Density functional theory study of the magnetic properties of rare earth complexes: the magnetic coupling mechanism in YIII and GdIII complexes with nitronyl nitroxide

The magnetic coupling interactions of the nitronyl nitroxide radicals bound to diamagnetic (Y^III) and paramagnetic (Gd^III) rare earth ions in two model magnetic systems based on novel rare earth organic radical complexes Ln(hfac)₃(NITPhOCH₃)₂ (Ln = Y^III 1, Gd^III 2; hafc = hexafluoroacetylacetonate; NITPhOCH₃ = 4′-methoxyo-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide) have been investigated by density functional theory (DFT). The magnetic coupling mechanisms were also explored from the viewpoint of molecular orbital and spin density populations. DFT calculations show that the empty 4d-orbitals of Y^III and 5d-orbitals of Gd^III play an important role in the antiferromagnetic coupling between the two nitronyl nitroxide radical ligands, and that the ferromagnetic coupling between the Gd^III ion and the radical magnetic centers can be attributed to the nearly complete localization of the isotropic 4f-shell and singly occupied magnetic orbital (Π^*) of the nitronyl nitroxide.