Formation of lanthanide ion networks by orientation of the mesophases of their complexes in magnetic fields

A complex of a Tm(III) perfluoroalkylsulsphate with salicylaldimine Schiff's base was synthesized and its liquid crystallinity characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. An additional phase transition was detected. 2D or 3D anisotropically-organized media were obtained by cooling of the lanthanide complex from different phases in an applied magnetic field. A huge positive magnetic anisotropy was observed for the resulting material.