Carbonate-Bridged Lanthanoid Triangles: Single-Molecule Magnet Behavior, Inelastic Neutron Scattering, and Ab Initio Studies

A Lanthanide-Incorporated Phospho(III)tungstate Aggregate Constructed from [HPIIIW8O31]10- and [W11O39]12- Building Blocks and Its Nanocomposite with CdS for Ultrasensitive Photoelectrochemical Detection of Oxytetracycline

A novel tartronic acid decorated hexa-CeIII-incorporated phospho(III)tungstate aggregate (C4H12NO)6Na18H2[(HPW8O31)2[W11O39]2(H2TAD)4(H2O)4W4Ce6H2P2O14]·84H2O (1, H3TAD = tartronic acid) was synthesized by a one-step assembly strategy. Its main skeleton is constructed from two [W11O39]12- fragments, two [HPIIIW8O31]10- segments and one H2TAD--ornamented dodecanuclear heterometallic [W4Ce6H2PIII2O14(H2TAD)4(H2O)4]18+ cluster. In the structure, the [HPIIIO3]2- groups not only work as the heteroatom template to induce the formation of lacunary [HPIIIW8O31]10- segments but also function as the connector to bridge Ce3+ cations. With the help of a reaction strategy of combining ultrasonication treatment with the continuous ion layer adsorption method, the 1/CdS composite was constructed and exhibits prominent photoelectrochemical activity. The 1/CdS composite was used as a photoelectrochemical sensor for oxytetracycline detection at 0 V (vs Ag/AgCl), which displays excellent properties with quick response and low limit of detection (0.042 nM). This work can provide some helpful references in the construction of novel PIII-induced polyoxometalates consisting of different building blocks and can extend the applications of polyoxometalate-based nanocomposites into photoelectrochemical detection for antibiotics as well as biomolecules.

Ab initio-based determination of lanthanoid-radical exchange as visualised by inelastic neutron scattering

Magnetic exchange coupling can modulate the slow magnetic relaxation in single-molecule magnets. Despite this, elucidation of exchange coupling remains a significant challenge for the lanthanoid(iii) ions, both experimentally and computationally. In this work, the crystal field splitting and 4f-π exchange coupling in the erbium-semiquinonate complex [ErTp2dbsq] (Er-dbsq; Tp- = hydro-tris(1-pyrazolyl)borate, dbsqH2 = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-semiquinone) have been determined by inelastic neutron scattering (INS), magnetometry, and CASSCF-SO ab initio calculations. A related complex with a diamagnetic ligand, [ErTp2trop] (Er-trop; tropH = tropolone), has been used as a model for the crystal field splitting in the absence of coupling. Magnetic and INS data indicate antiferromagnetic exchange for Er-dbsq with a coupling constant of Jex = -0.23 meV (-1.8 cm-1) (-2Jex formalism) and good agreement is found between theory and experiment, with the low energy magnetic and spectroscopic properties well modelled. Most notable is the ability of the ab initio modelling to reproduce the signature of interference between localised 4f states and delocalised π-radical states that is evident in the Q-dependence of the exchange excitation. This work highlights the power of combining INS with EPR and magnetometry for determination of ground state properties, as well as the enhanced capability of CASSCF-SO ab initio calculations and purposely developed ab initio-based theoretical models. We deliver an unprecedentedly detailed representation of the entangled character of 4f-π exchange states, which is obtained via an accurate image of the spin-orbital transition density between the 4f-π exchange coupled wavefunctions.

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.

Dominance of Cyclobutadienyl Over Cyclopentadienyl in the Crystal Field Splitting in Dysprosium Single-Molecule Magnets

Replacing a monoanionic cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ligand in dysprosium single-molecule magnets (SMMs) with a dianionic cyclobutadienyl (Cb) ligand in the sandwich complexes [(η4 -Cb'''')Dy(η5 -C5 Me4 t Bu)(BH4 )]- (1), [(η4 -Cb'''')Dy(η8 -Pn† )K(THF)] (2) and [(η4 -Cb'''')Dy(η8 -Pn† )]- (3) leads to larger energy barriers to magnetization reversal (Cb''''=C4 (SiMe3 )4 , Pn† =1,4-di(tri-isopropylsilyl)pentalenyl). Short distances to the Cb'''' ligands and longer distances to the Cp ligands in 1-3 are consistent with the crystal field splitting being dominated by the former. Theoretical analysis shows that the magnetic axes in the ground Kramers doublets of 1-3 are oriented towards the Cb'''' ligands. The theoretical axiality parameter and the relative axiality parameter Z and Zrel are introduced to facilitate comparisons of the SMM performance of 1-3 with a benchmark SMM. Increases in Z and Zrel when Cb''' replaces Cp signposts a route to SMMs with properties that could surpass leading systems.

A conjugated Schiff-base macrocycle weakens the transverse crystal field of air-stable dysprosium single-molecule magnets

The dominance of a self-condensed conjugated macrocycle over a [2 + 2] conventional macrocycle in weakening the transverse crystal field and boosting axiality provides a new route to construct high-performance air-stable lanthanide SMMs.

Nicotinic-Acid-Ornamented Tetrameric Rare-Earth-Substituted Phospho(III)tungstates with the Coexistence of Mixed Keggin/Dawson Building Blocks and Its Honeycomb Nanofilm for Detecting Toxins

A fascinating class of nicotinic-acid-ornamented tetrameric rare-earth (RE)-substituted phospho(III)tungstates [NH₂(CH₃)₂]₁₀Na₄H₈[RE₂(NA)(HNA)(H₂O)₆(W₂O₄)(β-H₂P₂^IIIW₁₃O₄₉)(α-HP^IIIW₉O₃₃)]₂·22 H₂O [RE = Nd³⁺ (1-Nd), Tb³⁺ (2-Tb), Dy³⁺ (3-Dy), Ho³⁺ (4-Ho), HNA = nicotinic acid] were isolated through a one-step reaction method of Na₂WO₄·2H₂O, H₃PO₃, HNA, NH₂(CH₃)₂·HCl, and RE(NO₃)·6H₂O. Of meticulous concern is that HPO₃^2- was used as a template to construct tetrameric RE-substituted phospho(III)tungstates including mixed heteropolyoxotungstate building blocks. Their hybrid polyoxoanions are composed of two symmetrical [RE₂(NA)(HNA)(H₂O)₆(W₂O₄)(β-H₂P₂^IIIW₁₃O₄₉)(α-HPW₉O₃₃)]^11- units linked by RE-O-W bonds. The symmetrical unit consists of one peculiar heterometal nicotinic-acid-ornamented [RE₂(NA)(HNA)(W₂O₄)]⁹⁺ cluster connecting a pentavacant Dawson-like [β-H₂P₂W₁₃O₄₉]^12- and a trivacant Keggin [α-HPW₉O₃₃]^8- subunits. Furthermore, dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride (DMDODA·Cl) was used to combine with 1-Nd in the CHCl₃-H₂O system through electrostatic interactions, leading to the 1-Nd@DMDODA composite material. The honeycomb-patterned film of the 1-Nd @DMDODA composite material was successfully constructed by using the breath figure method on a glassy carbon electrode, which can offer abundant binding sites to Au nanoparticles (nano-Au). Ulteriorly, Au-functionalized 1-Nd@DMDODA-modified electrode was utilized as an electrochemical sensor to detect ochratoxin A, showing a good detection limit of 1.19 pM.

Trigonal Prismatic Coordination of Discrete Rare Earth Ions, Enforced by the Polyoxotungstate [P4 W27 O99 (H2 O)]16

A family of solution-stable polyanions [Na⊂{LnIII (H2 O)}{WVI O(H2 O)}PV 4 WVI 26 O98 ]12- (Ln=Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and Y) represent the first examples of polyoxometalates comprising a single lanthanide(III) or yttrium(III) ion in a rare trigonal prismatic O6 environment. Their synthesis exploits the reactivity of the organophosphonate-functionalized precursor [P4 W24 O92 (C6 H5 PV O)2 ]16- with heterometal ions and yields hydrated potassium or mixed lithium/potassium salts of composition Kx Lny H12-x-y [Na⊂{Ln(H2 O)}{WO(H2 O)}P4 W26 O98 ]⋅nH2 O⋅mLiCl (x=8.5-11; y=0-2; n=24-34; m=0-1.5). The Dy, Ho, Er and Yb derivatives are characterized by slow magnetization relaxation.

Assembly of tetra-nuclear YbIII-containing selenotungstate clusters: synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties

Two tetra-nuclear Yb^III-incorporated selenotungstate clusters, Keggin (C₂H₈N)₆Na₁₄[Yb₄Se₆W₄₄O₁₆₀(H₂O)₁₂]·40H₂O (1) and Wells-Dawson (C₂H₈N)₄Na₁₄[Yb₄Se₆W₄₅O₁₅₉(OH)₆(H₂O)₁₁]·38H₂O (2), have been isolated through a pH-controlled assembly, which exhibit the first Yb^III-containing polyoxotungstates with selenium heteroatoms. Their assemblies rely on the structure-directing effects of SeO₃^2- anion templates to give rise to available Se-containing Keggin-/Wells-Dawson-type motifs. Both compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, power X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as well as electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Furthermore, systematic magnetic studies revealed that 1 exhibits field-induced single-molecule magnetic behavior with a pre-exponential factor of τ₀ = 6.60(7) × 10^-8 s and a relaxation energy barrier of ΔE/k_B = 39.44(2) K, while 2 only displays antiferromagnetic interactions between the ytterbium centers.

Single-Ion Anisotropy and Intramolecular Interactions in CeIII and NdIII Dimers

This article reports the syntheses, characterization, structural description, together with magnetic and spectroscopic properties of two isostructural molecular magnets based on the chiral ligand N,N'-bis((1,2-diphenyl-(pyridine-2-yl)methylene)-(R,R/S,S)-ethane-1,2-diamine), L1, of general formula [Ln2(RR-L1)2(Cl6)]·MeOH·1.5H2O, (Ln = Ce (1) or Nd (2)). Multifrequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), cantilever torque magnetometry (CTM) measurements, and ab initio calculations allowed us to determine single-ion magnetic anisotropy and intramolecular magnetic interactions in both compounds, evidencing a more important role of the anisotropic exchange for the NdIII derivative. The comparison of experimental and theoretical data indicates that, in the case of largely rhombic lanthanide ions, ab initio calculations can fail in determining the orientation of the weakest components, while being reliable in determining their principal values. However, they remain of paramount importance to set the analysis of EPR and CTM on sound basis, thus obtaining a very precise picture of the magnetic interactions in these systems. Finally, the electronic structure of the two complexes, as obtained by this approach, is consistent with the absence of zero-field slow relaxation observed in ac susceptibility.

Applying Unconventional Spectroscopies to the Single-Molecule Magnets, Co(PPh3 )2 X2 (X=Cl, Br, I): Unveiling Magnetic Transitions and Spin-Phonon Coupling

Large separation of magnetic levels and slow relaxation in metal complexes are desirable properties of single-molecule magnets (SMMs). Spin-phonon coupling (interactions of magnetic levels with phonons) is ubiquitous, leading to magnetic relaxation and loss of memory in SMMs and quantum coherence in qubits. Direct observation of magnetic transitions and spin-phonon coupling in molecules is challenging. We have found that far-IR magnetic spectra (FIRMS) of Co(PPh₃ )₂ X₂ (Co-X; X=Cl, Br, I) reveal rarely observed spin-phonon coupling as avoided crossings between magnetic and u-symmetry phonon transitions. Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) gives phonon spectra. Calculations using VASP and phonopy programs gave phonon symmetries and movies. Magnetic transitions among zero-field split (ZFS) levels of the S=3/2 electronic ground state were probed by INS, high-frequency and -field EPR (HFEPR), FIRMS, and frequency-domain FT terahertz EPR (FD-FT THz-EPR), giving magnetic excitation spectra and determining ZFS parameters (D, E) and g values. Ligand-field theory (LFT) was used to analyze earlier electronic absorption spectra and give calculated ZFS parameters matching those from the experiments. DFT calculations also gave spin densities in Co-X, showing that the larger Co(II) spin density in a molecule, the larger its ZFS magnitude. The current work reveals dynamics of magnetic and phonon excitations in SMMs. Studies of such couplings in the future would help to understand how spin-phonon coupling may lead to magnetic relaxation and develop guidance to control such coupling.

Half-Integer Spin Triangles: Old Dogs, New Tricks

Spin triangles, that is, triangular complexes of half-integer spins, are the oldest molecular nanomagnets (MNMs). Their magnetic properties have been studied long before molecular magnetism was delineated as a research field. This Review presents the history of their study, with references to the parallel development of new experimental investigations and new theoretical ideas used for their interpretation. It then presents an indicative list of spin-triangle families to illustrate their chemical diversity. Finally, it makes reference to recent developments in terms of theoretical ideas and new phenomena, as well as to the relevance of spin triangles to spintronic devices and new physics.

Importance of Axial Symmetry in Elucidating Lanthanide-Transition Metal Interactions

In this paper, we experimentally study and model the electron donating character of an axial diamagnetic Pd²⁺ ion in four metalloligated lanthanide complexes of formula [PPh₄][Ln{Pd(SAc)₄}₂] (SAc^- = thioacetate, Ln = Tb, Dy, Ho, and Er). A global model encompassing inelastic neutron scattering, torque magnetometry, and dc magnetometry allows to precisely determine the energy level structure of the complexes. Solid state nuclear magnetic resonance reveals a less donating character of Pd²⁺ compared to the previously reported isostructural Pt²⁺-based complexes. Consequently, all complexes invariably show a lower crystal field strength compared to their Pt²⁺-analogues. The dynamic properties show an enhanced single molecule magnet behavior due to the suppression of quantum tunneling, in agreement with our model.

Self-Assembly of Nanoscale Lanthanoid-Containing Selenotungstates: Synthesis, Structures, and Magnetic Studies

The reaction of mid-lanthanide (Ln) ions with the preformed {Se₆W₃₉} precursor under reasonably acidic aqueous conditions in the presence of organic amine cations results in an unprecedented nanoscale lanthanide-functionalized polyoxotungstate family, which are rare examples of mid-lanthanide-containing selenotungstates. (C₄H₁₀NO)₉Na₃[Dy₃Se_3.5W₃₀O_107.5(H₂O)₁₀]·22H₂O (1) and (NH₄)₃(C₂H₈N)Na₂[Dy₄Se₆W₃₈O₁₃₂(H₂O)₂₆(OH)₆]·18H₂O (2) reveal a trimeric Keggin assembly and a cyclic {Se₆W₃₈}-based chain, respectively, whereas (NH₄)₄Na₈[Gd₄Se₆W₄₈O₁₆₆(H₂O)₂₀(OH)₄]·21H₂O (3) and (NH₄)₉(C₂H₈N)₄Na₅[Ln₆Se₆W₅₈O₂₀₂(H₂O)₂₀(OH)₄]·58H₂O (4; Ln = Gd, Tb, or Dy) are a few examples of polyoxometalates consisting of both classical Keggin and Wells-Dawson building blocks, and (NH₄)₄(C₂H₈N)₅Na₁₃[Ln₄Se₈W₅₆O₁₉₆(H₂O)_x(OH)₁₀]·40H₂O (5; Ln = Gd, Tb, or Dy; x = 12 for Gd and Tb and 10 for Dy) features the largest "pure" Wells-Dawson selenotungstate {Se₈W₅₆} bearing a length of 3.73 nm. A library of Se-templated species involving the first reported Keggin {α-SeW₈} and Wells-Dawson {α-Se₂W₁₆} building blocks as well as some decisive assembly factors during the synthesis is responsible for these architectures. All of the compounds were structurally characterized in the solid and solution by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Magnetic properties indicate that 1 and 4-Dy show probable single-molecule-magnet behavior with obvious frequency dependence, whereas 3 and 4-Gd present the antiferromagnetic interactions between the Gd^III centers.

Triethylamine-templated nanocalix Ln12 clusters of diacylhydrazone: crystal structures and magnetic properties

Three {Ln₁₂} (Ln = Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3)) nanocalix clusters with a novel ligand of N,N′-bis(o-vanillidene)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarbohydrazide (H₅ovih) were synthesized via the amine-templating strategy.

Synthesis and characterization of carbonate-encapsulated ytterbium- and yttrium-containing polyoxotungstates

A sandwiched-type carbonate-encapsulated yttrium-containing arsenotungstate(III) has been synthesized under mild reaction conditions. The polyanion [NaCH₃COO{Y₂(H₂O)₃(B-α-AsW₉O₃₃)₂(W₂O₅)(CO₃)}]^12- (1) was isolated as a solid crystalline material by the reaction of a Y^III salt with the sodium salt of trilacunary [AsW₉O₃₃]^9- in sodium acetate solution. The sodium salt of the polyanion, i.e. Na₁₂[Na(CH₃COO){Y₂(AsW₉O₃₃)₂(W₂O₅)(CO₃)(H₃O)₃}]·22H₂O (1a), was characterized by various analytical techniques, such as FT-IR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD), TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), ¹³C NMR and ESI-MS (electrospray ionization mass spectrometry). SC-XRD studies revealed that the polyanion crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1. The structure showed that the polyanion is a carbonate-encapsulated sandwich-type species, consisting of two trilacunary B-α-[AsW₉O₃₃]^9-, with a lone-pair-containing As^III heteroatom, together with two extra tungsten centres and two yttrium cations at the sandwich position, where CH₃COO^- and Na⁺ ions act as linkers between the two polyanion units. In addition, we have also synthesized two carbonate-encapsulated germanotungstates(IV), without lone-pair-containing heteroatoms, with the formula [Ln₃(A-β-GeW₉O₃₄)₂(CO₃)(H₂O)₃]^13- [Ln = Y^III (2) and Yb^III (3)], i.e. Y₂K₃Na₄[Y₃(A-β-GeW₉O₃₄)₂(CO₃)(H₂O)₃]·19H₂O (2a) and YbK₈Na₂[Yb(A-β-GeW₉O₃₄)₂(CO₃)(H₂O)₃]·16H₂O (3a), and characterized them by FT-IR, SC-XRD, TGA and ESI-MS. Here, the lanthanide ions act as linkers, extending the structures into higher dimensions. Sodium and potassium ions also play a key role as linkers, further extending the structure. The packing shows the presence of certain hydrophilic pores within the structure.

Rare Earth Polyoxometalates

Longstanding and important applications make use of the chemical and physical properties of both rare earth metals and polyoxometalates of early transition metals. The catalytic, optical, and magnetic features of rare earth metal ions are well-known, as are the reversible multielectron redox and photoredox capabilities of polyoxomolybdates and polyoxotungstates. The combination of rare earth ions and polyoxometalates in discrete molecules and coordination polymers is of interest for the unique combination of chemical and physical properties that can arise. This Account surveys our efforts to synthesize and investigate compounds with rare earth ions and polyoxometalates (RE-POMs), sometimes with carboxylate-based organic coligands. Our general synthetic approach is "bottom-up", which affords well-defined nanoscale molecules, typically in crystalline form and amenable to single-crystal X-ray diffraction for structure determination. Our particular focus is on elucidation of the physical properties conferred by the different structural components with a view to ultimately being able to tune these properties chemically. For this purpose, we employ a variety of spectroscopic, magnetochemical, electrochemical, and scattering techniques in concert with theoretical modeling and computation. Studies of RE-POM single-molecule magnets (SMMs) have utilized magnetic susceptibility, inelastic neutron scattering, and ab initio calculations. These investigations have allowed characterization of the crystal field splitting of the rare earth(III) ions that is responsible for the SMM properties of slow magnetic relaxation and magnetization quantum tunneling. Such SMMs are promising for applications in quantum computing and molecular spintronics. Photophysical measurements of a family of hybrid RE-POMs with organic ligands have afforded insights into sensitization of Tb(III) and Eu(III) emission through both organic and polyoxometalate chromophores in the same molecule. Detailed variable-temperature studies have revealed the temperature dependence of the POM-based sensitization, which is relevant for potential applications in phosphor thermometry. Novel RE-POM coordination polymers demonstrate the promise of higher-dimensional materials for catalytic and sensing applications that can make use of either or both rare earth and polyoxometalate capabilities. Finally, structural, electrochemical, and density functional theory studies on a family of modular RE-POMs that incorporate molybdotungstates with amino acid coligands have revealed how closed Mo-oxo loops that are reduced preferentially can act as electron reservoirs in mixed-metal molybdotungstates. This has important implications for mixed-metal polyoxometalates in redox and photoredox catalysis. Notably, these hybrid RE-POMs are stable in solution and maintain the chirality induced by amino acid ligands. The RE-POMs surveyed in this Account provide a glimpse of possible structural features that are accessible with this family of compounds. The studies of the ensuing chemical and physical properties reveal the promise of RE-POMs for diverse and varied applications and lay an excellent foundation for the future development of this new class of functional materials.

A wheel-shaped Dy(iii) single-molecule magnet supported by polyoxotungstates

A wheel-shaped Dy(iii) single-molecule magnet with an idealized S₆ symmetry is supported by polyoxotungstates. The anisotropic barrier is extracted from AC susceptibilities and the emission spectrum offers insight into the magneto-optical correlation.