Coupling Dy3Triangles to Maximize the Toroidal Moment

Self-Assembled Lanthanide Phosphinate Square Grids (Ln = Er, Dy, and Tb): Dy4 Shows SMM/SMT and Tb4 SMT Behavior

Tetranuclear [2 × 2] square-grid-like LnIII clusters have been synthesized by reacting LnCl3·6H2O salts with bis[α-hydroxy(p-bromophenyl)methyl]phosphinic acid [R2PO2H, where R = CH(OH)PhBr] and pivalic acid. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies show the formation of [Me4N]2[Ln4(μ2-η1:η1-PO2R2)8(η2-CO2But)4(μ4-CO3)] [Ln = Er (1), Dy (2), and Tb (3)]. Direct-current studies reveal significant ferromagnetic interactions between DyIII in 2 and TbIII in 3 and an antiferromagnetic interaction between ErIII in 1. Dynamic magnetic susceptibility measurements confirm a single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior in both 0 and 1200 Oe applied magnetic fields for 2. Complexes 2 and 3 show single molecular toroic (SMT) behavior with a mixed magnetic moment.

Recent Developments of Nontraditional Single-Molecule Toroics

Single-molecule toroics (SMTs), defined as a type of molecules with toroidal arrangement of magnetic moment associated with bi-stable non-magnetic ground states, are promising candidates for high-density information storage and the development of molecule based multiferroic materials with linear magneto-electric coupling and multiferroic behavior. The design and synthesis of SMTs by arranging the magnetic anisotropy axis in a circular pattern at the molecular level have been of great interest to scientists for last two decades since the first detection of the SMT behavior in the seminal Dy3 molecules. DyIII ion has long been the ideal candidate for constructing SMTs due to its Kramer ion nature as well as high anisotropy. Nevertheless, other LnIII ions such as TbIII and HoIII ions, as well as some paramagnetic transition metal ions, have also been used to construct many nontraditional SMTs. Therefore, we review the progress in the studies of SMTs based on the nontraditional perspective, ranging from the 3D topological to 1D&2D&3D polymeric SMTs, and 3d-4f to non Dy-based SMTs. We hope the understanding we provide about nontraditional SMTs will be helpful in designing novel SMTs.

Magnetodielectric Effect in a Triangular Dysprosium Single-Molecule Toroics

Single-molecule toroics are molecular magnets with vortex distribution of magnetic moments. The coupling between magnetic and electric properties such as the magnetodielectric effect will provide potential applications for them. Herein, the observation of significant magnetodielectric effect in a triangular Dy3 crystal with toroidal magnetic moment and multiple magnetic relaxations is reported. The analysis of magnetic and electric properties implies that the magnetodielectric effect is closely related to the strong spin-lattice coupling, magnetic interactions of Dy3+ ions, as well as molecular packing models.

The prediction of single-molecule magnet properties via deep learning

This paper uses deep learning to present a proof-of-concept for data-driven chemistry in single-molecule magnets (SMMs). Previous discussions within SMM research have proposed links between molecular structures (crystal structures) and single-molecule magnetic properties; however, these have only interpreted the results. Therefore, this study introduces a data-driven approach to predict the properties of SMM structures using deep learning. The deep-learning model learns the structural features of the SMM molecules by extracting the single-molecule magnetic properties from the 3D coordinates presented in this paper. The model accurately determined whether a molecule was a single-molecule magnet, with an accuracy rate of approximately 70% in predicting the SMM properties. The deep-learning model found SMMs from 20 000 metal complexes extracted from the Cambridge Structural Database. Using deep-learning models for predicting SMM properties and guiding the design of novel molecules is promising.

Reversible single-crystal to single-crystal transformation between triangular single-molecule toroics

We report a method for synthesizing single-molecule magnets through a single-crystal to single-crystal transformation. This process yields two single-molecule magnets with similar triangular Dy3 cores but distinct solvents and space groups achieved via solvent exchange. Magnetic properties reveal that both Dy3 molecules exhibit similar toroidal moments but manifest diverse multiple magnetization dynamic behaviors owing to the spin-lattice coupling influence from different solvent molecules.

Chiral Zn3Ln3 Hexanuclear Clusters of an Achiral Flexible Ligand

Multifunctional single-molecule magnets (SMMs) have sparked great interest, but chiral SMMs obtained via spontaneous resolution are rarely reported. We synthesized a series of chiral trinuclear hepta-coordinate lanthanide complexes [ZnII3LnIII3] (1 for Dy, 2 for Tb, 3 for Gd, and 4 for Dy0.07Y0.93) using the achiral flexible ligand H2L (2,2'-[1,2-ethanediylbis[(ethylimino)methylene]]bis[3,5-dimethylphenol]). The complexes crystallize in the chiral P63 group space, and two enantiomers of different chirality are spontaneously resolved. Three [Zn(L)Cl]- anions utilize the two phenoxy oxygen atoms of each L2- to coordinate with three lanthanide ions, respectively, and the three hepta-coordinate D5h lanthanide ions are arranged in a triangle. The chirality comes from the propeller arrangement of the peripheral three bidentate chelate L2- ligands like octahedral [M(AA)3]n+/- (M = transition metal ions; AA = bidentate chelate ligands, e.g., 2,2'-bipyridine, 1,10-phenathroline, ethylenediamine, acac- or oxalate). Complex 1 exhibits an AC susceptibility signal and is frequency-dependent, which is typical of SMMs. Complex 4, doped with a large amount of diamagnetic Y(III) in Dy(III), exhibits Ueff = 48.3 K and τ0 = 4.4 × 10-8 s in experiments. Complex 2 shows circularly polarized luminescence and apparent photoluminescence, typical of the f-f transitions of Tb(III).

Synthesis, structures and magnetic studies of hexanuclear lanthanide complexes: SMM behavior of the DyIII analogue and MCE properties of the GdIII analogue

The synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of homometallic hexanuclear lanthanide complexes [Ln6(HL)4(tfa)4(S)2]·2NO3·x H2O·yMeOH (1, Ln = Gd, S = MeOH, x = 0, y = 0; 2, Ln = Tb, S = H2O, x = 2, y = 2; 3, Ln = Dy, S = MeOH, x = 0, y = 2; 4, Ln = Er, S = MeOH, x = 0, y = 2). [(H4L) = 6-((bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino)-N'-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)picolinohydrazide) (tfa = trifloroacetylacetone)] are reported. These hexanuclear assemblies are made up of two trinuclear triangular sub-units linked through the oxygen atoms of two phenoxide bridging groups in a corner sharing arrangement. Magnetic studies reveal that 1 displays a magnetocaloric effect with a maximum value of -ΔSm = 21.03 J kg-1 K-1 at T = 3 K and under an applied field change ΔB = 5 T. Complex 3 shows slow relaxation of magnetization even under zero applied field although a clear maximum in the ac susceptibility plots cannot be seen. However, under an optimal applied field of 0.2 T, clear maxima are observed in the out-of-phase (χ''M) component of the ac susceptibility in the temperature range 3.5 K (2 kHz) to 10.5 K (10 kHz). The temperature dependence of the relaxation times could be fitted to the sum of Orbach, Raman and QTM relaxation processes affording the following parameters: τo = 3.4(9) × 10-8 s, Ueff = 94(2) K, BRaman = 16.43(1) K-n s-1, n = 3.2(3) and τQTM = 0.0044(3) s. 4, under an applied magnetic field of 0.2 T, shows slow relaxation of magnetization through a thermally activated Orbach process with Ueff = 18.2(9) K and τo = 3.5(3) × 10-8 s.

Toroidal moment and dynamical control in luminescent 1D and 3D terbium calixarene compounds

A toroidal moment can be generated spontaneously in inorganic (atom-based) ferrotoroidic materials that breaks both time-reversal and space-inversion symmetries, attracting great attention in solid-state chemistry and physics. In the field of molecular magnetism, it can also be achieved in lanthanide (Ln) involved metal-organic complexes usually with a wheel-shaped topological structure. Such complexes are called single-molecule toroics (SMTs), presenting unique advantages in spin chirality qubits and magnetoelectric coupling. However, to date, the synthetic strategies of SMTs have remained elusive, and the covalently bonded three-dimensional (3D) extended SMT has not hitherto been synthesized. Here, two luminescent Tb(iii)-calixarene aggregates with architectures of 1D chain (1) and 3D network (2) both containing the square Tb₄ unit have been prepared. Their SMT characteristics deriving from the toroidal arrangement of the local magnetic anisotropy axes of Tb(iii) ions in the Tb₄ unit have been investigated experimentally with the support of ab initio calculations. To the best of our knowledge, 2 is the first covalently bonded 3D SMT polymer. Remarkably, solvato-switching of SMT behavior has also been achieved for the first time by desolvation and solvation processes of 1.

Lanthanide Single-molecule Magnets: Synthetic Strategy, Structures, Properties and Recent Advances

Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) show wide potential applications in the field of ultrahigh-density storage materials, quantum computing, spintronics, and so on. Lanthanide (Ln) SMMs, as an important category of SMMs, open up a promising prospect due to their large magnetic moments and huge magnetic anisotropy. However, the construction of high performance for Ln SMMs remains an enormous challenge. Although remarkable advances are focused on the topic of Ln SMMs, the research on Ln SMMs with different nuclear numbers is still deficient. Therefore, this review summarizes the design strategies for the construction of Ln SMMs, as well as the metal skeleton types. Furthermore, we collect reported Ln SMMs with mononuclearity, dinuclearity, and multinuclearity (three or more Ln spin centers) and the SMM properties including energy barrier (U_eff ) and pre-exponential factor (τ₀ ) are described. Finally, Ln SMMs with low-nuclearity SMMs, especially for single-ion magnets (SIMs), are highlighted to understand the correlations between structures and magnetic behavior of the detail SMM properties are described. We expect the review can shed light on the future developments of high-performance Ln SMMs.

Alkali metal-linked triangular building blocks assemble a high-nucleation lanthanoid cluster based on single-molecule magnets

The metallic central magnetic axes in high-nucleation clusters with complex structural connections tend to be disorganized and cancel each other out. Therefore, high-nucleation clusters cannot easily exhibit single-molecule magnets (SMMs) behaviors. Herein, we select a triple-core building block (Dy3K2, 1) and use linked diamagnetic alkali metal to form an open, spherical, high-nucleation cluster Dy12Na6 (3) with SMM behavior. Furthermore, by changing the reaction conditions, Dy6K2 (2) formed by linking two Dy3 by K(I) is obtained. High-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry of clusters 1-3 effectively captures the building block Dy3, and clusters 1 and 3 and Dy3 have high stability even with the increase in ion source energy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that an SMM based on a high-nucleation cluster has been obtained by connecting magnetic primitives via diamagnetic metal ions. Dy12K6 is currently the highest nuclear ns-4f heterometallic SMM.

Ferroelectric Single-Molecule Magnet with Toroidal Magnetic Moments

Materials that coexist magnetic and electric properties on the molecular scale in single-molecule magnets (SMMs) with peculiar quantum behaviors have promise in molecular electronics and spintronics. Nevertheless, such molecular materials are limited in potentials because their magnetic signal cannot be transformed into an electrical signal through magnetoresistance or Hall effects for their high insulativity. The discovery of an entirely new material, ferroelectric SMMs (FE SMMs) is reported. This FE SMM also shows single-molecule magnetic behaviors, toroidal magnetic moments, and room-temperature ferroelectricity. The toroidal moment is formed by a vortex distribution of magnetic dipoles in triangular Dy3 clusters. The analysis of ac magnetic susceptibility reveals the coexistence of three distinct magnetic relaxation processes at low temperatures. The ferroelectricity is introduced by incorporating polar alcohol molecules in the structure, which is confirmed by the X-ray diffraction and optical second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements. Moreover, the dielectric measurements reveal a ferroelectric-to-ferroelectric phase transition around 150 K due to the symmetry change from Pc to Pna21 . The coexistence of toroidal moment and ferroelectricity along with quantum magnetism in the rare-earth single-molecule magnets yields a unique class of multiferroics.

Slow magnetic relaxation in a Dy3 triangle and a bistriangular Dy6 cluster

Two lanthanide single-molecule magnets (SMMs) [Dy₃(μ₃-OH)(HL-1)₃(H₂O)₃](NO₃)₂·3H₃O (1, H₃L-1 = (E)-3-(((8-hydroxyquinolin-2-yl)methylene)amino)propane-1,2-diol) and [Dy₆(μ₃-OH)₄(H₂L-2)₄(HL-2)₂(L-2)₂] (2, H₃L-2 = (E)-2-hydroxy-N'-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide) were synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. Complex 1 contains a triangular Dy₃ core in which the three Dy³⁺ ions share a μ₃-OH^- anion and the deprotonated ligands of (HL-1)^2- serve both capping and bridging functions, while 2 displays a centrosymmetric hexanuclear Dy^III structure with two similar Dy₃ triangular cores ligated by two fully deprotonated (L-2)^3- ligands, each of which shares two μ₃-OH^- anions. All the Dy^III ions are eight-coordinated with quasi D_2d or C_2v symmetry. Magnetic studies reveal that 1 exhibited two-step magnetic relaxation under an applied dc field of 800 Oe, with effective energy barriers of 40.1 and 31.0 K for the slow relaxation (SR) and fast relaxation regimes (FR), respectively. Meanwhile, 2 only showed a tail of slow magnetic relaxation at above 2 K. Ab initio calculations have been carried out to show the nature of their different magnetic properties.

The Role of Magnetic Dipole—Dipole Coupling in Quantum Single-Molecule Toroics

For single-molecule toroics (SMTs) based on noncollinear Ising spins, intramolecular magnetic dipole–dipole coupling favours a head-to-tail vortex arrangement of the semi-classical magnetic moments associated with a toroidal ground state. However, to what extent does this effect survive beyond the semi-classical Ising limit? Here, we theoretically investigate the role of dipolar interactions in stabilising ground-state toroidal moments in quantum Heisenberg rings with and without on-site magnetic anisotropy. For the prototypical triangular SMT with strong on-site magnetic anisotropy, we illustrate that, together with noncollinear exchange, intramolecular magnetic dipole–dipole coupling serves to preserve ground-state toroidicity. In addition, we investigate the effect on quantum tunnelling of the toroidal moment in Kramers and non-Kramers systems. In the weak anisotropy limit, we find that, within some critical ion–ion distances, intramolecular magnetic dipole–dipole interactions, diagonalised over the entire Hilbert space of the quantum system, recover ground-state toroidicity in ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic odd-membered rings with up to seven sites, and are further stabilised by Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya coupling.

Toroidal versus centripetal arrangement of the magnetic moment in a Dy4 tetrahedron

Magnetic investigation and ab initio calculations reveal toroidal arrangement of the magnetic moment rather than centripetal anisotropies in a tetrahedral Dy4 complex.

Toroidal magnetic moments in Tb4 squares

A series of Tb4 complexes isolated from reduced or dimerized Schiff base ligand share a similar µ4-O bridged Tb4 square core with the magnetic moments of the TbIII ions in...

Single-Molecule Magnets beyond a Single Lanthanide Ion: The Art of Coupling

The promising future of storing and processing quantized information at the molecular level has been attracting the study of Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) for almost three decades. Although some recent breakthroughs are mainly about the SMMs containing only one lanthanide ion, we believe SMMs can tell a much deeper story than the single-ion anisotropy. Here in this Perspective, we will try to draw a unified picture of SMMs as a delicately coupled spin system between multiple spin centres. The hierarchical couplings will be presented step-by-step, from the intra-atomic hyperfine coupling, to the direct and indirect intra-molecular couplings with neighbouring spin centres, and all the way to the inter-molecular and spin–phonon couplings. Along with the discussions on their distinctive impacts on the energy level structures and thus magnetic behaviours, a promising big picture for further studies is proposed, encouraging the multifaceted developments of molecular magnetism and beyond.

In this Perspective, we draw a unified picture for single-molecule magnets as delicately coupled spin systems, discuss the hierarchical couplings (from intra-atomic to inter-molecular) and their distinctive impacts on the magnetic behaviours.

Macrocycle based dinuclear dysprosium(III) single molecule magnets with local D5h coordination geometry

Targeted approaches for manipulating the coordination geometry of lanthanide ions are a promising way to synthesize high-performance single-molecule magnets (SMMs), but most of the successful examples reported to date focus on mononuclear complexes. Herein, we describe a strategy to assemble dinuclear SMMs with Dy^III ions in approximate D_5h coordination geometry based on pyrazolate-based macrocyclic ligands with two binding sites. A Dy4 complex with a rhomb-like arrangement of four Dy^III as well as two dinuclear complexes having axial chlorido ligands (Dy2·Cl and Dy2*·Cl) were obtained; in the latter case, substituting Cl^- by SCN^- gave Dy2·SCN. Magneto-structural studies revealed that the μ-OH bridges with short Dy-O bonds dominate the magnetic anisotropy of the Dy^III ions in centrosymmetric Dy4 to give a vortex type diamagnetic ground state. Dynamic magnetic studies of Dy4 identified two relaxation processes under zero field, one of which is suppressed after applying a dc field. For complexes Dy2·Cl and Dy2*·Cl, the Dy^III ions feature almost perfect D_5h environment, but both complexes only behave as field-induced SMMs (U_eff = 19 and 25 K) due to the weak axial Cl^- donors. In Dy2·SCN additional MeOH coordination leads to a distorted D_2d geometry of the Dy^III ions, yet SMMs properties at zero field are observed due to the relatively strong axial ligand field provided by SCN^- (U_eff = 43 K). Further elaboration of preorganizing macrocyclic ligands appears to be a promising strategy for imposing a desired coordination geometry with parallel orientation of the anisotropy axes of proximate Dy^III ions in a targeted approach.

Strategies to Design Single-Molecule Toroics Using Triangular {Ln3} n Motifs

In this mini-review, we highlight the research advanced in the field of single-molecule toroics (SMTs) with a specific focus on the triangular Ln₃-based SMTs. SMTs are molecules with a toroidal magnetic state and are insensitive to homogeneous magnetic fields but cooperate with charge and spin currents. The rapid growth in the area of SMTs witnessed in recent years is correlated not only to the interest to understand the fundamental physics of these molecules but also to the intriguing potential applications proposed, as the SMTs have several advantages compared to other classes of molecules such as single-molecule magnets (SMMs). The important chemico-structural strategy in SMT chemistry is to choose and design ligand and bridging species that will help to attain toroidal behavior. Considering this primarily, all the Dy₃ SMTs reported so far are summarized, showing how utilizing different peripheral ligands influences the toroidal nature beyond the role of the symmetry of the molecule and stronger dipolar interactions. Likewise, linking Dy₃ toroidal units through 3d ions with suitable peripheral/bridging ligands enhances the toroidal magnetic moment and leads to fascinating physics of ferrotoroidal/antiferrotoridal behavior. Further, we have also summarized the recently reported non-Dy triangular SMTs.

Dysprosium(III) compounds assembled via a versatile ligand incorporating salicylic hydrazide and 8-hydroxyquinolin units: syntheses, structures and magnetic properties

Assembly of dysprosium(iii) salts with a multidentate ligand H3L ((2-hydroxy)-N'-((8-hydroxyquinolin-2-yl)methylene)-benzohydrazide) affords a variety of products with different topological structures, namely [Dy(H2L)(HL)]·CH3OH (1), [Dy2(HL)2(C6H5COO)2(CH3OH)2]·3CH3OH (2), [Dy2(HL)2(NO3)2(DMF)4]·4DMF (3), [Dy4L4(CH3OH)4]·2CH3OH·4H2O (4) and ([Dy4(HL)4(C6H5COO)4(CH3OH)(H2O)]·2CH3OH·CH3CN·H2O)n (5). The versatile and flexible coordination modes of phenoxo groups from salicylic hydrazide prove to be a key factor in the assembly of corresponding structures depending upon the reaction conditions. It is noteworthy that ligands HL2- act as a long-distance link and further connect the Dy2 fragments into an infinite 1D chain due to the conformational flexibility resulting from the rotatable C-C bond in 5. Furthermore, the magnetic measurements were performed on all complexes. The dc magnetic susceptibility data evidence distinct magnetic coupling interactions in the dinuclear complexes 2 (antiferromagnetic) and 3 (ferromagnetic) despite their similar structures, and only complex 3 shows slow relaxation behavior of magnetization. Ab initio calculations and electrostatic potential analysis on complexes 2, 3, and three other complexes (6, 7, 8) incorporating different kinds of ligands reveal the important interrelationship of magnetic anisotropy, magnetic coupling interactions and SMM properties.

A new family of Fe4Ln4 (Ln = DyIII, GdIII, YIII) wheel type complexes with ferromagnetic interaction, magnetocaloric effect and zero-field SMM behavior

Observation of ferromagnetic interactions and single molecule toroic (SMT) behavior in Fe4Ln4 wheel complexes.

A new family of dinuclear lanthanide complexes exhibiting luminescence, magnetic entropy changes and single molecule magnet behaviors

Four isomorphic and dinuclear lanthanide complexes were synthesized. Complexes Eu^III and Tb^III exhibit strong emissions, while Gd^III shows the magnetocaloric effect and Dy^III displays a single-molecule magnet.

Lanthanoid pyridyl-β-diketonate 'triangles'. New examples of single molecule toroics

Trinuclear lanthanoid clusters have been synthesised and investigated as toroidal spin systems. A pyridyl functionalised β-diketonate, 1,3-bis(pyridin-2-yl)propane-1,3-dione (o-dppdH) has been used to synthesise a family of clusters of the form [Dy3(OH)2(o-dppd)3Cl2(H2O)4]Cl2·7H2O (1), [Tb3(o-dppd)3(μ3-OH)2(CH3CH2OH)3Cl3][Tb3(o-dppd)3(μ3-OH)2(H2O)(CH3CH2OH)2Cl3]Cl2·H2O (2), [Ho3(OH)2(o-dppd)3Cl(H2O)5]Cl3·3H2O (3) and [Er3(OH)2(o-dppd)3Cl2(H2O)3(CH3OH)]Cl2·3H2O·CH3OH (4). Despite the previous occurrence of this structural motif in the literature, these systems have not been widely investigated in terms of torodic behaviour. Magnetic studies were used to further characterise the complexes. DC susceptibility studies support weak antiferromagnetic exchange in the complexes. Slow magnetic relaxation behaviour is observed in the dynamic AC magnetic studies for complex 1. Theoretical studies predict that complex 1 and 3 have a non-magnetic ground state based on a toroidal arrangement of spins. Changes to the coordination environment in 2 do not support a toroic spin state. The prolate nature of the ErIII centres in complex 4 and large transverse anisotropy do not support the toroidal arrangement of lanthanoid spins in the complex.

DyIII single-molecule magnets from ligands incorporating both amine and acylhydrazine Schiff base groups: the centrosymmetric {Dy2} displaying dual magnetic relaxation behaviors

The novel multidentate chelating ligands N'-(2-pyridylmethylidene)-2-(2-pyridylmethylideneamino)benzohydrazide (Hpphz) and N'-(2-salicylmethylidene)-2-(2-salicylmethylideneamino)benzohydrazide (H₃sshz), which incorporate both amine and acylhydrazine Schiff base groups, were synthesized and investigated in Dy^III coordination chemistry. The reactions of Hpphz and Dy(OAc)₃·4H₂O have yielded two {Dy₂} featuring double OAc^- bridges: [Dy₂(H₂aphz)₂(OAc)₄(ROH)₂] [R = Me (1) and Et (2)], where the Hpphz ligands were in situ hydrolyzed into 2-amino-(2-pyridylmethylideneamino)benzohydrazide ions (H₂aphz^-). Besides, the reaction between H₃sshz and Dy(NO)₃·6H₂O afforded a [Dy₆(sshz)₄(μ₃-OH)₄(μ₄-O)(MeOH)₄]₂·17.5MeOH·2H₂O cluster (3). This cluster contained two discrete {Dy₆} cores, each of which consisted of a pair of {Dy₃} triangular units. All the complexes displayed a single relaxation process of single-molecule magnet (SMM) behaviors under a zero dc field. Both 1 and 2 showed field-induced dual magnetic-relaxation behaviors. However, their diluted samples (1@Y and 2@Y) only showed one-step relaxation behaviors whether under a zero or applied dc field, indicating that the dual magnetic-relaxation behaviors of 1 and 2 were absent after the dilution. Combined with ab initio calculations, it could be infered that the dual magnetic-relaxation behaviors of 1 and 2 might be ascribled to the joint contributions of the single ion anisotropy and magnetic interactions. Examples of this type are rather rare in previous studies. Ab initio calculations also suggested that the discrepancy between the relaxation processes of 1 and 2 may be caused by the small difference between their magnetic interactions.

Magnetic dynamics of an open-ring tridysprosium complex employing mixed ligands

By employing mixed ligands, a new trinuclear dysprosium complex [Dy3(dbm)3(L)4](ClO4)2·CH2Cl2·2MeOH (1, Hdbm = dibenzoylmethane; HL = 2-methoxy-6-((quinolin-8-ylimino)methyl)phenol) was synthesized by a one-pot reaction. According to structural characterization, all the 8-coordinated Dy(iii) sites are well arranged with slightly distorted square antiprism (D4d) geometries. Magnetic measurements reveal that 1 exhibits typical single-molecule magnetic behavior at zero magnetic field and shows rarely open hysteresis loops up to 3 K among open-ring {Dy3} SMMs, where the relaxation time remains very stable under the protection from the Dy-Dy magnetic coupling in the open-ring arrangement of Ising spins.

Magnetic hysteresis and strong ferromagnetic coupling of sulfur-bridged Dy ions in clusterfullerene Dy2S@C82

Two isomers of metallofullerene Dy₂S@C₈₂ with sulfur-bridged Dy ions exhibit broad magnetic hysteresis with sharp steps at sub-Kelvin temperature. Analysis of the level crossing events for different orientations of a magnetic field showed that even in powder samples, the hysteresis steps caused by quantum tunneling of magnetization can provide precise information on the strength of intramolecular Dy⋯Dy inter-actions. A comparison of different methods to determine the energy difference between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic states showed that sub-Kelvin hysteresis gives the most robust and reliable values. The ground state in Dy₂S@C₈₂ has ferromagnetic coupling of Dy magnetic moments, whereas the state with antiferromagnetic coupling in C _s and C _3v cage isomers is 10.7 and 5.1 cm^-1 higher, respectively. The value for the C _s isomer is among the highest found in metallofullerenes and is considerably larger than that reported in non-fullerene dinuclear molecular magnets. Magnetization relaxation times measured in zero magnetic field at sub-Kelvin temperatures tend to level off near 900 and 3200 s in C _s and C _3v isomers. These times correspond to the quantum tunneling relaxation mechanism, in which the whole magnetic moment of the Dy₂S@C₈₂ molecule flips at once as a single entity.

Dysprosium-based complexes with a flat pentadentate donor: a magnetic and ab initio study

The reactivity of the well-known pentadentate N3O2 Schiff base H2L (2,6-bis(2-hydroxyphenyliminomethyl)pyridine) towards a lanthanoid metal, in this case DyIII, has been investigated for the first time. This reactivity markedly depends on the pH of the medium and, accordingly, two different complexes, [Dy(HL)(NO3)2]·H2O (1·H2O) and [Dy(L)(NO3)(EtOH)(H2O)]·2H2O (2·2H2O), could be isolated from dysprosium(iii) nitrate and H2L. In addition, reaction of H2L with dysprosium(iii) chloride in methanol yields [Dy(HL')2][Dy(L)(Cl2)] (3), where H2L' ((6-(2-hydroxyphenyliminomethyl)-2-methoxyhydroxymethyl)pyridine) is an N2O2 hemiacetal donor derived from the partial hydrolysis of the H2L ligand, and subsequent addition of the methanol solvent to the carbonyl group. This latter reaction has been firstly observed for a lanthanoid metal. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 1·1.15Py·0.3CH3C6H5, 2·2H2O and 3 show that the Schiff base is acting as a nearly flat pentadentate donor in all the cases, this behaviour being independent of the deprotonation degree of the phenolic oxygen atoms, both mono- or bisdeprotonated. Complexes 1·1.15Py·0.3CH3C6H5 and 2·2H2O show DyN3O6 cores, with distorted geometries closer to spherical tricapped trigonal prism or spherical capped square antiprism for 1·1.15Py·0.3CH3C6H5 and 2·2H2O, respectively. In the case of 3, the [Dy(HL')2]+ cation shows a dysprosium ion in an N4O4 triangular dodecahedron environment, while the [Dy(L)(Cl2)]- anion displays a DyN3O2Cl2 core with distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. Moreover, attempts to dilute 1·H2O with yttrium yielded single crystals of (Et3NH)[Dy0.09Y0.91(L)(NO3)2] (4), where the Schiff base shows a similar pentadentate coordination mode. Dynamic magnetic studies of 1·H2O, 2·2H2O and 3 show that 2·2H2O and 3 present field-induced slow relaxation of the magnetisation, with Ueff barriers of 46.1(9) and 31.0(7) K for 2·2H2O and 3, respectively, while 1·H2O does not exhibit frequency-dependent peaks of the out of phase susceptibility, even in the presence of an external dc magnetic field. By contrast, the dilute sample 4 behaves as a SIM at zero dc field, with an energy barrier of ca. 49 K. Ab initio calculations using CASSCF methods including spin-orbit effects qualitatively support the obtained magnetic results, indicating that axiality is not the only factor that should be taken into account in order to increase effective energy barriers.

Correlating Electronic Structure and Magnetic Anisotropy in Actinide Complexes [An(COT)2], AnIII/IV = U, Np, and Pu

The electronic structures and magnetic anisotropies for compounds [An(COT)₂] (An = U^III/U^IV, Np^III/Np^IV and Pu^III/Pu^IV, COT = cyclooctatetraene) are characterized using scalar relativistic density functional theory calculations and second-order perturbation theory based on a complete active space self-consistent field reference including spin-orbit coupling. The degree of participation of 5f orbitals in actinide-ligand bonding and the associated metal-ligand covalency is found to trend as U > Np ≥ Pu for both the tetra-positive and tripositive An complexes. A spin-Hamiltonian analysis indicates only weak single-molecule magnet (SMM) characteristics for [U(COT)₂]^- and [Np(COT)₂] complexes and no significant SMM behavior for the other complexes. The weak SMM behavior in [U(COT)₂]^- and [Np(COT)₂] is attributed to a subtle interplay between local symmetry and ligand-field splitting. Such a result suggests that magnetic anisotropy in 5f³ ions can be modulated in general by electrostatic ligand field design. In particular, σ-donor ligands oriented 180 degrees relative to one another will have a maximal influence on the 5f-orbital ligand field splitting, while π donors like cyclopentadiene and COT generate ligand field influences that have more acute angles associated with corresponding atoms on the individual ligands. These observations rationalize the differences in SMM characteristics for [U(Bc^Me)₃] (Bc^Me- = dihydrobis(methylimidazolyl)borate) and [U(Bp^Me)₃] (Bp^Me- = dihydrobis(methylpyrazolyl)borate) and indicate strategies to design new actinide-based SMMs with high magnetic relaxation barriers.

Slow magnetic dynamics in centrosymmetric didysprosium and equilateral triangular tridysprosium molecules

Slow magnetic dynamics were investigated in centrosymmetric didysprosium and equilateral triangular tridysprosium molecules.

A perfect triangular dysprosium single-molecule magnet with virtually antiparallel Ising-like anisotropy

A perfect triangular Dy₃ single-molecule magnet was reported. Each Dy(iii) magnetic axis is oriented almost normal to the plane of Dy₃, and the intramolecular magnetic dipole interaction gives rise to a virtually antiparallel Ising-like ground state.

Synthetic diversity and change in nuclearity in [Co-Dy] coordination aggregates: bridge removal, solvent induced structural reorganization and AC susceptibility measurements

Three new cobalt(ii/iii)-dysprosium(iii) complexes, [DyIII3CoII2CoIII2(L1)2(O2CCMe3)8(OH)4(OMe)2(H2O)4]·Dy(η1-O2CCMe3)2(η2-O2CCMe3)2(MeOH)2·4H2O (1), [DyIII3CoII2CoIII2(L2)2(O2CCMe3)8(OH)4(OMe)2(MeOH)2(H2O)2]·Dy(η1-O2CCMe3)2(η2-O2CCMe3)2(MeOH)2·4MeOH (2) and DyIII2CoII2CoIII2(L2)2(O2CCMe3)10(OH)2 (3) have been reported. In the heptanuclear 3d-4f monocationic aggregates in 1 and 2 the three dysprosium and four cobalt sites are arranged into a vertex shared dicubane structure, induced by two structure-directing ligands. Interestingly, a unique and previously unknown dysprosium(iii)-pivalate based counter anion, Dy(η1-O2CCMe3)2(η2-O2CCMe3)2(MeOH)2-, was trapped by the monocationic cores during crystallization. MeCN induced structural rearrangement of 2 through loss of OMe- bridges and dysprosium(iii) ions at the shared vertex resulted in the hexanuclear 3d-4f neutral aggregate 3, in which two dysprosium and four cobalt sites exhibit a near planar disposition. HRMS(+ve) of solutions of 1 and 2 revealed the pathway for aggregation processes and solvent induced structural transformation along with the importance of bridging OMe- in directing the formation of these compounds. Magnetic studies show a non-zero out-of-phase component in the AC susceptibility measurements of 1 but not in 2 and 3, although 1 and 2 have a very similar {CoIII2CoII2DyIII3} core and another DyIII center. Ab initio single-ion calculations point to the different single-ion anisotropic behavior for DyIII centers (energy in cm-1 and g-tensors) as well as negative and positive D values for CoII sites in 1 and 2 respectively reaffirming the experimental result. However, calculations envision that, zero-field out-of-phase signal and no out-of-phase signal in 1 and 2 respectively do not solely generate from the single-ion Dy/Co anisotropies and the overall relaxation mechanism can be understood by considering the exchange interactions between DyIII-DyIII and DyIII-CoII centres.

Strong intramolecular DyIII–DyIII magnetic couplings up to 15.00 cm−1 in phenoxyl-bridged dinuclear 4f complexes

Unexpectedly, intramoleular Dy^III–Dy^III magnetic couplings are up to 15.00 cm⁻¹ in the phenolate-bridged Dy₂ complexes. And single-molecule magnet behavior is exhibited with effective energy of 76.18 K under zero dc field.

Dysprosium-based linear helicate clusters: syntheses, structures, and magnetism

Three new dysprosium-based linear helicate Dy₄, Dy₆ and Dy₁₀ clusters have been assembled under different reaction conditions by utilizing a versatile hydrazone ligand.

Unprecedented one-dimensional chain and two-dimensional network dysprosium(iii) single-molecule toroics with white-light emission

One-dimensional chain and two-dimensional network dysprosium(iii) single-molecule toroics with white-light emission bifunctional properties were reported.

Single Molecule Magnetism with Strong Magnetic Anisotropy and Enhanced Dy∙∙∙Dy Coupling in Three Isomers of Dy-Oxide Clusterfullerene Dy2O@C82

A new class of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) based on Dy-oxide clusterfullerenes is synthesized. Three isomers of Dy2O@C82 with C s(6), C 3v(8), and C 2v(9) cage symmetries are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which shows that the endohedral Dy-(µ2-O)-Dy cluster has bent shape with very short Dy-O bonds. Dy2O@C82 isomers show SMM behavior with broad magnetic hysteresis, but the temperature and magnetization relaxation depend strongly on the fullerene cage. The short Dy-O distances and the large negative charge of the oxide ion in Dy2O@C82 result in the very strong magnetic anisotropy of Dy ions. Their magnetic moments are aligned along the Dy-O bonds and are antiferromagnetically (AFM) coupled. At low temperatures, relaxation of magnetization in Dy2O@C82 proceeds via the ferromagnetically (FM)-coupled excited state, giving Arrhenius behavior with the effective barriers equal to the AFM-FM energy difference. The AFM-FM energy differences of 5.4-12.9 cm-1 in Dy2O@C82 are considerably larger than in SMMs with {Dy2O2} bridges, and the Dy∙∙∙Dy exchange coupling in Dy2O@C82 is the strongest among all dinuclear Dy SMMs with diamagnetic bridges. Dy-oxide clusterfullerenes provide a playground for the further tuning of molecular magnetism via variation of the size and shape of the fullerene cage.

New examples of triangular terbium(iii) and holmium(iii) and hexagonal dysprosium(iii) single molecule toroics

The structural, magnetic and theoretical aspects are described for three triangular lanthanide complexes, [Tb(OH)(teaH₂)₃(paa)₃]Cl₂ (1), [Dy(OH)(teaH₂)₃(paa)₃]Cl₂ (2) and [Ho(OH)(teaH₂)₃(paa)₃]Cl₂ (3), and a hexanuclear wheel of formula [Dy(pdeaH)₆(NO₃)₆] (4) [teaH₃ = triethanolamine, paaH = N-(2-pyridyl)-acetoacetamide and pdeaH₃ = 3-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]propan-1-ol]. Each complex displays single molecule toroidal behaviour as rationalised using high-level ab initio calculations. Complexes 2 and 3 are the first examples of mixed moment single molecule toroidal complexes featuring non-Kramers ions.

Dramatic impact of auxiliary ligands on the two-step magnetic relaxation process in Dy4(iii) single-molecule magnets

To better understand the factors determining the multi-step relaxation processes in polynuclear lanthanide single molecule magnets (SMMs), two Dy(iii)4 SMMs showing two-step relaxation processes were elaborately designed and investigated for their structure-dependent magnetic properties. Through targetedly fine-tuning the auxiliary ligand (from the anion of 1-phenylbutane-1,3-dione to 2-acetylcyclopentanone) on specific Dy(iii) sites while retaining the same type of coordination atoms, one of the two relaxation processes shifted to higher temperature with an increase of energy barrier, which permits the unambiguous assignment of the relaxation processes to specific metal sites. Therefore, the present {Dy4} systems provide a good example to probe the factors determining the relaxation dynamics, and point to a simple way to optimize the magnetic performance of polynuclear dysprosium SMMs.