Towards multifunctional magnetic systems through molecular-programmed self assembly of Re(IV) metalloligands

Tailored Inorganic-Organic Architectures via Metalloligands

This article discusses the design principles and strategies and the structural outcome of various supramolecular architectures constructed by utilizing well-defined coordination complexes as the metalloligands. We have included selected examples of metalloligands, offering either pyridyl or arylcarboxylic acid groups as the appended functional groups, for illustrating the construction of their supramolecular architectures. Both geometrical position and the number of the appended functional groups emerging from a metalloligand were found to critically regulate the structural aspects and dimensionality of the resultant material. The article concludes by delineating the structure-directing lessions as well as the potential applications of the metalloligand-based supramolecular architectures for the generation of next-level materials.

A new family of one-dimensional bromo-bridged Ir(IV)-Cu(II) complexes based on the hexabromoiridate(IV) metalloligand

By using the iridium(IV) complex (NBu₄)₂[IrBr₆] (1) as a metalloligand towards a Cu(II) metal ion, three novel Ir(IV) one-dimensional (1D) compounds of formula {IrBr₅(μ-Br)Cu(Meim)₄}_n (2), {IrBr₅(μ-Br)Cu(Viim)₄}_n (3) and {IrBr₅(μ-Br)Cu(Buim)₄}_n (4), [Meim = 1-methylimidazole; Viim = 1-vinylimidazole; Buim = 1-butylimidazole] have been prepared and structurally and magnetically characterised. Compounds 2, 3 and 4 crystallise in the triclinic, monoclinic and orthorhombic crystal systems with space groups P1̄, C2/c and Pccn, respectively. Each Ir(IV) ion in 1-4 is six-coordinate and bonded to six bromide ions in a quasi regular octahedral geometry. In compounds 2-4, the Cu^II ion shows an axially elongated octahedron with four N atoms, from four monodentate imidazole derivative ligands, that form the equatorial plane and two bromide ions that occupy the axial positions. Cu(II) and Ir(IV) ions are linked through bridging bromide anions generating Ir(IV)-Cu(II) chains [with intrachain Cu(II)⋯Ir(IV) distances covering the range of ca. 5.10-5.42 Å]. In the crystal lattice of 2 and 3 are observed significant intermolecular Ir-Br⋯Br-Ir contacts and π⋯Br interactions, which organize arrangements that contribute to stabilizing the crystal structure of these Ir(IV)-based compounds. DC magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that 1 displays magnetic behaviour typical of noninteracting mononuclear centres with S = 1/2. Besides, antiferromagnetic behaviour (2 and 3) and ferromagnetic (4) exchange coupling occur between the Cu(II) and Ir(IV) metal ions in the one-dimensional bromo-bridged compounds 2-4. Moreover, the study of the AC magnetic susceptibility shows a field-induced slow relaxation of the magnetisation for 1, indicating the presence of the single-ion magnet (SIM) phenomenon for the magnetically isolated hexabromoiridate(IV) complex.

Guest-induced magnetic exchange in paramagnetic [M2L4]4+ coordination cages

Paramagnetic complexes that show magnetically switchable properties show promise in a number of applications. A significantly underdeveloped approach is the use of metallocages, whose magnetic properties can be modulated through...

Slow magnetic relaxation in high-coordinate Co(II) and Fe(II) compounds bearing neutral tetradentate ligands

The first-row transition metal compounds, [M^II(L1)₂](ClO₄)₂ (M = Ni (1); Co (2)), have been prepared by treatment of a neutral tetradentate ligand (L1 = N²,N⁹-dibutyl-1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxamide) with metal perchlorate salts in MeOH. Both compounds have been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography and it was found that the coordination numbers are 6 and 7, respectively. The reaction of 6,6'-bis(2-^tbutyl-tetrazol-5-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine (L2) with hydrated Fe^II(ClO₄)₂ afforded a 8-coordinate Fe(II) compound, [Fe^II(L2)₂](ClO₄)₂ (3); however its reaction with hydrated Co^II(ClO₄)₂ resulted in 6-coordinate [Co^II(L2)₂](ClO₄)₂. It is interesting to observe field-induced slow magnetic relaxation in the 7-coordinate Co(II) compound 2 and 8-coordinate Fe(II) compound 3, which further supports the validity of designing high coordination number compounds as single-molecule magnets. Direct current magnetic studies demonstrate that 2 has a very large positive D value (56.2 cm^-1) and a small E value (0.66 cm^-1), indicating easy plane magnetic anisotropy. Consistent with the larger D value, an effective spin-reversal barrier of U_eff = 100 K (71.4 cm^-1) is obtained, which is the highest value reported for 7-coordinate Co(II) complexes with a pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. In contrast, 8-coordinate Fe(II) compound 3 exhibits uniaxial magnetic anisotropy.

Enhancing the barrier height for magnetization reversal in 4d/4f RuIII2LnIII2 "butterfly" single molecule magnets (Ln = Gd, Dy) via targeted structural alterations

A series of 4d-4f {RuIII2DyIII2} and {RuIII2GdIII2} 'butterfly' (rhombohedral) complexes have been synthesized and characterized and their magnetic properties investigated. Earlier, we have reported the first 4d/4f SMM - [RuIII2DyIII2(OMe)₂(O₂CPh)₄(mdea)₂(NO₃)₂] (1Dy) with a U_eff value of 10.7 cm^-1. As the structural distortion around the Dy^III centres and the Ru^III⋯Dy^III exchange interactions are key to enhancing the anisotropy, in this work we have synthesised three more {Ru₂Dy₂} butterfly complexes where structural alteration around the Dy^III centres and alterations to the bridging groups are performed with an aim to improve the magnetic properties. The new complexes reported here are [Ru₂Dy₂(OMe)₂(O₂C(4-Me-Ph)₄(mdea)₂(MeOH)₄], 2Dy, [Ru₂Dy₂(OMe)₂(O₂C(2-Cl,4,5-F-Ph)₄(mdea)₂(NO₃)₂], 3Dy, and an acac derivative [Ru₂Dy₂(OMe)₂(acac)₄(NO₃)₂(edea)₂], 4Dy, where acac^- = acetylacetonate, edea^2- = N-ethyldiethanolamine dianion. Complex 2Dy describes alteration in the Dy^III centers, while complexes 3Dy and 4Dy are aimed to alter the Ru^III⋯Dy^III exchange pathways. To ascertain the 4d-4f exchange, the Gd-analogues of 1Dy and 4Dy were synthesised [Ru₂Gd₂(OMe)₂(O₂CPh)₄(mdea)₂(NO₃)₂], 1Gd, [Ru₂Gd₂(OMe)₂(acac)₄(NO₃)₂(edea)₂], 4Gd. Both ac and dc susceptibility studies were performed on all these complexes, and out-of-phase signals were observed for 3Dy in zero-field while 2Dy and 4Dy show out-of-phase signals in the presence of an applied field. Complex 3Dy reveals a barrier height U_eff of 45 K. To understand the difference in the magnetic dynamic behavior compared to our earlier reported {RuIII2DyIII2} analogue, detailed theoretical calculations based on ab initio CASSCF/RASSI-SO calculations have been performed. Calculations reveal that the J_Ru⋯Dy value varies from -1.8 cm^-1 (4Dy) to -2.4 cm^-1 (3Dy). These values are also affirmed by DFT calculations performed on the corresponding Gd^III analogues. The origin of the largest barrier and observation of slow magnetic relaxation in 3Dy is routed back to the stronger single-ion anisotropy and stronger J_Ru⋯Dy exchange which quenches the QTM effects more efficiently. This study thus paves the way forward to tune local structure around the Ln^III center and the exchange pathway to enhance the SMM characteristics in other {3d-4f}/{4d-4f} SMMs.

Coexistence of metamagnetism and slow relaxation of magnetization in ammonium hexafluoridorhenate

The (NH₄)₂[ReF₆] (1) salt was studied by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, theoretical calculations, and magnetic measurements. 1 crystallizes in the trigonal space group P3̄m1 (Re-F = 1.958(5) Å). In the Raman spectrum of 1, splitting of the observed peaks was observed and correlated to the valence frequencies of vibration of the [ReF₆]^2- anion. The study of the magnetic properties of 1, through DC and AC magnetic susceptibility measurements, reveals the coexistence of metamagnetism and slow relaxation of magnetization at low temperature, which is unusual in the molecular systems based on the paramagnetic 5d metal ions reported so far.

Slow magnetic relaxation in structurally similar mononuclear 8-coordinate Fe(II) and Fe(III) compounds

A pair of structurally-similar and stable 8-coordinate high-spin Fe(ii) and Fe(iii) compounds have been obtained. Both compounds exhibit field-induced slow magnetic relaxation behaviour. The Fe(iii) compound represents the first example of 8-coordinate Fe(iii) single-molecule magnets (SMM).

Hexahalorhenate(iv) salts of protonated ciprofloxacin: antibiotic-based single-ion magnets

In the crystal lattice of two novel ReIV compounds, the paramagnetic [ReCl6]2− and [ReBr6]2− anions are well separated from each other through two protonated forms of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. These compounds behave as single-ion magnets (SIMs).

X-ray Structure and Magnetic Properties of Heterobimetallic Chains Based on the Use of an Octacyanidodicobalt(III) Complex as Metalloligand

The assembly of [Co2III(μ-2,5-dpp)(CN)8]2− anions and [MII(CH3OH)2(DMSO)2]2+ cations resulted into the formation of two heterobimetallic 1D coordination polymers of formula [MII(CH3OH)2(DMSO)2(μ-NC)2Co2III(μ-2,5-dpp)(CN)6]n·4nCH3OH [M = CoII (1)/FeII (2) and 2,5-dpp = 2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine. The [Co2III(μ-2,5-dpp)(CN)8]2− metalloligand coordinates the paramagnetic [MII(CH3OH)2(DMSO)2]2+ complex cations, in a bis-monodentate fashion, to give rise to neutral heterobimetallic chains. Cryomagnetic dc (1.9–300 K) and ac (2.0–13 K) magnetic measurements for 1 and 2 show the presence of Co(II)HS (1) and Fe(II)HS (2) ions (HS – high-spin), respectively, with D values of +53.7(5) (1) and −5.1(3) cm−1 (2) and slow magnetic relaxation for 1, this compound being a new example of SIM with transversal magnetic anisotropy. Low-temperature Q-band EPR study of 1 confirms that D value is positive, which reveals the occurrence of a strong asymmetry in the g-tensors and allows a rough estimation of the E/D ratio, whereas 2 is EPR silent. Theoretical calculations by CASSCF/NEVPT2 on 1 and 2 support the results from magnetometry and EPR. The analysis of the ac magnetic measurements of 1 shows that the relaxation of M takes place in the ground state under external magnetic dc fields through dominant Raman and direct spin-phonon processes.

Putting the Squeeze on Molecule-Based Magnets: Exploiting Pressure to Develop Magneto-Structural Correlations in Paramagnetic Coordination Compounds

The cornerstone of molecular magnetism is a detailed understanding of the relationship between structure and magnetic behaviour, i.e., the development of magneto-structural correlations. Traditionally, the synthetic chemist approaches this challenge by making multiple compounds that share a similar magnetic core but differ in peripheral ligation. Changes in the ligand framework induce changes in the bond angles and distances around the metal ions, which are manifested in changes to magnetic susceptibility and magnetisation data. This approach requires the synthesis of a series of different ligands and assumes that the chemical/electronic nature of the ligands and their coordination to the metal, the nature and number of counter ions and how they are positioned in the crystal lattice, and the molecular and crystallographic symmetry have no effect on the measured magnetic properties. In short, the assumption is that everything outwith the magnetic core is inconsequential, which is a huge oversimplification. The ideal scenario would be to have the same complex available in multiple structural conformations, and this is something that can be achieved through the application of external hydrostatic pressure, correlating structural changes observed through high-pressure single crystal X-ray crystallography with changes observed in high-pressure magnetometry, in tandem with high-pressure inelastic neutron scattering (INS), high-pressure electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and high-pressure absorption/emission/Raman spectroscopy. In this review, which summarises our work in this area over the last 15 years, we show that the application of pressure to molecule-based magnets can (reversibly) (1) lead to changes in bond angles, distances, and Jahn–Teller orientations; (2) break and form bonds; (3) induce polymerisation/depolymerisation; (4) enforce multiple phase transitions; (5) instigate piezochromism; (6) change the magnitude and sign of pairwise exchange interactions and magnetic anisotropy, and (7) lead to significant increases in magnetic ordering temperatures.

Molybdenum(III) Thiocyanate- and Selenocyanate-Based One-Dimensional Heteronuclear Polymers: Coordination Affinity-Controlled Assemblage of Mixed Spin and Mixed Valence Derivatives with Ni(II) and Co(II/III)

One-dimensional coordination polymers constructed with the 4d metallo-ligand [Mo(NCS)₆]^3- associated with Ni^II and Co^II complexes are reported. The first series consists of anionic NCS-bridged [Mo-M^II]^- coordination polymers associated with a discrete paramagnetic complex or a diamagnetic Co^III complex acting as cations. The latter takes advantage of the coordination preference of the S-ligand for the soft 3d ions and has led to hetero-trimetallic [Mo^IIINi^IICo^III] and mixed valence [Mo^IIICo^IICo^III] compounds. A second series concerns neutral chains in which trinuclear [Mo M₂^II] units are bridged by an additional NCS anion. The soft character of the S atom was also the key to a rare example of a compound involving both high-spin and low-spin Co^II centers associated with [Mo(NCS)₆]. A [Mo-Ni] derivative obtained with [Mo(NCSe)₆]^3- has been considered in order to evaluate the effect of Se versus S on the exchange interaction. The spin distribution for selenocyanate metallo-ligand has been assessed by density functional theory calculations. The crystal structures for all compounds have been characterized, and their magnetic behaviors have been investigated. These ferrimagnetic systems are characterized by antiferromagnetic Mo-M^II interactions in the range of -40 to -90 cm^-1 (based on H = -JS_aS_b formalism) operative both with Co^II and with Ni^II, thus demonstrating the potential of the Mo^III-NCS combination for molecular systems in which exchange interactions play an important role.

Field-Induced Single-Ion Magnet Phenomenon in Hexabromo- and Hexaiodorhenate(IV) Complexes

Two mononuclear ReIV complexes of general formula (PPh4)2[ReX6] [PPh4+ = tetraphenylphosphonium cation, X = Br (1) and I (2)] have been prepared and structurally and magnetically characterised. Both compounds crystallise in the triclinic system with space group Pī. Their structures are made up of hexahalorhenate(IV), [ReX6]2−, anions, and bulky PPh4+ cations. Each ReIV ion in 1 and 2 is six-coordinate and bonded to six halide ions in a quasi regular octahedral geometry. In their crystal packing, the [ReX6]2− anions are well separated from each other through the organic cations, generating alternated anionic and cationic layers, and no intermolecular Re−X···X−Re interactions are present. Variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility measurements performed on microcrystalline samples of 1 and 2 show a very similar magnetic behaviour, which is typical of noninteracting mononuclear ReIV complexes with S = 3/2. Ac magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the slow relaxation of the magnetisation in the presence of external dc fields for 1 and 2, hence indicating the occurrence of the field-induced single-ion magnet (SIM) phenomenon in these hexabromo- and hexaiodorhenate(IV) complexes.

Access to Heteroleptic Fluorido-Cyanido Complexes with a Large Magnetic Anisotropy by Fluoride Abstraction

Silicon-mediated fluoride abstraction is demonstrated as a means of generating the first fluorido-cyanido transition metal complexes. This new synthetic approach is exemplified by the synthesis and characterization of the heteroleptic complexes, trans-[M^IV F₄ (CN)₂ ]^2- (M=Re, Os), obtained from their homoleptic [M^IV F₆ ]^2- parents. As shown by combined high-field electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetization measurements, the partial substitution of fluoride by cyanide ligands leads to a marked increase in the magnetic anisotropy of trans-[ReF₄ (CN)₂ ]^2- as compared to [ReF₆ ]^2- , reflecting the severe departure from an ideal octahedral (O_h point group) ligand field. This methodology paves the way toward the realization of new heteroleptic transition metal complexes that may be used as highly anisotropic building-blocks for the design of high-performance molecule-based magnetic materials.

Field-induced slow magnetic relaxation in low-spin S = 1/2 mononuclear osmium(v) complexes

Photochemical reactions of (PPh4)[OsVI(N)(L)(CN)3] (NO2-OsN) with piperidine and pyrrolidine afforded two osmium(v) hydrazido compounds, (PPh4)[OsV(L)(CN)3(NNC5H10)] ([PPh4]1) and (PPh4)[OsV(L)(CN)3(NNC4H8)] ([PPh4]2), respectively. Their structures consist of isolated, mononuclear distorted octahedral osmium anions that are well-separated from each other by PPh4+. Their low spin S = 1/2 and L = 1 ground state was confirmed by magnetometry and DFT calculations. Interestingly, both compounds exhibit slow magnetic relaxation under a bias dc-field. These osmium(v) complexes are potentially useful building-blocks for the construction of molecule-based architectures with interesting magnetic properties. In contrast, the structurally related (PPh4)[OsIII(L)(CN)3(NH3)] ([PPh4]3), which also has a low-spin S = 1/2 ground state but with a different electronic configuration (5d5), does not exhibit slow magnetic relaxation, due to the absence of any orbital moment (L = 0). Furthermore, the structurally different osmium(v) hydrazido compound reported by Meyer, [OsV(tpy)(Cl)2(NNC5H10)](PF6) (4[PF6]), also does not exhibit slow magnetic relaxation due possibly to a change in magnetic anisotropy from axial for [PPh4]1 and [PPh4]2 to planar.

Dinuclear and Mononuclear Rhenium Coordination Compounds upon Employment of a Schiff-Base Triol Ligand: Structural, Magnetic, and Computational Studies

The 1:1 reaction of trans-[Re^IIICl₃(PPh₃)₂(MeCN)] with 2-(β-naphthalideneamino)-2-hydroxymethyl-1-propanol, H₃L, in toluene gave the dinuclear complex [Re^III₂Cl₄(HL)(PPh₃)]·2C₇H₈ (1·2C₇H₈), while the 1:2 reaction led to the formation of complex [Re^IVCl₂(HL)(PPh₃)] (2). In both species, the Schiff-base ligand exists in its doubly deprotonated form, HL^2-, forming chelate rings around the metallic centers. In addition, 1·2C₇H₈ displays a unique triple metal-to-metal bond between the two trivalent rhenium ions separated at a 2.229(1) Å bond distance, while in complex [Re^IVCl₂(HL)(PPh₃)] (2) the two aromatic ligands, HL^2- and PPh₃, occupy axial positions, with the terminal Cl^- ions in the trans position. Investigation of the magnetic properties revealed a Curie paramagnetic behavior ( S = 1/2) with a pronounced temperature independent paramagnetism (TIP) for 1·2C₇H₈ and 2. Both the geometry and the electronic structure of both compounds have been studied by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, confirming the triplet and doublet spin ground state of the complexes and furthermore establishing an electron-rich σ²π⁴δ¹δ^*1 bond order of 3 for 1·2C₇H₈. In addition, the absorption spectrum of 1·2C₇H₈ in CH₂Cl₂ was simulated by means of DFT calculations and is in excellent agreement with both the crystallographic and theoretical studies. Complex 1·2C₇H₈ is the first dinuclear rhenium complex with a triple metal-metal bond between trivalent rhenium centers.

Field-induced slow relaxation of magnetisation in an anionic heterotetranuclear [ZnIIReIV3] system

The compound (NBu₄)₄[Zn^II{Re^IVCl₄(μ-ox)}₃] (1) [NBu₄⁺ = tetra-n-butylammonium cation and ox²⁻ = oxalate dianion] is the first example of an oxalato-bridged Zn^II system coordinated to a 5d metal ion that exhibits slow relaxation of magnetisation.

Ferromagnetic exchange interaction in a new Ir(iv)–Cu(ii) chain based on the hexachloroiridate(iv) anion

The new chloro-bridged heterobimetallic Ir^IVCu^II chain of formula {IrCl₅(μ-Cl)Cu(viim)₄}_n [viim = 1-vinylimidazole] is the first reported compound based on the Cu^II and Ir^IV metal ions.

Facile synthesis of multicomponent heterobimetallic metallomacrocycles through selective metal–ligand coordination

Through selective coordination, three heterobimetallic Zn^II–Pd^II/Pt^II metallomacrocycles have been constructed by either a stepwise or a one-pot self-assembly protocol.

Use of the TCNQF4 2- Dianion in the Spontaneous Redox Formation of [FeIII (L- )2 ][TCNQF4 ⋅- ]

The reaction of [Fe^II (L^. )₂ ](BF₄ )₂ with Li₂ TCNQF₄ results in the formation of [Fe^III (L^- )₂ ][TCNQF₄ ^{. -} ] (1) where L^. is the radical ligand, 4,4-dimethyl-2,2-di(2-pyridyl)oxazolidine-N-oxide and TCNQF₄ is 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane. This has been characterised by X-ray diffraction, Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility, Mössbauer spectroscopy and electrochemistry. X-ray diffraction studies, magnetic susceptibility measurements and Raman and FTIR spectroscopy suggest the presence of low-spin Fe^III ions, the anionic form (L^- ) of the ligand and the anionic radical form of TCNQF₄ ; viz. TCNQF₄ ^{. -} . Li₂ TCNQF₄ reduces the [Fe^II (L^. )₂ ]²⁺ dication, which undergoes a reductively induced oxidation to form the [Fe^III (L^- )₂ ]⁺ monocation resulting in the formation of [Fe^III (L^- )₂ ][TCNQF₄ ^{. -} ] (1), the electrochemistry of which revealed four well-separated, diffusion-controlled, one-electron, reversible processes. Mössbauer spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements suggest the presence of a minor second species, likely to be [Fe^II (L^. )₂ ][TCNQF₄ ^2- ].

Halogen⋯halogen interactions in the self-assembly of one-dimensional 2,2′-bipyrimidine-based CuIIReIV systems

Two one-dimensional Cu^IIRe^IV coordination polymers of the general formula {[Re^IVCl₄(μ-bpym)Cu^IIX₂]·solvent}_n [where bpym = 2,2′-bipyrimidine, X = Cl (1) and Br (2), and solvent = H₂O (1) and CHCl₃ (2)] have been prepared and characterised structurally and magnetically.

Magneto-structural correlations in a family of ReIVCuII chains based on the hexachlororhenate(iv) metalloligand

Six novel one-dimensional chloro-bridged Re^IVCu^II complexes of formula {[Cu(L)₄][ReCl₆]}_n, where L = imidazole (Imi, 1), 1-methylimidazole (Meim, 2), 1-vinylimidazole (Vim, 3), 1-butylimidazole (Buim, 4), 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole (Vtri, 5) and N,N'-dimethylformamide (DMF, 6) are characterised structurally, magnetically and theoretically. The structures exhibit significant differences in Cu-Cl bond lengths and Re-Cl-Cu bridging angles, resulting in large differences in the nature and magnitude of magnetic exchange interactions between the Re^IV and Cu^II ions. Theoretical calculations reveal the coupling to be primarily ferromagnetic, increasing in magnitude as the bridging angle becomes smaller and the bond lengths shorten.

[MIII2MII3] n+ trigonal bipyramidal cages based on diamagnetic and paramagnetic metalloligands

A family of five [MIII2MII3] n+ trigonal bipyramidal cages (MIII = Fe, Cr and Al; MII = Co, Zn and Pd; n = 0 for 1-3 and n = 6 for 4-5) of formulae [Fe2Co3L6Cl6] (1), [Fe2Zn3L6Br6] (2), [Cr2Zn3L6Br6] (3), [Cr2Pd3L6(dppp)3](OTf)6 (4) and [Al2Pd3L6(dppp)3](OTf)6 (5) (where HL is 1-(4-pyridyl)butane-1,3-dione and dppp is 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane) are reported. Neutral cages 1-3 were synthesised using the tritopic [MIIIL3] metalloligand in combination with the salts CoIICl2 and ZnIIBr2, which both act as tetrahedral linkers. The assembly of the cis-protected [PdII(dppp)(OTf)2] with [MIIIL3] afforded the anionic cages 4-5 of general formula [MIII2PdII3](OTf)6. The metallic skeleton of all cages describes a trigonal bipyramid with the MIII ions occupying the two axial sites and the MII ions sitting in the three equatorial positions. Direct current (DC) magnetic susceptibility, magnetisation and heat capacity measurements on 1 reveal weak antiferromagnetic exchange between the FeIII and CoII ions. EPR spectroscopy demonstrates that the distortion imposed on the {MO6} coordination sphere of [MIIIL3] by complexation in the {MIII2MII3} supramolecules results in a small, but measurable, increase of the zero field splitting at MIII. Complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) calculations on the three unique CoII sites of 1 suggest DCo ≈ -14 cm-1 and E/D ≈ 0.1, consistent with the magnetothermal and spectroscopic data.

Hexahalorhenate(iv) salts of metal oxazolidine nitroxides

Eight coordination compounds of formulae [Fe^II(L˙)₂][Re^IVCl₆] (1a), [Fe^II(L˙)₂][Re^IVBr₆] (1b), [Co^II(L˙)₂][Re^IVCl₆]·CH₃CN (2a), [Co^II(L˙)₂][Re^IVBr₆] (2b), [Ni^II(L˙)(CH₃CN)₃][Re^IVCl₆]·CH₃CN (3a), [Ni^II(L˙)(CH₃CN)₃][Re^IVBr₆]·3CH₃CN (3b), [Cu^II(L˙)₂][Re^IVCl₆] (4a) and [Cu^II(L˙)₂][Re^IVBr₆] (4b), where L˙ is the aminoxyl radical chelating ligand, 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-di(2-pyridyl)oxazolidine-N-oxide, have been synthesised. Structural and magnetic studies reveal metal-radical intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions in the [M^II(L˙)₂]²⁺ cations in the iron, cobalt and copper based compounds (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 4a and 4b) with the central metal ion low-spin in the case of iron (1a and 1b) and a gradual, cobalt based, spin-crossover transition present in 2a and 2b. The nickel based compounds, 3a and 3b, were analysed in the dried form (3a(dried) and 3b(dried)) and directly in acetonitrile (3a(solvated) and 3b(solvated)). Microanalysis and IR spectroscopy on 3a(dried) and 3b(dried) suggest that the dried samples are best formulated as [Ni^II(L˙)(H₂O)₃][Re^IVX₆], where X = Cl (3a(dried)) and Br (3b(dried)). All forms of 3a and 3b exhibit cationic metal-radical ferromagnetic interactions resulting in S = 3/2 ground states. In addition, 3a(dried) exhibits spin-canting behaviour with an ordering temperature of 2.7 K, an open hysteresis loop with a coercive field H_c = 580 Oe, and a remanent magnetisation M_r = 0.21μ_B, resulting in a canting angle of ∼1.8°. In contrast, 3b(dried) shows no spin-canting behaviour; a maximum in χ_Mvs. T at T = 3 K suggesting long-range antiferromagnetic ordering. 3a(solvated) and 3b(solvated) show no indication of long-range magnetic ordering, unlike 4a and 4b where anomalies are evident in the low-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements.

Magneto-structural correlations in dirhenium(iv) complexes possessing magnetic pathways with even or odd numbers of atoms

Spin-polarization enforces either ferro- or antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between Re^IV ions with odd or even numbers of intervening atoms.

Pressure induced enhancement of the magnetic ordering temperature in rhenium(IV) monomers

Materials that demonstrate long-range magnetic order are synonymous with information storage and the electronics industry, with the phenomenon commonly associated with metals, metal alloys or metal oxides and sulfides. A lesser known family of magnetically ordered complexes are the monometallic compounds of highly anisotropic d-block transition metals; the ‘transformation' from isolated zero-dimensional molecule to ordered, spin-canted, three-dimensional lattice being the result of through-space interactions arising from the combination of large magnetic anisotropy and spin-delocalization from metal to ligand which induces important intermolecular contacts. Here we report the effect of pressure on two such mononuclear rhenium(IV) compounds that exhibit long-range magnetic order under ambient conditions via a spin canting mechanism, with T_c controlled by the strength of the intermolecular interactions. As these are determined by intermolecular distance, ‘squeezing' the molecules closer together generates remarkable enhancements in ordering temperatures, with a linear dependence of T_c with pressure.

Materials that demonstrate long-range magnetic order are synonymous with information storage. Here, the authors report the effect of pressure on two mononuclear rhenium compounds that exhibit long-range magnetic order under ambient conditions via a spin canting mechanism, where T_c is proportional to pressure.

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of H2tppz[ReCl6] and [Cu(bpzm)2(μ-Cl)ReCl3(μ-ox)Cu(bpzm)2(μ-ox)ReCl3(μ-Cl)]n

Two new Re(iv) compounds of formulae H2tppz[ReCl6] (1) and [Cu(bpzm)2(μ-Cl)ReCl3(μ-ox)Cu(bpzm)2(μ-ox)ReCl3(μ-Cl)]n (2) [tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine and bpzm = bis(pyrazolyl-1-yl)methane] have been prepared and their crystal structures determined by X-ray diffraction on single crystals. Compound 1 is a mononuclear species whose structure consists of octahedral hexachlororhenate(iv) anions and diprotonated H2tppz(2+) cations which are arranged in the unit cell as alternating anionic and cationic layers, held together by electrostatic forces. The structure of 2 is made up of alternating [Cu(1)(bpzm)2](2+) and [(ox)ReCl3(μ-Cl)Cu(2)(bpzm)2(μ-Cl)ReCl3(ox)](2-) entities interlinked by oxalate bridges to afford a neutral heterobimetallic chain. The oxalate group adopts the didentate (at Re)/monodentate (at Cu) bridging mode. The magnetic behavior of 1 and 2 has been investigated over the temperature range 1.9-295 K. 1 is a magnetically diluted Re(iv) complex, the relatively large value of the zero-field splitting of the ground level [D = -15.8(2) cm(-1)] accounting for the variation of χMT in the low temperature range. Weak intrachain ferromagnetic interactions between Re(iv) and Cu(ii) through oxalate (J1 = +0.15 cm(-1)) and single chloro (J2 = +4.9 cm(-1)) bridges occur in 2 which are obscured by the large zero-field splitting of the Re(iv) ion (DRe = 42 cm(-1)). In addition, interchain antiferromagnetic interactions are also involved in 2 which are responsible for the metamagnetic behavior observed, the value of the critical dc magnetic field (Hc) being 20 kOe.

The crystal structure and magnetic properties of 3-pyridinecarboxylate-bridged Re(II)M(II) complexes (M = Cu, Ni, Co and Mn)

The novel Re(II) complex NBu4[Re(NO)Br4(Hnic)] (1) and the heterodinuclear compounds [Re(NO)Br4(μ-nic)Ni(dmphen)2]·½CH3CN (2), [Re(NO)Br4(μ-nic)Co(dmphen)2]·½MeOH (3), [Re(NO)Br4(μ-nic)Mn(dmphen)(H2O)2]·dmphen (4), [Re(NO)Br4(μ-nic)Cu(bipy)2] (5) [Re(NO)Br4(μ-nic)Cu(dmphen)2] (5') (NBu4(+) = tetra-n-butylammonium cation, Hnic = 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid, dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine) have been prepared and the structures of 1-5 determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of 1 consists of [Re(NO)Br4(Hnic)](-) anions and NBu4(+) cations. Each Re(II) is six-coordinate with four bromide ligands, a linear nitrosyl group and a nitrogen atom from the Hnic molecule, in a distorted octahedral surrounding. The structures of 2-5 are made up of discrete heterodinuclear Re(II)M(II) units where the fully deprotonated [Re(NO)Br4(nic)](2-) entity acts as a didentate ligand through the carboxylate group towards the [Ni(dmphen)2](2+) (2), [Co(dmphen)2](2+) (3), [Mn(dmphen)(H2O)2](2+) (4) and [Cu(bipy)2](2+) (5) fragments, the Re-M separation across the nic bridge being 7.8736(8) (2), 7.9632(10) (3), 7.7600(6) (4) and 8.2148(7) Å (5). The environment of the Re(II) ion in 2-5 is the same as 1 that in and all M(II) are six-coordinate in highly distorted octahedral surroundings, the main source of the distortion being due to the reduced bite of the chelating carboxylate. The magnetic properties of 1-5' were investigated in the temperature range 1.9-300 K. 1 behaves as a quasi-magnetically isolated spin doublet with very weak antiferromagnetic interactions through space Br···Br contacts. Its magnetic susceptibility data were successfully modeled through a deep analysis of the influence of the ligand field, spin-orbit coupling, tetragonal distortion and covalence effects as variable parameters. Compounds 2-5' exhibit weak antiferromagnetic interactions. The intramolecular exchange pathway in this family being discarded because of the symmetry of magnetic orbitals of the Re(II) ion (d(xy)) precludes any spin delocalization on the bridging nic orbitals, the observed magnetic interactions are most likely mediated by π-π type interactions between the peripheral ligands which occur in them. Only in the case of 4, short through space Br···Br contacts of ca. 4.03 Å (values larger than 5.5 Å in 2, 3 and 5) could be involved in the exchange coupling.

Aquapentachlororhenate(iv): a singular and promising building block for metal assembly

The novel Re^IV compound of formula PPh₄[Re^IVCl₅(H₂O)] (1) is the first example of a Re^IV compound containing a coordinated water molecule which has been magnetostructurally studied.