Multiple-decker phthalocyaninato Tb(III) single-molecule magnets and Y(III) complexes for next generation devices

Effect of diamagnetic Zn(II) ions on the SMM properties of a series of trinuclear ZnDy2 and tetranuclear Zn2Dy2 (LnIII = Dy, Tb, Gd) complexes: combined experimental and theoretical studies

To study the effect of diamagnetic ions on magnetic interactions, utilizing a compartmental ligand (Z)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-methyl-6-((quinolin-8-ylimino)methyl)phenol (LH2), two different series of ZnII-LnIII complexes, namely the trinuclear series of [DyZn2(L)2(μ2-OAc)2(CH3OH)2]·NO3·MeOH (1), [TbZn2(L)2(μ2-OAc)2(CH3OH)2]·NO3·5MeOH·H2O (2), and [GdZn2(L)2(μ2-OAc)2(CH3OH)2]·NO3·MeOH·CHCl3 (3) and the tetranuclear series of [Dy2Zn2(LH)4(NO3)4(μ2OAc)]·NO3·MeOH·H2O (4), [Tb2Zn2(LH)4(NO3)4(μ2-OAc)]·NO3·MeOH·2H2O (5), and [Gd2Zn2(LH)4(NO3)4(μ2-OAc)]·NO3·MeOH·2H2O (6), were synthesized. Trinuclear ZnII-LnIII complexes 1-3 consist of one LnIII ion sandwiched between two peripheral ZnII ions forming a bent type ZnII-DyIII-ZnII array with an angle of 110.64°. Tetranuclear ZnII-LnIII complexes 4-6 are basically a combination of two dinuclear moieties of [LnZn(LH)2(NO3)2]+ connected by one bidentate bridging acetate ion in μ2-OAc coordination mode. The detailed magnetic analysis reveals that complexes 1 and 4 are single molecule magnets having energy barriers of 34.98 K and 46.71 K with relaxation times (τ0) of 5.05 × 10-4 s and 5.24 × 10-4 s, respectively. Ab initio calculations were employed to analyze the magnetic anisotropy and magnetic exchange interaction between the ZnII and LnIII centers with the aim of gaining better insights into the magnetic dynamics of complexes 1-6.

Magnetic Anisotropy of Homo- and Heteronuclear Terbium(III) and Dysprosium(III) Trisphthalocyaninates Derived from Paramagnetic 1H-NMR Investigation

1H-NMR spectroscopy of lanthanide complexes is a powerful tool for deriving spectral-structural correlations, which provide a clear link between the symmetry of the coordination environment of paramagnetic metal centers and their magnetic properties. In this work, we have first synthesized a series of homo- (M = M* = Dy) and heteronuclear (M ≠ M* = Dy/Y and Dy/Tb) triple-decker complexes [(BuO)8Pc]M[(BuO)8Pc]M*[(15C5)4Pc], where BuO- and 15C5- are, respectively, butoxy and 15-crown-5 substituents on phthalocyanine (Pc) ligands. We provide an algorithmic approach to assigning the 1H-NMR spectra of these complexes and extracting the axial component of the magnetic susceptibility tensor, χax. We show how this term is related to the nature of the lanthanide ion and the shape of its coordination polyhedron, providing an experimental basis for further theoretical interpretation of the revealed correlations.

Nanostructures as the Substrate for Single-Molecule Magnet Deposition

Anchoringsingle-molecule magnets (SMMs) on the surface of nanostructures is gaining particular interest in the field of molecular magnetism. The accurate organization of SMMs on low-dimensional substrates enables controlled interactions and the possibility of individual molecules' manipulation, paving the route for a broad range of nanotechnological applications. In this comprehensive review article, the most studied types of SMMs are presented, and the quantum-mechanical origin of their magnetic behavior is described. The nanostructured matrices were grouped and characterized to outline to the reader their relevance for subsequent compounding with SMMs. Particular attention was paid to the fact that this process must be carried out in such a way as to preserve the initial functionality and properties of the molecules. Therefore, the work also includes a discussion of issues concerning both the methods of synthesis of the systems in question as well as advanced measurement techniques of the resulting complexes. A great deal of attention was also focused on the issue of surface-molecule interaction, which can affect the magnetic properties of SMMs, causing molecular crystal field distortion or magnetic anisotropy modification, which affects quantum tunneling or magnetic hysteresis, respectively. In our opinion, the analysis of the literature carried out in this way will greatly help the reader to design SMM-nanostructure systems.

Molecular-Engineered Biradicals Based on the YIII-Phthalocyanine Platform

A mixed-ligand phthalocyanine/porphyrin yttrium(III) radical double-decker complex (DD) was synthesized using the custom-made 5,10,15-tris(4-methoxyphenyl)-20-(4-((trimethylsilyl)ethynyl)phenyl)porphyrin. The trimethylsilyl functionality was then used to couple two such complexes into biradicals through rigid tethers. Glaser coupling was used to synthesize a short-tethered biradical (C1) and Sonogashira coupling to synthesize longer-tethered ones (C2 and C3). Field-swept echo-detected (FSED), saturation recovery, and spin nutation-pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance experiments revealed marked similarities of the magnetic properties of DD with those of the parent [Y(pc)₂]^• complex, both in the solid state and in CD₂Cl₂/CDCl₃ 4:1 frozen glasses. FSED experiments on the biradicals C2 and C3 revealed a spectral broadening with respect to the spectra of DD and [Y(pc)₂]^• assigned to the effect of dipolar interactions in solution. Apart from the main resonance, satellite features were also observed, which were simulated with dipole-dipole pairs of shortest distances, suggesting spin delocalization on the organic tether. FSED experiments on C1 yielded spectral line shapes that could not be simulated as the integration of the off-resonance echoes was complicated by field-dependent modulations. While, for all dimers, the on-resonance spin nutation experiments yielded Rabi oscillations of the same frequencies, off-resonance nutations on C1 yielded Rabi oscillations that could be assigned to a M_S = -1 to M_S = 0 transition within a S = 1 multiplet. The DFT calculations showed that the trans conformation of the complexes was significantly more stable than the cis one and that it induced a marked spin delocalization over the rigid organic tether. This "spin leakage" was most pronounced for the shortest biradical C1.

Redox-Triggered Switching of Conformational State in Triple-Decker Lanthanide Phthalocyaninates

Double- and triple-decker lanthanide phthalocyaninates exhibit unique physical-chemical properties, particularly single-molecule magnetism. Among other factors, the magnetic properties of these sandwiches depend on their conformational state, which is determined via the skew angle of the phthalocyanine ligands. Thus, in the present work we report the comprehensive conformational study of substituted terbium(III) and yttrium(III) trisphthalocyaninates in solution depending on the substituents at the periphery of molecules, redox-states and nature of solvents. Conjunction of UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy and quantum-chemical calculations within simplified time-dependent DFT in Tamm-Dancoff approximation provided the spectroscopic signatures of staggered and gauche conformations of trisphthalocyaninates. Altogether, it allowed us to demonstrate that the butoxy-substituted complex behaves as a molecular switcher with controllable conformational state, while the crown-substituted triple-decker complex maintains a staggered conformation regardless of external factors. The analysis of noncovalent interactions within the reduced density gradient approach allowed to shed light on the nature of factors stabilizing certain conformers.

Rigid N3O2-Pentadentate Ligand-Assisted Octacoordinate Mononuclear Ln(III) Complexes: Syntheses, Characterization, and Slow Magnetization Relaxation

A series of air-stable mononuclear octacoordinate Ln(III) complexes, [(L)Ln(TPPO)₃]OTf (Ln = Y (1·Y); Gd (1·Gd); Tb (1·Tb); Dy (1·Dy); Ho (1·Ho); and Er (1·Er)) and [(L)Ln(TPPO)(NO₃)] (Ln = Y (2·Y) and Dy (2·Dy)), are synthesized employing a rigid N₃O₂-pentadentate chelating ligand as the basis ligand and meridional ancillary ligands (where H₂L = 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis-benzoylhydrazone, TPPO = triphenylphosphine oxide, and OTf^- = trifluoromethanesulfonate). All the complexes are synthesized under aerobic conditions and characterized comprehensively by spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic techniques. Magnetic property investigation on the polycrystalline solid samples of 1·Ln (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, and Er) and 2·Dy are reported. A field-induced single-molecule magnet behavior was observed for the Dy derivatives. 1·Dy exhibits the highest effective energy barrier of magnetization reversal, U _eff/k _B = 47 K under H _dc = 1 kOe among the complexes presented herein.

Fluoride-bridged dinuclear dysprosium complex showing single-molecule magnetic behavior: supramolecular approach to isolate magnetic molecules

Using Na-encapsulated benzo[18]crown-6 (Na)(B18C6) as a counter cation, we successfully magnetically isolated a fluoride-bridging Dy dinuclear complex {[(PW₁₁O₃₉)Dy(H₂O)₂]₂F} (Dy₂POM) with lacunary Keggin ligands. (Na)(B18C6) formed two types of tetramers through C-H⋯O, π⋯π and C-H⋯π interactions, and each tetramer aligned in one dimension along the c-axis to form two types of channels. One channel was partially penetrated by a supramolecular cation from the ±a-axis direction, dividing the channel in the form of a "bamboo node". Dy₂POM was spatially divided by this "bamboo node," which magnetically isolated one portion from the other. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility indicated a weak ferromagnetic interaction between the Dy ions bridged by fluoride. Dy₂POM exhibited the magnetic relaxation characteristics of a single-molecule magnet, including the dependence of AC magnetic susceptibility on temperature and frequency. Magnetic relaxation can be described by the combination of thermally active Orbach and temperature-independent quantum tunneling processes. The application of a static magnetic field effectively suppressed the relaxation due to quantum tunneling.

Rare-earth based tetrapyrrolic sandwiches: chemistry, materials and applications

This review summarises advances in chemistry of tetrapyrrole sandwiches with rare earth elements and highlights the current state of their use in single-molecule magnetism, organic field-effect transistors, conducting materials and nonlinear optics.

Self-Assembly Synthesis of a [2]Catenane CoII Single-Molecule Magnet

We describe herein the self-assembly synthesis of an octanuclear Co^II [2]catenane {[Co₄ (H₂ L)₆ ]₂ ¹⁶⁺ } formed by the mechanical interlocking of two {[Co₄ (H₂ L)₆ ]⁸⁺ } rectangles of unprecedented topology. Subtle manipulation of the synthetic conditions allows the isolation of a mixed-valence [Co₂ ^III /Co₂ ^II ]¹⁰⁺ non-catenated rectangle. The Co^II centers in the [2]catenane exhibit slow relaxation of their magnetic moment, i. e. single-molecule magnet properties, dominated by quantum tunneling and Raman relaxation processes. This work shows that metallo-supramolecular chemistry can precisely control the organization of single-molecule magnets in topologically complex arrangements.

Successive syntheses and magnetic properties of homodinuclear lanthanide macrocyclic complexes

A series of homodinuclear β-diketone lanthanide(III) complexes, formulated as [(acac)₄Ln₂(L1)] (Ln³⁺ = Dy³⁺ (1), Tb³⁺ (2), and Gd³⁺ (3), respectively) were first synthesized based on a closed-macrocyclic ligand (H₂L1) derived from the [2 + 2] cyclocondensation of 4-tert-butyl-2,6-diformylphenol and o-phenylenediamine in the presence of lanthanide acetylacetonates. Subsequently, by using the above compounds as building blocks to assemble directly with another Schiff base ligand, N,N'-bis(5-chlorosalicylidene)-o-phenylenediamine (H₂L2), three new homodinuclear sandwich-type lanthanide complexes with the general formula [Ln₂(L1)(L2)₂] (Ln³⁺ = Dy³⁺ (4), Tb³⁺ (5), and Gd³⁺ (6), respectively) were further designed and prepared. Single-crystal X-ray analyses show that the central Ln³⁺ ion adopts a distorted square antiprism conformation with D_4d local symmetry. Magnetic studies reveal ferromagnetic interaction between Dy³⁺ and Tb³⁺ centres and zero-field slow relaxation of magnetization for Dy complexes 1 and 4. The corresponding magneto-structural correlations of SMMs 1 and 4 were further discussed by theoretical calculations and with experimental outcomes.

Structural, magnetic and theoretical analyses of anionic and cationic phthalocyaninato-terbium(III) double-decker complexes: magnetic relaxation via higher ligand-field sublevels enhanced by oxidation

Crystal structural and magnetic analyses were performed for the anionic (1-) and cationic (1+) forms of phthalocyaninato-Tb3+ double-decker single-molecule magnets (SMMs). Both charged species showed slow magnetic relaxations and magnetic hysteresis characteristics for SMMs. 1+ showed longer magnetic relaxation times (τ) and higher activation energy for spin reversal (ΔE) than 1- did. Ligand field (LF) splitting calculated using ab initio methods revealed that the experimental ΔE values in 1- and 1+ were considerably larger than the first excited LF levels but rather close to the higher excited ones, indicating the magnetic relaxation via higher excited states.

Iridium-catalysed 3,5-bis-borylation of phthalonitrile enables access to a family of C4h octaarylphthalocyanines

Ir-catalysed borylation of phthalonitrile produces both 4-(Bpin)phthalonitrile (1) and 3,5-bis(Bpin)phthalonitrile (2), which are potential divergent intermediates for the synthesis of functionalized phthalocyanines. To exemplify the utility of 2, we have prepared a series of 3,5-bis-arylphthalonitriles that in turn undergo sterically controlled regioselective cyclotetramization to give previously unknown C4h 1,3,8,10,15,17,22,24-octaarylphthalocyanines.

Coordination microenvironment perturbed single-ion magnet behavior in a β-diketone Dy(iii) complex

Employing mixed β-diketonate and bpy ligands leads to a mononuclear Dy(iii) SIM, of which the magneto-structural correlation is elucidated by the magnetic and theoretical studies, as well as a comparative study of reported analogues.

Phthalocyanine-polyoxotungstate lanthanide double deckers

Two archetypal tetradentate ligands with square donor patterns, namely phthalocyanate and monolacunary Keggin-type polyoxotungstate, coordinate to rare earth ions to yield C_s-symmetric heteroleptic double-decker complexes.

Role of Ab Initio Calculations in the Design and Development of Organometallic Lanthanide-Based Single-Molecule Magnets

Single-molecule magnets based on lanthanides are very attractive due to their potential applications proposed in the area of microelectronic devices. Very recent advances in this area are due to the blend of conventional lanthanide chemistry with organometallic ligands, and several breakthrough achievements are attained with this combination. Ab initio methods based on multi-reference CASSCF calculations are playing a vital role in the design and development of such molecules. In this minireview, we aim to appraise various contributions in the area of organometallic lanthanide complexes (those containing lanthanide-carbon bonds) and describe how these robust wavefunction-based methods have played a constructive role not only in rationalizing the observed magnetic properties but also proven to be a potential predictive tool with some selected examples.

Ferromagnetic coupling between 4f- and delocalized π-radical spins in mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) rare earth double-decker SMMs

Ferromagnetic π–f exchange couplings were revealed in [RE^III(Pc)(Por)]⁰ SMMs (RE = Tb and Dy) by HF-EPR measurements.

Controllable syntheses and magnetic properties of novel homoleptic triple-decker lanthanide complexes

A class of novel triple-decker lanthanide complexes have been continuously designed and synthesized based on a Schiff base ligand Cl-salphenH₂ and precursors [(acac)₄Ln₂(L)]. The results reveal Dy complex behaves as a typical SMM with intermetallic ferromagnetic interaction.

Lanthanide(III)-Based Single-Ion Magnets

Mononuclear lanthanide-based single-ion magnets (SIMs) are known since 2003 with the discovery of SIM properties in a bis-(phthalocyaninato)lanthanide complex. A recent report on [Dy(Cp^ttt)₂][BC₆F₅] indicating that it exhibits the highest known blocking temperature (60 K) has spurred fresh interest in this area. In this article, we discuss about the various requirements of lanthanide-based SIMs along with representative examples. Specifically, we describe the complexes whose coordination numbers vary from 2 to 8. We also discuss the representative examples of organometallic lanthanide complexes that can function as molecular magnets.

Syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of macrocyclic Schiff base-supported homodinuclear lanthanide complexes

Five new homodinuclear lanthanide complexes with the general formula [(acac)4Ln2(L)] (Ln3+ = Dy3+ (1), Tb3+ (2), Ho3+ (3), Er3+ (4), and Gd (5)) were synthesized by one-pot [2 + 2] condensation of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol and 1,3-diaminopropane in the presence of various lanthanide acetylacetonates. The eight-coordinate Ln(iii) centre adopts a slightly distorted square antiprism geometry with D4d symmetry. Theoretical analysis and magnetic measurements reveal that the corresponding Dy complex 1 exhibits slow magnetic relaxation behavior, characteristic of a typical SMM with the intramolecular ferromagnetic Dy3+Dy3+ interaction.

"Switching on" the single-molecule magnet properties within a series of dinuclear cobalt(iii)-dysprosium(iii) 2-pyridyloximate complexes

The use of 2-pyridinealdoxime (paoH), methyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime (mepaoH), phenyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime (phpaoH) and pyridine-2-amidoxime (NH₂paoH) for the synthesis of dinuclear Co^III/Dy^III complexes is described in the absence or presence of an external base. Complexes [CoDy(pao)₃(NO₃)₃] (1), [CoDy(mepao)₃(NO₃)₃] (2), [CoDy(phpao)₃(NO₃)₃] (3) and [CoDy(NH₂pao)₃(NO₃)₃]·3MeOH (4·3MeOH) have been isolated and their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The complexes crystallize in non-centrosymmetric (2, 3) or centrosymmetric (1, 4·3MeOH) trigonal space groups and form a family of triply-oximate bridged dinuclear Co(iii)-Dy(iii) complexes. The crystals of 1, 3 and 4·3MeOH contain mixtures of Δ and Λ enantiomers, whereas complex 2 is enantiomerically pure (Λ). A 3-fold crystallographic axis (C₃) passes through two metal ions in all complexes. The low-spin Co^III and Dy^III ions are bridged by three oximate groups belonging to the η¹:η¹:η¹:μ 2-pyridyloximate ligands. The Co^III centre is octahedrally coordinated by the six nitrogen atoms of the deprotonated organic ligands in a facial arrangement. The Dy^III centre is bound to an O₉ set of donor atoms, its coordination sphere being completed by three bidentate chelating nitrato groups. The coordination polyhedron around Dy^III in 1 is best described as the Johnson tricapped trigonal prism, while the coordination geometries of the Dy^III centres in 2, 3 and 4·3MeOH are best described as consisting of spherical tricapped trigonal prismatic coordination polyhedra. The spectroscopic data of the complexes are also reported and discussed in the infra-red region in terms of the coordination modes of the ligands involved. The magnetic properties of these complexes were studied between 300 and 1.8 K revealing mainly the depopulation of the Dy^IIIm_j sublevels of the ground ⁶H_15/2 state. The intrinsic magnetic anisotropy of the Dy^III centers is clearly observed by the non-superimposed magnetization (M) versus H/T data, but single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties were detected only for the mepao^--containing complex 2. The origin of these properties in 2 is critically discussed and supported by computational studies.

Heteroleptic chiral bis(phthalocyaninato) terbium double-decker single-ion magnets

Chiral binaphthyl and dibutylamino were incorporated onto the periphery of the bis(phthalocyaninato) terbium SIM, confirming the effectiveness of tuning the double-decker SIM peroperties thorugh tuning the molecular magnetic anisotropy.

Molecular Orientation of a Terbium(III)-Phthalocyaninato Double-Decker Complex for Effective Suppression of Quantum Tunneling of the Magnetization

Single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties of crystals of a terbium(III)-phthalocyaninato double-decker complex with different molecular packings (1: TbPc₂, 2: TbPc₂·CH₂Cl₂) were studied to elucidate the relationship between the molecular packing and SMM properties. From single crystal X-ray analyses, the high symmetry of the coordination environment of 2 suggested that the SMM properties were improved. Furthermore, the shorter intermolecular Tb–Tb distance and relative collinear alignment of the magnetic dipole in 2 indicated that the magnetic dipole–dipole interactions were stronger than those in 1. This was confirmed by using direct current magnetic measurements. From alternating current magnetic measurements, the activation energy for spin reversal for 1 and 2 were similar. However, the relaxation time for 2 is three orders of magnitude slower than that for 1 in the low-T region due to effective suppression of the quantum tunneling of the magnetization. These results suggest that the SMM properties of TbPc₂ highly depend on the molecular packing.

A designer ligand field for blue-green luminescence of organoeuropium(ii) sandwich complexes with cyclononatetraenyl ligands

A novel η⁹-coordinated double-decker sandwich complex of divalent europium is synthesized. The complex exhibits blue-green photoluminescence at 516 nm, which is significantly blue-shifted from those of other organoeuropium(ii) sandwich complexes (∼630 nm). The blue-shift was quantitatively explained by the weakened electrostatic field of the expanded 10-π ring.

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.

Novel bis(phthalocyaninato) rare earth complexes with the bulky and strong electron-donating dibutylamino groups: synthesis, spectroscopy, and SMM properties

Dibutylamino groups were incorporated onto the bis(phthalocyaninato) terbium, leading to excellent SIM performance.

Half-sandwich lanthanide crown ether complexes with the slow relaxation of magnetization and photoluminescence behaviors

Four half-sandwich lanthanide crown ether complexes were successfully synthesized and structurally characterized. Dysprosium complexes show both the slow relaxation of magnetization and photoluminescence behaviors.

Sensitivity enhancement of graphene Hall sensors modified by single-molecule magnets at room temperature

Sensitivity of graphene Hall sensors was enhanced by modifying single-molecule magnets with excellent linearity, off voltage, repeatability and stability.

Molecules at the Quantum-Classical Nanoparticle Interface: Giant Mn70 Single-Molecule Magnets of ∼4 nm Diameter

Two Mn70 torus-like molecules have been obtained from the alcoholysis in EtOH and 2-ClC2H4OH of [Mn12O12(O2CMe)16(H2O)4]·4H2O·2MeCO2H (1) in the presence of NBu(n)4MnO4 and an excess of MeCO2H. The reaction in EtOH afforded [Mn70O60(O2CMe)70(OEt)20(EtOH)16(H2O)22] (2), whereas the reaction in ClC2H4OH gave [Mn70O60(O2CMe)70(OC2H4Cl)20(ClC2H4OH)18(H2O)22] (3). The complexes are nearly isostructural, each possessing a Mn70 torus structure consisting of alternating near-linear [Mn3(μ3-O)4] and cubic [Mn4(μ3-O)2(μ3-OR)2] (R = OEt, 2; R = OC2H4Cl, 3) subunits, linked together via syn,syn-μ-bridging MeCO2(-) and μ3-bridging O(2-) groups. 2 and 3 have an overall diameter of ∼4 nm and crystallize as highly ordered supramolecular nanotubes. Alternating current (ac) magnetic susceptibility measurements, performed on microcrystalline samples in the 1.8-10 K range and a 3.5 G ac field with oscillation frequencies in the 5-1500 Hz range, revealed frequency-dependent out-of-phase signals below ∼2.4 K for both molecules indicative of the slow magnetization relaxation of single-molecule magnets (SMMs). Single-crystal, magnetization vs field studies on both complexes revealed hysteresis loops below 1.5 K, thus confirming 2 and 3 to be new SMMs. The hysteresis loops do not show the steps that are characteristic of quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM). However, low-temperature studies revealed temperature-independent relaxation rates below ∼0.2 K for both compounds, the signature of ground state QTM. Fitting of relaxation data to the Arrhenius equation gave effective barriers for magnetization reversal (Ueff) of 23 and 18 K for 2 and 3, respectively. Because the Mn70 molecule is close to the classical limit, it was also studied using a method based on the Néel-Brown model of thermally activated magnetization reversal in a classical single-domain magnetic nanoparticle. The field and sweep-rate dependence of the coercive field was investigated and yielded the energy barrier, the spin, the Arrhenius pre-exponential, and the cross-over temperature from the classical to the quantum regime. The validity of this approach emphasizes that large SMMs can be considered as being at or near the quantum-classical nanoparticle interface.

Symmetry of octa-coordination environment has a substantial influence on dinuclear TbIII triple-decker single-molecule magnets

This work shows that the SMM properties can be fine-tuned by introducing different octa-coordination geometries while maintaining the same Tb^III–Tb^III distances.

Single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties of terbium(iii)-phthalocyaninato and porphyrinato mixed ligand triple-decker complexes, [(TTP)Tb(Pc)Tb(TTP)] (1) and [(Pc)Tb(Pc)Tb(TTP)] type (2), were studied and were compared with those of the Tb^III homoleptic triple-decker complex [(obPc)Tb(obPc)Tb(obPc)] (3) in order to elucidate the relationship between octa-coordination environments and SMM properties (Tb^III = terbium(iii), TTP^2– = tetraphenylporphyrinato, Pc^2– = phthalocyaninato, obPc^2– = 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octabutoxyphthalocyaninato). By combining TTP^2– and Pc^2– with Tb^III ions, it is possible to make three octa-coordination environments: SP–SP, SAP–SP and SAP–SAP sites, where SAP is square-antiprismatic and SP is square-prismatic. The direction and magnitude of the ligand field (LF) strongly affect the magnetic properties. Complexes 2 and 3, which have SAP–SAP sites, undergo dual magnetic relaxation processes in the low temperature region in a direct current magnetic field. On the other hand, 1, which has an SP–SP environment, undergoes a single magnetic relaxation process, indicating that the octa-coordination environments strongly influence the SMM properties. The SMM behaviour of dinuclear Tb^III SMMs 1–3 were explained by using X-ray crystallography and static and dynamic susceptibility measurements. This work shows that the SMM properties can be fine-tuned by introducing different octa-coordination geometries with the same Tb^III–Tb^III distances.

Structural anisotropy of cyanido-bridged {CoII9WV6} single-molecule magnets induced by bidentate ligands: towards the rational enhancement of an energy barrier

{CoII9[W^V(CN)₈]₆} clusters capped by odd and even number of bidentate ligands reveal the improved slow magnetic relaxation due to the significant structural anisotropy.

New sandwich-type lanthanide complexes based on closed-macrocyclic Schiff base and phthalocyanine molecules

Two new sandwich-type lanthanide complexes simultaneously containing closed-macrocyclic Schiff base and phthalocyanine molecules were synthesized and structurally characterized. The magnetic studies reveal the corresponding dysprosium complex behaves as a typical SMM.

Supramolecular aggregates of single-molecule magnets: exchange-biased quantum tunneling of magnetization in a rectangular [Mn3]4 tetramer

Exchange-biased QTM within a magnetically-supramolecular tetramer of Mn₃ single-molecule magnets with spin S = 6 has been analyzed.

The syntheses and properties of four magnetically-supramolecular oligomers of triangular Mn₃ units are reported: dimeric [Mn₆O₂(O₂CMe)₈(CH₃OH)₂(pdpd)₂] (3) and [Mn₆O₂(O₂CMe)₈(py)₂(pdpd)₂](ClO₄)₂ (4), and tetrameric [Mn₁₂O₄(O₂CR)₁₂(pdpd)₆](ClO₄)₄ (R = Me (5), ^tBu (6)). They were all obtained employing 3-phenyl-1,5-di(pyridin-2-yl)pentane-1,5-dione dioxime (pdpdH₂), either in direct synthesis reactions involving oxidation of Mn^II salts or in metathesis reactions with the preformed complex [Mn₃O(O₂CMe)₆(py)₃](ClO₄) (1); complex 6 was then obtained by carboxylate substitution on complex 5. Complexes 3 and 4 contain two [MnIII2Mn^II(μ₃-O)]⁶⁺ and [MnIII3(μ₃-O)]⁷⁺ units, respectively, linked by two pdpd^2– groups. Complexes 5 and 6 contain four [MnIII3(μ₃-O)]⁷⁺ units linked by six pdpd^2– groups into a rectangular tetramer [MnIII3]₄. Solid-state dc magnetic susceptibility studies showed that the Mn₃ subunits in 3 and 4 have a ground-state spin of S = 3/2 and S = 2, respectively, while the Mn₃ subunits in 5 and 6 possess an S = 6 ground state. Complexes 5 and 6 exhibit frequency-dependent out-of-phase (χ′′_M) ac susceptibility signals indicating 5 and 6 to be tetramers of Mn₃ single-molecule magnets (SMMs). High-frequency EPR studies of a microcrystalline powder sample of 5·2CH₂Cl₂ provided precise spin Hamiltonian parameters of D = –0.33 cm^–1, |E| = 0.03 cm^–1, B04 = –8.0 × 10^–5 cm^–1, and g = 2.0. Magnetization vs. dc field sweeps on a single crystal of 5·xCH₂Cl₂ gave hysteresis loops below 1 K that exhibit exchange-biased quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) steps with a bias field of 0.19 T. Simulation of the loops determined that each Mn₃ unit is exchange-coupled to the two neighbors linked to it by the pdpd^2– linkers, with an antiferromagnetic inter-Mn₃ exchange interaction of J/k_B = –0.011 K (Ĥ = –2Jŝ_i·ŝ_j convention). The work demonstrates a rational approach to synthesizing magnetically-supramolecular aggregates of SMMs as potential multi-qubit systems for quantum computing.