(3)(2,2'-bipy)(2)(H(2)O)](n). The Ln(III) atoms in all complexes are nine-coordinated and form a distorted tricapped trigonal prism environment. The three-dimensional frameworks of 1-6 are constructed by intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements for complexes 1, 2, 4, and 5 indicate a Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior over 5-300 K.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and properties of Ni(II)-4f complexes based on 1H-benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylic acid

Nine novel heterometallic coordination polymers [Ln(2)Ni(Hbidc)(2)(SO(4))(2)(H(2)O)(8)](n) (Ln = Pr (1), Sm (2), Eu (3), Gd (4), Tb (5), Dy (6), Ho (7), Er (8), Yb (9), H(3)bidc = 1H-benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylic acid) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, TG analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray analysis revealed that all complexes present almost identical three-dimensional (3D) structures with PtS-type topology. Complexes 1-7 are all isomorphous, and the structure variation of polymers 8 and 9 is induced by the lanthanide contraction effect. In additional, the luminescence properties of complexes 2, 3 and 5-7, and the magnetic properties of complexes 4 and 6-8 were investigated.     

Pendant macrocyclic metallic building blocks for the design of cyano-bridged heterometallic complexes with 1D chain and 2D layer structures

A series of cyano-bridged Ni(II)-Cr(I/III) complexes have been synthesized by the reactions of hexaazacyclic Ni(II) complexes with [Cr(CN)(6)](3-) or [Cr(CN)(5)(NO)](3-). Using the tetravalent Ni(II) complex [Ni(H(2)L(2))](4+) (L(2) = 3,10-bis(2-aminoethyl)-1,3,6,8,10,12-hexaazacyclotetradecane), one-dimensional chainlike complexes were produced and subject to magnetic studies, affording the intermetallic magnetic exchange constants of J(1) = +0.23 cm(-1) and J(2) = +8.4 cm(-1) for the complex [Ni(H(2)L(2))][Cr(CN)(5)(NO)]ClO(4).5H(2)O (1) and of J = +5.9 cm(-1) for the complex [Ni(H(2)L(2))](4)[Cr(CN)(6)](5)OH.15H(2)O (2). X-ray diffraction analysis shows that complex 1 has a zigzag chain structure, whereas complex 2 consists of a branched chain structure. Complex 2 exhibits antiferromagnetic ordering at 8.0 K (T(N)). When an octahedral Ni(II) complex cis-[NiL(3)(en)](2+) (en = 1,2-ethylenediamine, L(3) = 3,10-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3,5,8,10,12-hexaazacyclotetradecane) was used for the synthesis, the common 2D honeycomb-layered complex [NiL(3)](3)[Cr(CN)(5)(NO)](2).8H(2)O (3) was obtained, which has a T(N) value of 3.3 K. Below T(N), a metamagnetic behavior was observed in complexes 2 and 3.     

Family of carboxylate- and nitrate-diphenoxo triply bridged dinuclear Ni(II)Ln(III) complexes (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Er, Y): synthesis, experimental and theoretical magneto-structural studies, and single-molecule magnet behavior

Seven acetate-diphenoxo triply bridged M(II)-Ln(III) complexes (M(II) = Ni(II) and Ln(III) = Gd, Tb, Ho, Er, and Y; M(II) = Zn(II) and Ln(III) = Ho(III) and Er(III)) of formula [M(μ-L)(μ-OAc)Ln(NO(3))(2)], one nitrate-diphenoxo triply bridged Ni(II)-Tb(III) complex, [Ni(μ-L)(μ-NO(3))Tb(NO(3))(2)]·2CH(3)OH, and two diphenoxo doubly bridged Ni(II)-Ln(III) complexes (Ln(III) = Eu, Gd) of formula [Ni(H(2)O)(μ-L)Ln(NO(3))(3)]·2CH(3)OH have been prepared in one pot reaction from the compartmental ligand N,N',N"-trimethyl-N,N"-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methylbenzyl)diethylenetriamine (H(2)L). Moreover, Ni(II)-Ln(III) complexes bearing benzoate or 9-anthracenecarboxylate bridging groups of formula [Ni(μ-L)(μ-BzO)Dy(NO(3))(2)] and [Ni(μ-L)(μ-9-An)Dy(9-An)(NO(3))(2)]·3CH(3)CN have also been successfully synthesized. In acetate-diphenoxo triply bridged complexes, the acetate bridging group forces the structure to be folded with an average hinge angle in the M(μ-O(2))Ln bridging fragment of ~22°, whereas nitrate-diphenoxo doubly bridged complexes and diphenoxo-doubly bridged complexes exhibit more planar structures with hinge angles of ~13° and ~2°, respectively. All Ni(II)-Ln(III) complexes exhibit ferromagnetic interactions between Ni(II) and Ln(III) ions and, in the case of the Gd(III) complexes, the J(NiGd) coupling increases weakly but significantly with the planarity of the M-(O)(2)-Gd bridging fragment and with the increase of the Ni-O-Gd angle. Density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculations on the Ni(II)Gd(III) complexes and model compounds support these magneto-structural correlations as well as the experimental J(NiGd) values, which were found to be ~1.38 and ~2.1 cm(-1) for the folded [Ni(μ-L)(μ-OAc)Gd(NO(3))(2)] and planar [Ni(H(2)O)(μ-L)Gd(NO(3))(3)]·2CH(3)OH complexes, respectively. The Ni(II)Dy(III) complexes exhibit slow relaxation of the magnetization with Δ/k(B) energy barriers under 1000 Oe applied magnetic fields of 9.2 and 10.1 K for [Ni(μ-L)(μ-BzO)Dy(NO(3))(2)] and [Ni(μ-L)(μ-9-An)Dy(9-An)(NO(3))(2)]·3CH(3)CN, respectively.     

Di- and tetra-nuclear copper(II), nickel(II), and cobalt(II) complexes of four bis-tetradentate triazole-based ligands: synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

Four bis-tetradentate N(4)-substituted-3,5-{bis[bis-N-(2-pyridinemethyl)]aminomethyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole ligands, L(Tz1)-L(Tz4), differing only in the triazole N(4) substituent R (where R is amino, pyrrolyl, phenyl, or 4-tertbutylphenyl, respectively) have been synthesized, characterized, and reacted with M(II)(BF(4))(2)·6H(2)O (M(II) = Cu, Ni or Co) and Co(SCN)(2). Experiments using all 16 possible combinations of metal salt and L(TzR) were carried out: 14 pure complexes were obtained, 11 of which are dinuclear, while the other three are tetranuclear. The dinuclear complexes include two copper(II) complexes, [Cu(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(4) (2), [Cu(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(BF(4))(2)](BF(4))(2) (4); two nickel(II) complexes, [Ni(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(H(2)O)(3)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(4)·0.5(CH(3)CN) (5) and [Ni(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(4)·H(2)O (8); and seven cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·H(2)O (9), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·2H(2)O (10), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz3))(H(2)O)(2)](BF(4))(4) (11), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·3H(2)O (12), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(SCN)(4)]·3H(2)O (13), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(SCN)(4)]·2H(2)O (14), and [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz3))(SCN)(4)]·H(2)O (15). The tetranuclear complexes are [Cu(II)(4)(L(Tz1))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(BF(4))(2)](BF(4))(6) (1), [Cu(II)(4)(L(Tz3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(μ-F)(2)](BF(4))(6)·0.5H(2)O (3), and [Ni(II)(4)(L(Tz3))(2)(H(2)O)(4)(μ-F(2))](BF(4))(6)·6.5H(2)O (7). Single crystal X-ray structure determinations revealed different solvent content from that found by microanalysis of the bulk sample after drying under a vacuum and confirmed that 5', 8', 9', 11', 12', and 15' are dinuclear while 1' and 7' are tetranuclear. As expected, magnetic measurements showed that weak antiferromagnetic intracomplex interactions are present in 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8, stabilizing a singlet spin ground state. All seven of the dinuclear cobalt(II) complexes, 9-15, have similar magnetic behavior and remain in the [HS-HS] state between 300 and 1.8 K.     

Three-dimensional architectures based on lanthanide-substituted double-Keggin-type polyoxometalates and lanthanide cations or lanthanide-organic complexes

A family of three-dimensional (3D) architectures based on lanthanide-substituted polyoxometaloborate building blocks, [LnK(H(2)O)(12)][Ln(H(2)O)(6)](2)[(H(2)O)(4)LnBW(11)O(39)H](2)·20H(2)O (Ln = Ce 1, Nd 2), H(2)K(2)(H(2)O)(n)[(C(6)NO(2)H(5))Ln(H(2)O)(5)](2)[(H(2)O)(4)LnBW(11)O(39)H](2)·18H(2)O (Ln = Ce n = 8 3, Nd n = 9 4, C(6)NO(2)H(5) = pyridine-4-carboxylic acid), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural, and are built up of lanthanide-substituted double-Keggin-type polyoxoanions [{(H(2)O)(4)Ln(BW(11)O(39)H)}(2)](10-) linked by Ln(3+) cations to form a 3D open framework with one-dimensional (1D) channels. The polyoxoanion [{(H(2)O)(4)Ln(BW(11)O(39)H)}(2)](10-) consists of two α(1)-type mono-Ln-substituted Keggin anions, constituted by two [BW(11)O(39)H](8-) polyoxoanions and two lanthanide cations. When pyridine-4-carboxylic acid ligand was added to the reaction system of 1, 2, compounds 3, 4 were obtained. Isostructural compounds 3 and 4 are constructed from the lanthanide-substituted double-Keggin-type polyoxoanions [{(H(2)O)(4)Ln(BW(11)O(39)H)}(2)](10-) linked by the [Ln(C(6)NO(2)H(5))](3+) bridges to form a 3D channel framework. From the topological point of view, the 3D nets of compounds 1-4 are binodal with three- and six-connected nodes and exhibit a rutile topology. Compounds 1-4 represent the examples of 3D architectures based on lanthanide-substituted polyoxometalates. The magnetic properties of compounds 1-4 have been studied by measuring their magnetic susceptibility in the temperature range 2-300 K.     

Coordination polymers of macrocyclic oxamide with 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate: syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties

Solvothermal reactions of mixed ligands H(3)BTC and macrocyclic oxamide complexes (ML, M = Cu, Ni) with M(ClO(4))(2)·6H(2)O (M = Co, Zn, Ni and Cd) afford six new complexes, including [M'(4)(BTC)(2)(ML)(2)(OH)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]·2H(2)O (M' = Co, M = Ni, for (1); M' = Zn, M = Ni, for (2); M' = Zn, M = Cu, for (3)), [Ni(3)(BTC)(2)(NiL)(2)(H(2)O)(6)]·2CH(3)OH·2H(2)O (4), [Cd(4)(BTC)(2)(HBTC)(NiL)(4)(H(2)O)]·3H(2)O (5) and [Cd(HBTC)(CuL)]·H(2)O (6) (ML, H(2)L = 2, 3-dioxo-5, 6, 14, 15-dibenzo-1,4,8,12-tetraazacyclo-pentadeca-7,13-dien; H(3)BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid). Complexes 1-3 consist of a 2D layer framework formed by the linkage of M(II)(M = Ni, Cu) and M'(4) (M' = Co, Zn) cluster via the oxamide and BTC(3-) bridges and display a (3,6)-connected network with a (4(3))(2)(4(6).6(6).8(3)) topology. The structure of 4 consists of pentanuclear [Ni(II)(5)] units and arranges in a 1D cluster chain. Complex 5 exhibits a 2D layered structure characterized by 3,4,3-connected (4.6(2))(3)(4.6(3).8(2))(4(2).6(3).8)(4(2).6) topology. Complex 6 possesses a 3D network with sra topology. The magnetic properties of complexes 1 and 4 were investigated.     

Syntheses, structures, and luminescent and magnetic properties of novel three-dimensional lanthanide complexes with 1,3,5-benzenetriacetate

Five novel lanthanide complexes with the formulas [Nd(bta)(H2O)2.4.35H2O]n(1), [Sm(bta)(H2O)2.4.5H2O]n (2), [Eu(bta)(H2O).1.48H2O]n (3), [Tb(bta)(H2O).1.31H2O]n (4), and [Yb(bta)(H2O).H2O]n (5) (H3bta = 1,3,5-benzenetriacetic acid) have been prepared by using the corresponding lanthanide salt and H3bta. The results of an X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed that all the complexes have three-dimensional channel-like structures, in which the bta3- ligands adopt different coordination modes: monodentate and mu2-eta2:eta1-bridging coordination modes in 1, 2, and 5 and mu2-eta1:eta1-bridging and mu2-eta2:eta1-bridging coordination modes in 3 and 4, respectively. Complexes 1 and 2, as well as 3 and 4, are isostructural, respectively, in which all the Ln(III) (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, and Tb) atoms are nine-coordinated, while the Yb(III) atoms in complex 5 are eight-coordinated. Both complexes 3 and 4 showed strong luminescence upon excitation, and their luminescence decay curves fit well with single exponential decays of which the lifetime is 0.45 ms for 3 and 1.0 ms for 4. The magnetic properties of the complexes were investigated in the temperature range of 1.8-300 K.     

Heterospin systems constructed from [Cu2Ln]3+ and [Ni(mnt)2]1-,2- Tectons: First 3p-3d-4f complexes (mnt = maleonitriledithiolato)

New heterospin complexes have been obtained by combining the binuclear complexes [{Cu(H(2)O)L(1)}Ln(O(2)NO)(3)] or [{CuL(2)}Ln(O(2)NO)(3)] (L(1) = N,N'-propylene-di(3-methoxysalicylideneiminato); L(2) = N,N'-ethylene-di(3-methoxysalicylideneiminato); Ln = Gd(3+), Sm(3+), Tb(3+)), with the mononuclear [CuL(1)(2)] and the nickel dithiolene complexes [Ni(mnt)(2)](q)- (q = 1, 2; mnt = maleonitriledithiolate), as follows: (1)infinity[{CuL(1)}(2)Ln(O(2)NO){Ni(mnt)(2)}].Solv.CH(3)CN (Ln = Gd(3+), Solv = CH(3)OH (1), Ln = Sm(3+), Solv = CH(3)CN (2)) and [{(CH(3)OH)CuL(2)}(2)Sm(O(2)NO)][Ni(mnt)(2)] (3) with [Ni(mnt)2]2-, [{(CH(3)CN)CuL(1)}(2)Ln(H(2)O)][Ni(mnt)(2)]3.2CH(3)CN (Ln = Gd(3+) (4), Sm(3+) (5), Tb(3+) (6)), and [{(CH(3)OH)CuL(2)}{CuL(2)}Gd(O(2)NO){Ni(mnt)(2)}][Ni(mnt)(2)].CH(2)Cl(2) (7) with [Ni(mnt))(2]*-. Trinuclear, almost linear, [CuLnCu] motifs are found in all the compounds. In the isostructural 1 and 2, two trans cyano groups from a [Ni(mnt)2]2- unit bridge two trimetallic nodes through axial coordination to the Cu centers, thus leading to the establishment of infinite chains. 3 is an ionic compound, containing discrete [{(CH(3)OH)CuL(2)}(2)Sm(O(2)NO)](2+) cations and [Ni(mnt)(2)](2-) anions. Within the series 4-6, layers of discrete [CuLnCu](3+) motifs alternate with stacks of interacting [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) radical anions, for which two overlap modes, providing two different types of stacks, can be disclosed. The strength of the intermolecular interactions between the open-shell species is estimated through extended Hückel calculations. In compound 7, [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) radical anions coordinate group one of the Cu centers of a trinuclear [Cu(2)Gd] motif through a CN, while discrete [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) units are also present, overlapping in between, but also with the coordinated ones. Furthermore, the [Cu(2)Gd] moieties dimerize each other upon linkage by two nitrato groups, both acting as chelate toward the gadolinium ion from one unit and monodentate toward a Cu ion from the other unit. The magnetic properties of the gadolinium-containing complexes have been determined. Ferromagnetic exchange interactions within the trinuclear [Cu(2)Gd] motifs occur. In the compounds 4 and 7, the [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) radical anions contribution to the magnetization is clearly observed in the high-temperature regime, and most of it vanishes upon temperature decrease, very likely because of the rather strong antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the open-shell species. The extent of the exchange interaction in the compound 7, which was found to be antiferromagnetic, between the coordinated Cu center and the corresponding [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) radical anion, bearing mostly a 3p spin type, was estimated through CASSCF/CASPT2 calculations. Compound 6 exhibits a slow relaxation of the magnetization.     

In situ hydrothermal synthesis of dysprosium(III) single-molecule magnet with lanthanide salt as catalyst

A family of six dinuclear lanthanide complexes have been obtained via in situ hydrothermal synthesis with lanthanide ions as catalyst. These six complexes are formulated as [Ln(2)(3-Htzba)(2)(3-tzba)(2)(H(2)O)(8)]·4H(2)O [Ln = Gd, 1; Dy, 2; Eu, 3; Tb, 4; Sm, 5; Er, 6; 3-H(2)tzba = 3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)benzoic acid]. The magnetic investigations show that complex 2 behaves as a single-molecule magnet (SMM) with a quantum relaxation time of ~10(-2) s.     

Dlf complexes with uniform coordination geometry: structural and magnetic properties of an LnNi2 core supported by a heptadentate amine phenol ligand

The synthesis and physical characterization of a series of lanthanide (Ln(III)) and nickel (Ni(II)) mixed trimetallic complexes with the heptadentate (N(4)O(3)) amine phenol ligand H(3)trn [tris(2'-hydroxybenzylaminoethyl)amine] has been accomplished in order to extend our understanding of how amine phenol ligands can be used to coaggregate d- and f-block metal ions and to investigate further the magnetic interaction between these ions. The one-pot reaction in methanol of stoichiometric amounts of H(3)trn with NiX(2).6H(2)O (X = ClO(4), NO(3)) followed by addition of the corresponding LnX(3).6H(2)O salt, and then base, produces complexes of the general formula [LnNi(2)(trn)(2)]X.nH(2)O. The complexes were characterized by a variety of analytical techniques. Crystals of five of the complexes were grown from methanol solutions and their structures were determined by X-ray analysis: [PrNi(2)(trn)(2)(CH(3)OH)]ClO(4).4CH(3)OH.H(2)O, [SmNi(2)(trn)(2)(CH(3)OH)]NO(3).4CH(3)OH.2H(2)O, [TbNi(2)(trn)(2)(CH(3)OH)]NO(3).4CH(3)OH.3H(2)O, [ErNi(2)(trn)(2)(CH(3)OH)]NO(3).6CH(3)OH, and [LuNi(2)(trn)(2)(CH(3)OH)]NO(3).4.5CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O. The [LnNi(2)(trn)(2)(CH(3)OH)](+) complex cation consists of two octahedral Ni(II) ions, each of which is encapsulated by the ligand trn(3)(-) in an N(4)O(2) coordination sphere with one phenolate O atom not bound to Ni(II). Each [Ni(trn)](-) unit acts as a tridentate ligand toward the Ln(III) ion via two bridging and one nonbridging phenolate donors. Remarkably, in all of the structurally characterized complexes, Ln(III) is seven-coordinate and has a flattened pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. Such uniform coordination behavior along the whole lanthanide series is rare and can perhaps be attributed to a mismatch between the geometric requirements of the bridging and nonbridging phenolate donors. Magnetic studies indicate that ferromagnetic exchange occurs in the Ni(II)/Ln(II) complexes where Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, or Er.     

Magnetic anisotropy of two trinuclear and tetranuclear Cr(III)Ni(II) cyanide-bridged complexes with spin ground states S = 4 and 5

The trinuclear and the tetranuclear complexes [[iPrtacnCr(CN)3]2[Ni(cyclam)]](NO3)2.5H2O 1 (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, iPrtacn = 1,4,7-tris-isopropyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) and [[iPrtacnCr(CN)3Ni(Me2bpy)2]2](ClO4)4.2CH3CN 2 (Me2bpy = 4,4-dimethyl-2,2-bipyridine) were synthesized by reacting (iPrtacn)Cr(CN)3 with [Ni(cyclam)](NO3)2 and [Ni(Me2bpy)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2, respectively. The crystallographic structure of the two compounds was solved. The molecular structure of complex 1 consists of a linear Cr-Ni-Cr arrangement with a central Ni(cyclam) unit surrounded by two Cr(iPrtacn)(CN)3 molecules through bridging cyanides. Each peripheral chromium complex has two pending CN ligands. Complex 2 has a square planar arrangement with the metal ions occupying the vertices of the square. Each Cr(iPrtacn)(CN)3 molecule has two bridging and one non-bridging cyanide ligands. The magnetic properties of the two complexes were investigated by susceptibility vs. temperature and magnetization vs. field studies. As expected from the orthogonality of the magnetic orbitals between Cr(III) (t2g3) and Ni(II) (e(g)2) metal ions, a ferromagnetic exchange interaction occurs leading to a spin ground states S = 4 and 5 for 1 and 2, respectively. The magnetization vs. field studies at T = 2, 3 and 4 K showed the presence of a magnetic anisotropy within the ground spin states leading to zero-field splitting parameters obtained by fitting the data D4 = 0.36 cm(-1) and D5 = 0.19 cm(-1) (the indices 4 and 5 refer to the ground states of complexes 1 and 2, respectively). In order to quantify precisely the magnitude of the axial (D) and the rhombic (E) anisotropy parameters, High-field high frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (HF-HFEPR) experiments were carried out. The best simulation of the experimental spectra (at 190 and 285 GHz) gave the following parameters for 1: D4 = 0.312 cm(-1), E4/D4 = 0.01, g4x = 2.003, g4y = 2.017 and g4z = 2.015. For complex 2 two sets of parameters could be extracted from the EPR spectra because a doubling of the resonances were observed and assigned to the presence of complexes with slightly different structures at low temperature: D5 = 0.154 (0.13) cm(-1), E5/D5 = 0.31 (0.31) cm(-1), g4x = 2.04 (2.05), g4y = 2.05 (2.05) and g4z = 2.03 (2.02). The knowledge of the magnetic anisotropy parameters of the mononuclear Cr(iPrtacn)(CN)3, Ni(cyclam)(NCS)2 and Ni(bpy)2(NCS)2 complexes by combining HF-HFEPR studies and calculation using a software based on the angular overlap model (AOM) allowed to determine the orientation of the local D tensors of the metal ions forming the polynuclear complexes. We, subsequently, show that the anisotropy parameters of the polynuclear complexes computed from the projection of the local tensors are in excellent agreement with the experimental ones extracted from the EPR experiments.     

Cobalt-lanthanide coordination polymers constructed with metalloligands: a ferromagnetic coupled quasi-1D Dy3+ chain showing slow relaxation

Four types of cobalt-lanthanide heterometallic compounds based on metalloligand Co(2,5-pydc)(3) (3-) (2,5-H(2)pydc=pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate acid), [Ln(2)Co(2)(2,5-pydc)(6)(H(2)O)(4)](n) 2n H(2)O (1) (Ln=Tb, Dy for 1 a, 1 b respectively), [Tb(2)Co(2)(2,5-pydc)(6)(H(2)O)(4)](n)3n H(2)O (2), [Tb(2)Co(2)(2,5-pydc)(6)(H(2)O)(9)](n)4n H(2)O (3), and [LaCo(2,5-pydc)(3)(H(2)O)(2)](n)2n H(2)O (4) have been synthesized. Compound 1 has a layer structure with well-isolated carboxylate-bridged Ln(3+) chains, compound 2 is a three-dimensional (3D) porous network with Tb(3+) chains that are also well isolated and carboxylate bridged, 3 is a layer structure based on dinuclear units, and 4 is a 3D network with boron nitride (BN) topology. DC magnetic studies reveal ferromagnetic coupling in all the carboxylate-bridged Ln(3+) chains in 1 a, 1 b, and 2. Compared to the silence of the out-of-phase ac susceptibility of 2, above 1.9 K the magnetic relaxation behavior of both 1 a and 1 b is slow like that of a single-chain magnet.     

Synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of face-sharing heterodinuclear Ni(II)-Ln(III) (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) complexes

Heterodinuclear [(Ni (II)L)Ln (III)(hfac) 2(EtOH)] (H 3L = 1,1,1-tris[(salicylideneamino)methyl]ethane; Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, and Dy; hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate) complexes ( 1.Ln) were prepared by treating [Ni(H 1.5L)]Cl 0.5 ( 1) with [Ln(hfac) 3(H 2O) 2] and triethylamine in ethanol (1:1:1). All 1.Ln complexes ( 1.Eu, 1.Gd, 1.Tb, and 1.Dy) crystallized in the triclinic space group P1 (No. 2) with Z = 2 with very similar structures. Each complex is a face-sharing dinuclear molecule. The Ni (II) ion is coordinated by the L (3-) ligand in a N 3O 3 coordination sphere, and the three phenolate oxygen atoms coordinate to an Ln (III) ion as bridging atoms. The Ln (III) ion is eight-coordinate, with four oxygen atoms of two hfac (-)'s, three phenolate oxygen atoms of L (3-), and one ethanol oxygen atom coordinated. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility and field-dependent magnetization measurements showed a ferromagnetic interaction between Ni (II) and Gd (III) in 1.Gd. The Ni (II)-Ln (III) magnetic interactions in 1.Eu, 1.Tb, and 1.Dy were evaluated by comparing their magnetic susceptibilities with those of the isostructural Zn (II)-Ln (III) complexes, [(ZnL)Ln(hfac) 2(EtOH)] ( 2.Ln) containing a diamagnetic Zn (II) ion. A ferromagnetic interaction was indicated in 1.Tb and 1.Dy, while the interaction between Ni (II) and Eu (III) was negligible in 1.Eu. The magnetic behaviors of 1.Dy and 2.Dy were analyzed theoretically to give insight into the sublevel structures of the Dy (III) ion and its coupling with Ni (II). Frequency dependence in the ac susceptibility signals was observed in 1.Dy.     

New metal-organic frameworks with large cavities: selective sorption and desorption of solvent molecules

Five novel transition metal complexes [Cd(II) (3)(tpba-2)(2)(SCN)(6)].6 THF.3 H(2)O (1), [Cu(II) (3)(tpba-2)(2)(SCN)(6)].6 THF.3 H(2)O (2), [Ni(II) (3)(tpba-2)(2)(SCN)(6)].6 THF.3 H(2)O (3), [Cd(II) (2)(tpba-2)(SCN)(3)]ClO(4) (4), [Cu(I) (3)(SCN)(6)(H(3)tpba-2)] (5) [TPBA-2 = N',N',N'-tris(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide, THF=tetrahydrofuran] were obtained by reactions of the corresponding transition metal salts with TPBA-2 ligand in the presence of NH(4)SCN using layering or solvothermal method, respectively. The results of X-ray crystallographic analysis showed that complexes 1, 2 and 3 are isostructural and have the same 2D honeycomb network structure with Kagomé lattice, in which all the M(II) (M = Cd, Cu, Ni) atoms are six-coordinated, and the TPBA-2 ligands adopt cis,cis,cis conformation while the thiocyanate anions act as terminal ligands. Capsule-like motifs are found in 1, 2 and 3, in which six THF molecules are hosted, and the results of XPRD and solid-state (13)C NMR spectral measurements showed that the compound 1 can selectively desorb and adsorb THF molecules occurring along with the re-establishment of its crystallinity. In contrast to 1, 2 and 3, complex 4 has different 2D network structure, resulting from TPBA-2 ligands with cis,trans,trans conformation, thiocyanate anions serving as end-to-end bridging ligands, and the incomplete replacement of perchlorate anions, which further link the 2D layers into 3D framework by the hydrogen bonds. In complex 5, the Cu(II) atoms are reduced to Cu(I) during the process of solvothermal reaction, and the Cu(I) atoms are connected by thiocyanate anions to form a 3D porous framework, in which the protonated TPBA-2 ligands are hosted in the cavities as templates.     

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of a family of tetra-, hexa-, and nonanuclear Mn/Ni heterometallic clusters

A family of Mn(III)/Ni(II) heterometallic clusters, [Mn(III)(4)Ni(II)(5)(OH)(4)(hmcH)(4)(pao)(8)Cl(2)]·5DMF (1·5DMF), [Mn(III)(3)Ni(II)(6)(N(3))(2)(pao)(10)(hmcH)(2)(OH)(4)]Br·2MeOH·9H(2)O (2·2MeOH·9H(2)O), [Mn(III)Ni(II)(5)(N(3))(4)(pao)(6)(paoH)(2)(OH)(2)](ClO(4))·MeOH·3H(2)O (3·MeOH·3H(2)O), and [Mn(III)(2)Ni(II)(2)(hmcH)(2)(pao)(4)(OMe)(2)(MeOH)(2)]·2H(2)O·6MeOH (4·2H(2)O·6MeOH) [paoH = pyridine-2-aldoxime, hmcH(3) = 2, 6-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-p-cresol], has been prepared by reactions of Mn(II) salts with [Ni(paoH)(2)Cl(2)], hmcH(3), and NEt(3) in the presence or absence of NaN(3) and characterized. Complex 1 has a Mn(III)(4)Ni(II)(5) topology which can be described as two corner-sharing [Mn(2)Ni(2)O(2)] butterfly units bridged to an outer Mn atom and a Ni atom through alkoxide groups. Complex 2 has a Mn(III)(3)Ni(II)(6) topology that is similar to that of 1 but with two corner-sharing [Mn(2)Ni(2)O(2)] units of 1 replaced with [Mn(3)NiO(2)] and [MnNi(3)O(2)] units as well as the outer Mn atom of 1 substituted by a Ni atom. 1 and 2 represent the largest 3d heterometal/oxime clusters and the biggest Mn(III)Ni(II) clusters discovered to date. Complex 3 possesses a [MnNi(5)(μ-N(3))(2)(μ-OH)(2)](9+) core, whose topology is observed for the first time in a discrete molecule. Careful examination of the structures of 1-3 indicates that the Mn/Ni ratios of the complexes are likely associated with the presence of the different coligands hmcH(2-) and/or N(3)(-). Complex 4 has a Mn(III)(2)Ni(II)(2) defective double-cubane topology. Variable-temperature, solid-state dc and ac magnetization studies were carried out on complexes 1-4. Fitting of the obtained M/(Nμ(B)) vs H/T data gave S = 5, g = 1.94, and D = -0.38 cm(-1) for 1 and S = 3, g = 2.05, and D = -0.86 cm(-1) for 3. The ground state for 2 was determined from ac data, which indicated an S = 5 ground state. For 4, the pairwise exchange interactions were determined by fitting the susceptibility data vs T based on a 3-J model. Complex 1 exhibits out-of-phase ac susceptibility signals, indicating it may be a SMM.