Magnetic exchange coupling in bis-nitroxides: a theoretical analysis of the solvent effects

Magnetic properties of nitroxide radicals can be greatly affected by solvent effects. In this study, the change of the magnetic exchange interaction J, coupling the two unpaired electrons of a model solvated antiferromagnetic bis-iminyl-nitroxide molecule (2IN), is rationalized thanks to different geometric and electronic criteria provided by density functional theory calculations. It is shown that for a given geometry, simple tools can be used to analyze with good accuracy the dependence of J with the solvent polarity. Estimates of two important magnetic parameters are given: the magnetic orbitals exchange and the in-site energy gap between ionic and neutral configurations. 2IN can be engaged in different hydrogen-bonds with first shell water molecules, modifying both the 2IN geometry and the electrostatic potential felt by the molecule. In all, the additivity of electrostatic and hydrogen-bond solvent effects is found to be responsible for J variations as large as 50%.