Synthetic routes to a family of Mn–Ce heterometallic clusters

Synthetic methods are described that have resulted in the preparation of several mixed-metal Mn–Ce clusters. The methods involve the reaction of Mn^II salts or preformed Mn clusters with Ce^IV reagents. The products may be divided into three general classes on the basis of the Mn and Ce oxidation states, Mn^IV–Ce^IV, Mn^III–Ce^IV, and Mn^III–Ce^III/IV. All Mn^IV–Ce^IV compounds were prepared by addition of Ce^IV to Mn^II salts, whereas all Mn^III–Ce^IV and Mn^III–Ce^III/IV clusters were prepared by addition of Ce^IV to Mn^III-containing clusters. All the mixed Mn–Ce clusters have aesthetically pleasing structures and some of them also have interesting magnetic properties.