Synthesis and characterization of [Fe(III)(qsal)2][M(III)(pds)2] (M=Cu, Au)

Cooperative spin-crossover transition from three-dimensional purely π-stacking interactions in a neutral heteroleptic azobisphenolate FeIII complex with a N3O3 coordination sphere

The first neutral spin-crossover Fe^III complex with a N₃O₃ coordination sphere formed a purely π-stacking interaction network and exhibited the cooperative transition.

Steric Trapping of the High Spin State in FeIII Quinolylsalicylaldimine Complexes

A new sterically bulky Schiff base ligand, N-(8-quinolyl)-5-tert-butylsalicylaldimine (Hqsal-5-tBu) has been prepared and a series of FeIII complexes, [Fe(qsal-5-tBu)2]Y (Y = Cl 1, ClO4 2, NO3 3, BF4 4) utilising this ligand are reported and fully characterised. UV-vis spectroscopic and electrochemical studies indicate that 1–4 are high spin (HS) in solution at room temperature and further suggest that the tBu group only slightly alters the electronic properties of 1–4 compared with related [Fe(qsal-5-X)2]+ systems. The structures of [Fe(qsal-5-tBu)2]Cl·4MeOH·H2O 1, [Fe(qsal-5-tBu)2]ClO4·MeOH 2, and [Fe(qsal-5-tBu)2]NO3 3 determined at 100 K reveal HS FeIII centres in all cases. Four-fold parallel aryl embraces and π–π interactions serve to link the cations forming 2D sheets mirroring the motifs found in other [Fe(qsal-5-X)2]+ complexes. Despite this the tBu group causes strong distortions at the Fe centre which as magnetic studies reveal prevent spin crossover trapping 1–4 in the HS state.

Structure:function relationships in molecular spin-crossover complexes

Spin-crossover compounds are becoming increasingly popular for device and sensor applications, and in soft materials, that make use of their switchable colour, paramagnetism and conductivity. The de novo design of new solid spin-crossover compounds with pre-defined switching properties is desirable for application purposes. This challenging problem of crystal engineering requires an understanding of how the temperature and cooperativity of a spin-transition are influenced by the structure of the bulk material. Towards that end, this critical review presents a survey of molecular spin-crossover compounds with good availability of crystallographic data. A picture is emerging that changes in molecular shape between the high- and low-spin states, and the ability of a lattice to accommodate such changes, can play an important role in determining the existence and the cooperativity of a thermal spin-transition in the solid state (198 references).