First-principles calculations of zero-field splitting parameters

Exceptionally slow magnetic relaxation in a mononuclear hexacoordinate Ni(ii) complex

A hexacoordinate mononuclear [Ni(pydm)₂](dnbz)₂ complex shows field-induced slow magnetic relaxation with two or three relaxation channels that are strongly supported by an external magnetic field.

Field-induced single-ion magnet behaviour of a hexacoordinated Co(ii) complex with easy-axis-type magnetic anisotropy

This study presents the novel hexacoordinated Co(ii) mononuclear complex with SIM behavior.

Modulation of the magnetic anisotropy of octahedral cobalt(ii) single-ion magnets by fine-tuning the axial coordination microenvironment

The alteration of the axial N-donor ligands leads to two octahedral Co(ii) SIMs with varying easy-plane magnetic anisotropies and dynamic magnetic behaviors.

Slow magnetic relaxation in a high-spin pentacoordinate Fe(iii) complex

A mononuclear pentacoordinate iron(iii) complex shows slow magnetic relaxation with three relaxation channels.

Ion-pair complexes of Schiff base Fe(iii) cations and complex anions

We report on the crystal structure and magnetic properties of four new ion-pair complexes.

A linear cobalt(II) complex with maximal orbital angular momentum from a non-Aufbau ground state

Orbital angular momentum is a prerequisite for magnetic anisotropy, although in transition metal complexes it is typically quenched by the ligand field. By reducing the basicity of the carbon donor atoms in a pair of alkyl ligands, we synthesized a cobalt(II) dialkyl complex, Co(C(SiMe2ONaph)3)2 (where Me is methyl and Naph is a naphthyl group), wherein the ligand field is sufficiently weak that interelectron repulsion and spin-orbit coupling play a dominant role in determining the electronic ground state. Assignment of a non-Aufbau (dx2–y2, dxy)3(dxz, dyz)3(dz2)1 electron configuration is supported by dc magnetic susceptibility data, experimental charge density maps, and ab initio calculations. Variable-field far-infrared spectroscopy and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements further reveal slow magnetic relaxation via a 450–wave number magnetic excited state.

Ab initio paramagnetic NMR shifts via point-dipole approximation in a large magnetic-anisotropy Co(ii) complex

Transition metal complexes can possess a large magnetic susceptibility anisotropy, facilitating applications such as paramagnetic tags or shift agents in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Due to its g-shift and zero-field splitting (ZFS) we demonstrate on a Co(ii) clathrochelate with an aliphatic 16-carbon chain, a modern approach for ab initio calculation of paramagnetic susceptibility. Due to its large anisotropy, large linear dimension but relatively low number of atoms, the chosen complex is especially well-suited for testing the long-range point-dipole approximation (PDA) for the pseudocontact shifts (PCSs) of paramagnetic NMR. A static structure of the complex is used to compare the limiting long-distance PDA with full first-principles quantum-mechanical calculation. A non-symmetric formula for the magnetic susceptibility tensor is necessary to be consistent with the latter. Comparison with experimental shifts is performed by conformational averaging over the chain dynamics using Monte Carlo simulation. We observe satisfactory accuracy from the rudimentary simulation and, more importantly, demonstrate the fast applicability of the ab initio PDA.

Singlet-triplet energy gaps and the degree of diradical character in binuclear copper molecular magnets characterized by spin-flip density functional theory

Molecular magnets, defined here as organic polyradicals, can be used as building blocks in the fabrication of novel and structurally diverse magnetic light-weight materials. We present a theoretical investigation of the lowest spin states of several binuclear copper diradicals. In contrast to previous studies, we consider not only the energetics of the low-lying states (which are related to the exchange-coupling parameter within the Heisenberg-Dirac-van-Vleck model), but also the character of the diradical states themselves. We use natural orbitals, their occupations, and the number of effectively unpaired electrons to quantify bonding patterns in these systems. We compare the performance of spin-flip time-dependent density functional theory (SF-TDDFT) using various functionals and effective core potentials against the wave function based approach, equation-of-motion spin-flip coupled-cluster method with single and double substitutions (EOM-SF-CCSD). We find that SF-TDDFT paired with the PBE50 and B5050LYP functionals performs comparably to EOM-SF-CCSD, with respect to both singlet-triplet gaps and states' characters. Visualization of frontier natural orbitals shows that the unpaired electrons are localized on copper centers, in some cases exhibiting slight through-bond interaction via copper d-orbitals and p-orbitals of neighboring ligand atoms. The analysis reveals considerable interactions between the formally unpaired electrons in the antiferromagnetic diradicaloids, meaning that they are poorly described by the Heisenberg-Dirac-van-Vleck model. Thus, for these systems the experimentally derived exchange-coupling parameters are not directly comparable with the singlet-triplet gaps. This explains systematic discrepancies between the computed singlet-triplet energy gaps and the exchange-coupling parameters extracted from experiment.

Control of Oxidation and Spin State in a Single-Molecule Junction

The oxidation and spin state of a metal-organic molecule determine its chemical reactivity and magnetic properties. Here, we demonstrate the reversible control of the oxidation and spin state in a single Fe porphyrin molecule in the force field of the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope. Within the regimes of half-integer and integer spin state, we can further track the evolution of the magnetocrystalline anisotropy. Our experimental results are corroborated by density functional theory and wave function theory. This combined analysis allows us to draw a complete picture of the molecular states over a large range of intramolecular deformations.

Field effects to slow magnetic relaxation in a mononuclear Ni(ii) complex

A mononuclear Ni(ii) complex [Ni(NCS)₂(nqu)₂(H₂O)₂]·2nqu (nqu - 5-nitroquinoline) shows a field induced slow magnetic relaxation with three relaxation domains. The relaxation time for the low-frequency mode is as slow as τ = 0.3 s at T = 1.9 K and B_DC = 0.4 T.

A mononuclear Co(ii) complex formed from pyridinedimethanol with manifold slow relaxation channels

A mononuclear hexacoordinate complex [Co(pydm)₂](dnbz)₂ formed from 2,6-pyridinedimethanol in the coordination sphere of Co(ii) and dinitrobenzoato anions exhibits magnetic anisotropy of an easy axis type and a field induced slow magnetic relaxation with manifold relaxation channels. The low-frequency relaxation time is as slow as τ_LF = 0.13 s at B_DC = 0.4 T and T = 1.9 K.

Effect of Low Spin Excited States for Magnetic Anisotropy of Transition Metal Mononuclear Single Molecule Magnets

Rational, fine tuning of magnetic anisotropy is critical to obtain new coordination compounds with enhanced single molecule magnet properties. For mononuclear transition metal complexes, the largest contribution to zero-field splitting is usually related to the excited states of the same spin as the ground level. Thus, the contribution of lower multiplicity roots tends to be overlooked due to its lower magnitude. In this article, we explore the role of lower multiplicity excited states in zero-field splitting parameters in model structures of Fe(II) and Co(II). Model aquo complexes with coordination numbers ranging from 2 to 6 were constructed. The magnetic anisotropy was calculated by state of the art ab initio methodologies, including spin-orbit coupling effects. For non-degenerate ground states, contributions to the zero-field splitting parameter (D) from highest and lower multiplicity roots were of the same sign. In addition, their relative magnitude was in a relatively narrow range, irrespective of the coordination geometry. For degenerate ground states, the contribution from lower multiplicity roots was significantly smaller. Results are rationalized in terms of general expressions for D and are expected to be reasonably transferable to real molecular systems.

Rationalization of single-molecule magnet behavior in a three-coordinate Fe(iii) complex with a high-spin state (S = 5/2)

A trigonal-planar Fe(iii) complex Fe[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ with a high spin state (S = 5/2) was investigated by magnetic and HF-EPR measurements, exhibiting distinct dynamic magnetic behaviour.

Two polymorphic Co(ii) field-induced single-ion magnets with enormous angular distortion from the ideal octahedron

A mononuclear complex [Co(neo)(PhCOO)₂] was prepared in two polymorphic forms, which both possess large magnetic anisotropy with different degrees of rhombicity. Furthermore, both polymorphs behave as field-induced single-ion magnets.

Effect of linear and non-linear pseudohalides on the structural and magnetic properties of Co(ii) hexacoordinate single-molecule magnets

Field-induced single-molecule magnets based on Co(ii) hexacoordinate complexes comprising pseudohalides are reported.

(Azulene-1,3-diyl)-bis(nitronyl nitroxide) and (Azulene-1,3-diyl)-bis(iminonitroxide) and Their Copper Complexes

In contrast to diradicals connected by alternant hydrocarbons, only a few studies on those connected by nonalternant hydrocarbons have been reported. The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of azulene-1,3-diyl linked bis(nitronyl nitroxide) (NN₂ Az) and bis(iminonitroxide) (IN₂ Az) diradicals and their Cu(hfac)₂ (hfac=hexafluoroacetylacetonate) complexes were investigated. NN₂ Az was shown to have an intramolecular ferromagnetic interaction with J_obs /k_B =+10.0 K (H=-2JS₁ ⋅S₂ ) between (nitronyl nitroxide) spins, whereas IN₂ Az was estimated to have a much weaker intramolecular magnetic interaction. The reactions of NN₂ Az and IN₂ Az with Cu(hfac)₂ gave a 1:2 [{Cu(hfac)₂ }₂ (NN₂ Az)] complex and a 1:1 [Cu(hfac)₂ (IN₂ Az)]⋅C₆ H₁₂ complex, respectively. [{Cu(hfac)₂ }₂ (NN₂ Az)] showed strong intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions (J_1-Cu-R /k_B ≈-800 K, J_2-Cu-R /k_B ≈-500 K) between the Cu^II spins and the coordinating NN spins, whereas [Cu(hfac)₂ (IN₂ Az)] exhibited a ferromagnetic exchange interaction (J_obs-Cu-R /k_B =+114 K) between the Cu^II spin and the imino-coordinated iminonitroxide spin.

Syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of two mixed-valence Co(iii)Co(ii) compounds derived from Schiff base ligands: field-supported single-ion-magnet behavior with easy-plane anisotropy

Two μ-phenoxo-μ_1,1-azide dinuclear Co^IIICo^II complexes [Co^III(N₃)₂L¹(μ_1,1-N₃)Co^II(N₃)]·MeOH (1) and [Co^III(N₃)₂L²(μ_1,1-N₃)Co^II(N₃)]·MeOH (2) (HL¹ and HL² are two Schiff base ligands having N₂O-N₂O compartments) both possess one hexacoordinate Co(iii) and one pentacoordinate Co(ii) center. DC magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements show an appreciable amount of positive magnetic anisotropy (D/hc∼ 40 cm^-1) that is also confirmed by ab initio CASSCF calculations. AC susceptibility measurements of 1 reveal that it exhibits a slow magnetic relaxation with two relaxation channels. The external magnetic field supports the low-frequency (LF) channel that escapes on heating more progressively than the high-frequency (HF) branch. The relaxation time is as slow as τ = 255 ms at T = 1.9 K and B_DC = 0.6 T, where the LF mole fraction is 69%. The complex 2 also displays similar field-supported slow magnetic relaxation with two relaxation channels.

The Design of Radical Stacks: Nitronyl-Nitroxide-Substituted Heteropentacenes

The first alkyl chain-anchored heteropentacene, dithieno[2,3-d;2',3'-d']benzo-[1,2-b;3,4-b']dithiophene (DTmBDT), mono- or disubstituted with a nitronyl nitroxide group has been prepared through a cross-coupling synthetic procedure of the corresponding dibromo-derivative (Br2-DTmBDT) with a nitronyl nitroxide-2-ide gold(I) complex. The synthesized nitroxides possess high kinetic stability, which allowed us to investigate their structure and thermal, optical, electrochemical, and magnetic properties. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction of both mono- and diradicals revealed that the nitronyl nitroxide group lies almost in the same plane as the nearest side thiophene ring. Such arrangement favors formation of edge-to-edge dimers, which then form close π-stacks surrounded by interdigitating alkyl chains. Before melting, these nitronyl nitroxide radical substituted molecules undergo at least two different phase transitions (PTs): for the monoradical, PTs are reversible, accompanied by hysteresis, and occur near 13 and 83 °C; the diradical upon heating shows a reversible PT with hysteresis in the temperature range 2-11 °C and an irreversible PT near 135 °C. PTs of this type are absent in Br2-DTmBDT. Therefore, the step-by-step substitution of bromine atoms by nitronyl nitroxide groups changes the structural organization of DTmBDT and induces the emergence of PTs. This knowledge may facilitate crystal engineering of π-stacked paramagnets and related molecular spin devices.

Field-Assisted Slow Magnetic Relaxation in a Six-Coordinate Co(II)-Co(III) Complex with Large Negative Anisotropy

The reaction of Co(CH₃COO)₂·4H₂O with the Schiff base ligand LH₄ derived from o-vanillin and tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane produces the dinuclear mixed-valence complex [Co^IICo^III(LH₂)₂(CH₃COO)(H₂O)](H₂O)₃ (1), which has been investigated using IR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, HFEPR spectroscopy, and ac susceptibility measurements at various frequencies, temperatures, and external magnetic fields. The structure of 1 consists of neutral molecules in which two cobalt ions with distorted octahedral geometries, Co^IIO₆ and Co^IIIN₂O₄, are bridged by two deprotonated -CH₂O^- groups of the two LH₂^2- ligands. 1 completes a series with Cl, Br, NO₃, and NCS anions published before by different authors. Low-temperature HFEPR measurements reveal that the ground electronic state of the Co(II) center in 1 is a highly anisotropic Kramers doublet; the effective g values of 7.18, 2.97, and 1.96 are frequency-independent over the frequency ranges 200-630, 200-406, and 200-300 GHz for the highest, intermediate, and lowest g_eff values, respectively. The two lower values were not seen at higher frequencies because the magnetic field was not high enough. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility and field-dependent magnetization data confirm high magnetic anisotropy of the easy axis type. Complex 1 behaves as a single-ion magnet under a small applied external field and demonstrates two relaxation modes that strongly depend on the applied static dc field. The observation of multiple relaxation pathways clearly distinguishes 1 from the Cl and Br analogues.

Impact of Halogenido Coligands on Magnetic Anisotropy in Seven-Coordinate Co(II) Complexes

The structural and magnetic features of a series of mononuclear seven-coordinate Co^II complexes with the general formula [Co(L)X₂], where L is a 15-membered pyridine-based macrocyclic ligand (3,12,18-triaza-6,9-dioxabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca-1(18),14,16-triene) and X = Cl^- (1), Br^- (2), or I^- (3), were investigated experimentally and theoretically in order to reveal how the corresponding halogenido coligands in the apical positions of a distorted pentagonal-bipyramidal coordination polyhedron may affect the magnetic properties of the prepared compounds. The thorough analyses of the magnetic data revealed a large easy-plane type of the magnetic anisotropy (D > 0) for all three compounds, with the D-values increasing in the order 35 cm^-1 for 3 (I^-), 38 cm^-1 for 1 (Cl^-), and 41 cm^-1 for 2 (Br^-). Various theoretical methods like the Angular Overlap Model, density functional theory, CASSCF/CASPT2, CASSCF/NEVPT2 were utilized in order to understand the observed trend in magnetic anisotropy. The D-values correlated well with the Mayer bond order (decreasing in order Co-I > Co-Cl > Co-Br), which could be a consequence of two competing factors: (a) the ligand field splitting and (b) the covalence of the Co-X bond. All the complexes also behave as field-induced single-molecule magnets with the spin reversal barrier U_eff increasing in order 1 (Cl^-) < 2 (Br^-) < 3 (I^-); however, taking into account the easy-plane type of the magnetic anisotropy, the Raman relaxation process is most likely responsible for slow relaxation of the magnetization. The results of the work revealed that the previously suggested and fully accepted strategy employing heavier halogenido ligands in order to increase the magnetic anisotropy has some limitations in the case of pentagonal-bipyramidal Co^II complexes.

Magnetic Anisotropy and Field-induced Slow Relaxation of Magnetization in Tetracoordinate CoII Compound [Co(CH₃-im)₂Cl₂]

Static and dynamic magnetic properties of the tetracoordinate Co^II complex [Co(CH₃-im)₂Cl₂], (1, CH₃-im = N-methyl-imidazole), studied using thorough analyses of magnetometry, and High-Frequency and -Field EPR (HFEPR) measurements, are reported. The study was supported by ab initio complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) calculations. It has been revealed that 1 possesses a large magnetic anisotropy with a large rhombicity (magnetometry: D = −13.5 cm⁻¹, E/D = 0.33; HFEPR: D = −14.5(1) cm⁻¹, E/D = 0.16(1)). These experimental results agree well with the theoretical calculations (D = −11.2 cm⁻¹, E/D = 0.18). Furthermore, it has been revealed that 1 behaves as a field-induced single-ion magnet with a relatively large spin-reversal barrier (U_eff = 33.5 K). The influence of the Cl–Co–Cl angle on magnetic anisotropy parameters was evaluated using the CASSCF calculations.

Tetranuclear Ni(ii) and Co(ii) Schiff-base complexes with an M4O6 defective dicubane-like core: zero-field SMM behavior in the cobalt analogue

Two tetranuclear Ni₄ and Co₄ complexes were prepared and characterized. Their magnetic properties were thoroughly studied and it was revealed that the Co₄ compound behaves as a zero-field single-molecule magnet.

Tuning the copper(ii) coordination properties of cyclam by subtle chemical modifications

A copper(ii) coordination investigation of modified cyclams bearing “oxo” and/or “N-benzyl” and/or “C-hydroxyethyl” units was performed by potentiometry, ESI-MS, UV-Vis, electrochemistry and DFT.