Changing Single-Molecule Magnet Properties of a Windmill-Like Distorted Terbium(III) α-Butoxy-Substituted Phthalocyaninato Double-Decker Complex by Protonation/Deprotonation

Spin dynamics phenomena of a cerium(III) double-decker complex induced by intramolecular electron transfer

Switchable spin dynamic properties in single-molecule magnets (SMMs) via an applied stimulus have applications in single-molecule devices. Many SMMs containing heavy lanthanoid ions with strong uniaxial magnetic anisotropy have been reported to exhibit SMM characteristics in the absence of an external magnetic field. On the other hand, SMMs containing light lanthanoid cerium(III) (Ce3+) ions exhibit field-induced slow magnetic relaxation. We investigated the chemical conversion of a diamagnetic Ce4+ ion (4f0) to a paramagnetic Ce3+ ion (4f1) in Ce-phthalocyaninato double-decker complexes (TBA+[Ce(obPc)2]- (1) and TBA+[Ce(Pc)2]- (2)) which exhibit field-induced SMM behaviour due to a 4f1 system. The phthalocyaninato ligands with electron-donating substituents (obPc2- = 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octabutoxyphthalocyaninato) in 1 have a significant effect on the valence state of the Ce ion, which is reflected in its magnetic properties due to the mixed valence state of the Ce ion. Given that Ce double-decker complexes with π-conjugated ligands undergo intramolecular electron transfer (IET) to the Ce ion mixed valence state, characterised by a mixture of 4f0 and 4f1 configurations, we examined the dynamic disorder inherent in IET influencing magnetic relaxation.

Synthesis of Isomeric Tb3+ -Phthalocyanine Double-Decker Complexes Depending on the Difference in the Direction of Coordination Plane and Their Magnetic Properties

A C_4h symmetrically substituted phthalocyanine, 1,8,15,22-tertrakis(2,4-dimethylpent-3-oxy)phthalocyanine (H₂ TdMPPc), was used to synthesize Tb³⁺ -phthalocyanine double-decker complexes ([Tb(TdMPPc)₂ ]s). Because H₂ TdMPPc has C_4h symmetry, S,S, R,R, and meso isomers of [Tb(TdMPPc)₂ ] were obtained depending on the difference in the direction of the coordination plane of two C_4h -type phthalocyanines with respect to a central Tb³⁺ ion. We investigated the physical properties of these [Tb(TdMPPc)₂ ] isomers, including their single-ion magnetic properties, and found that the spin-reversal energy barrier (U_eff ) of the meso isomer was apparently higher than that of the enantiomers. Detailed crystal structural analyses indicated that the meso isomer has a more symmetrical structure than do the enantiomers, thereby suggesting that the higher U_eff of the meso isomer originated from the more highly symmetrical structure.

Modulating the Structures and Magnetic Properties of Dy(III) Single-Molecule Magnets through Acid-Base Regulation

Chemical modulation on the structures and physical properties of the coordination complexes is of great interest for the preparation of new functional materials. By changing the acidity or basicity of the reaction medium, the deprotonation degree of a multidentate ligand with multiple active protons, H₄daps (H₄daps = N',N'″-((1E,1'E)-pyridine-2,6-diylbis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene))bis(2-hydroxybenzohydrazide)), can be regulated on purpose. With this ligand of different deprotonation and charges, three new Dy^III complexes ([Dy(H₃daps)(CH₃COO)₂(EtOH)]·CH₃COOH (1Dy), [Dy₂(H₂daps)₂(EtOH)₂(H₂O)₂(MeOH)₂](CF₃SO₃)₂·(H₂O)₂ (2Dy), and [Dy₃(H₁daps)₂(H₂daps)(μ₃-OH)(EtOH)(H₂O)] (3Dy)) of different nuclearities (mono-, di-, and trinuclear for 1Dy to 3Dy, respectively) have been synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. Analyses on the related bond lengths and resulting hydrogen bond modes in the complexes provide the details of the deprotonation position and the charge of the ligands, which can be in the form of H₃daps^-, H₂daps^2-, and H₁daps^3-. Interestingly, the more deprotonated ligand can act as a bridging ligand between the Dy^III centers using the phenol and/or carbonyl oxygen atoms, which leads to the multinuclear structures. Magnetic studies on these complexes revealed that complex 1Dy is a field-induced single-molecule magnet (SMM), while complexes 2Dy and 3Dy show SMM behavior under a zero dc field.

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.

Synthesis of Bis{meso-Tetrakis(4-N-alkylpyridiniumyl)porphyrinato}cerium and Its Redox Switching Behavior

A novel double-decker porphyrin complex, bis{meso-tetrakis(4-N-alkylpyridiniumyl)porphyrinato}cerium, was prepared. Electrochemical measurements revealed that this complex exhibited reversible redox waves corresponding to a 1e^– redox reaction of the cerium center. Treating the complex alternately with an oxidant and a reductant resulted in the reversible redox switching between the oxidized and reduced states in an organic solvent.

Quintuple-Decker Heteroleptic Phthalocyanine Heterometallic Samarium-Cadmium Complexes. Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Electrochemical Behavior, and Spectroscopic Investigation

A one-pot synthesis methodology was employed for obtaining diverse quintuple-decker phthalocyanine heterometallic lanthanide-cadmium complexes. By using the reaction of a double-decker homoleptic/heteroleptic phthalocyanine samarium compound with metal-free phthalocyanine and cadmium acetate in 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene at 200 °C, two novel quintuple-decker heteroleptic phthalocyanine heterometallic samarium-cadmium compounds, {(Pc)Sm(Pc)Cd(Pc*)Cd(Pc)Sm(Pc)} (1) and {(Pc)Sm(Pc*)Cd(Pc*)Cd(Pc*)Sm(Pc)} (2), together with one homoleptic phthalocyanine species, {(Pc*)Sm(Pc*)Cd(Pc*)Cd(Pc*)Sm(Pc*)} (3), were successfully fabricated, where H₂Pc and H₂Pc* represent unsubstituted phthalocyanine and 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octakis(n-pentyloxy)phthalocyanine, respectively. Their quintuple-decker structures have been disclosed by various spectroscopic techniques and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In addition, valence tautomerization of these three quintuple-decker complexes has been achieved by the addition of phenoxathiin hexachloroantimonate, giving three oxidized forms including one-, two-, and three-electron oxidation products. From 1 to 3 with the same oxidation state, the increased number of n-pentyloxy substituents of phthalocyanine ligands induces the blue shift of electronic absorption in the IR region due to the increased gap associated with the introduction of electron-donating substituents. In particular, the electronic absorption spectra of one- and two-electron oxidation products for 1 exhibit a rare band in the middle-IR region around 3000 nm, being one of the farthest electronic transitions captured by UV-vis spectroscopy. The three-electron oxidation product of 1 displays two bands at 2231 and 2740 nm, respectively. These data are well confirmed by IR spectroscopic data and theoretical calculation results.

Complexes of Cobalt(II) Iodide with Pyridine and Redox Active 1,2-Bis(arylimino)acenaphthene: Synthesis, Structure, Electrochemical, and Single Ion Magnet Properties

Complexes [(dpp-BIAN)⁰Co^III₂]·MeCN (I) and [(Py)₂CoI₂] (II) were synthesized by the reaction between cobalt(II) iodide and 1,2-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenylimino)acenaphthene (dpp-BIAN) or pyridine (Py), respectively. The molecular structures of the complexes were determined by X-ray diffraction. The Co(II) ions in both compounds are in a distorted tetrahedral environment (CoN₂I₂). The electrochemical behavior of complex I was studied by cyclic voltammetry. Magnetochemical measurements revealed that when an external magnetic field is applied, both compounds exhibit the properties of field-induced single ion magnets.

Manipulation of the Coordination Geometry along the C4 Rotation Axis in a Dinuclear Tb3+ Triple-Decker Complex via a Supramolecular Approach

A supramolecular complex (1⋅C₆₀ ) was prepared by assembling (C60-Ih)[5,6]fullerene (C₆₀ ) with the dinuclear Tb³⁺ triple-decker complex [(TPP)Tb(Pc)Tb(TPP)] (1: Tb³⁺ =trivalent terbium ion, Pc^2- =phthalocyaninato, TPP^2- =tetraphenylporphyrinato) with quasi-D_4h symmetry to investigate the relationship between the coordination symmetry and single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties. Tb³⁺ -Pc triple-decker complexes (Tb₂ Pc₃ ) have an important advantage over Tb³⁺ -Pc double-decker complexes (TbPc₂ ) since the magnetic relaxation processes correspond to the Zeeman splitting when there are two 4f spin systems. The two Tb³⁺ sites of 1 are equivalent, and the twist angle (φ) was determined to be 3.62°. On the other hand, the two Tb³⁺ sites of 1⋅C₆₀ are not equivalent. The φ values for sites Tb1 and Tb2 were determined to be 3.67° and 33.8°, respectively, due to a change in the coordination symmetry of 1 upon association with C₆₀ . At 1.8 K, 1 and 1⋅C₆₀ undergo different magnetic relaxations, and the changes in the ground state affect the spin dynamics. Although 1 and 1⋅C₆₀ relax via QTM in a zero applied magnetic field (H), H dependencies of the magnetic relaxation times (τ) for H>1500 Oe are similar. On the other hand, for H<1500 Oe, the τ values have different behaviors since the off-diagonal terms ( B k q ; q ≠ 0 ) affect the magnetic relaxation mechanism. From temperature (T) and H dependences of τ, spin-phonon interactions along with direct and Raman mechanisms explain the spin dynamics. We believe that a supramolecular method can be used to control the magnetic anisotropy along the C₄ rotation axis and the spin dynamic properties in dinuclear Ln³⁺ -Pc multiple-decker complexes.

Relationship between the Coordination Geometry and Spin Dynamics of Dysprosium(III) Heteroleptic Triple-Decker Complexes

When using single molecule magnets (SMMs) in spintronics devices, controlling the quantum tunneling of the magnetization (QTM) and spin-lattice interactions is important. To improve the functionality of SMMs, researchers have explored the effects of changing the coordination geometry of SMMs and the magnetic interactions between them. Here, we report on the effects of the octa-coordination geometry on the magnetic relaxation processes of dinuclear dysprosium(III) complexes in the low-temperature region. Mixed ligand dinuclear Dy3+ triple-decker complexes [(TPP)Dy(Pc)Dy(TPP)] (1), which have crystallographically equivalent Dy3+ ions, and [(Pc)Dy(Pc)Dy(TPP)] (2), which have non-equivalent Dy3+ ions, (Pc2− = phthalocyaninato; TPP2− = tetraphenylporphyrinato), undergo dual magnetic relaxation processes. This is due to the differences in the ground states due to the twist angle (φ) between the ligands. The relationship between the off-diagonal terms and the dual magnetic relaxation processes that appears due to a deviation from D4h symmetry is discussed.

Bis[1,8,15,22-tetrakis(3-pentyloxy)phthalocyaninato]terbium Double-Decker Single-Ion Magnets

For the purpose of further exploring the effect of nonperipherally attached substituents on single-ion magnet (SIMs) performance, tetrasubstituted bis[1,8,15,22-tetrakis(3-pentyloxy)phthalocyaninato]terbium double-deckers, in both the reduced form TbH[Pc(α-OC₅H₁₁)₄]₂ (1) and the neutral form Tb[Pc(α-OC₅H₁₁)₄]₂ (2), were prepared. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for 2 unambiguously demonstrates the pinwheellike molecular structure with C₄ symmetry. Magnetic investigations of the two bis(phthalocyaninato)terbium double-deckers reveal their characteristic SIM nature. 2 exhibits SIM performance superior to that of 1, as revealed by the larger energy barrier of 466 K for the former species and 431 K for the latter species due to the presence of organic radical-f (radical-Tb) interactions. The enhanced SIM performance of 2 in comparison to 1 actually stems from the presence of radical-f interactions and an enhanced ligand field strength. The latter positive factor is indicated by the electrostatic potential around the terbium ion on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Stable Tb(III)-Based Metal-Organic Framework: Structure, Photoluminescence, and Chemical Sensing of 2-Thiazolidinethione-4-carboxylic Acid as a Biomarker of CS2

A novel three-dimensional microporous framework, [Tb(pddb)phen(ox)_0.5] _n (Tb-MOF), was synthesized hydrothermally with V-shaped 4,4'-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)dibenzoic acid (H₂pddb), oxalate (ox), and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen). The framework of Tb-MOF features one-dimensional channels functionalized with pyridine-N Lewis base groups and the absence of coordinated and lattice water molecules in the structure. The Tb-MOF exhibits high thermostability (up to 385 °C) and chemical stability in a wide pH range (4-11) and common organic solvents as well as boiling water. The luminescence investigations of the Tb-MOF in common solvents, water with different pH values, and inorganic ions were performed. Results show that the Tb-MOF has high luminescence stability and the ability to probe Fe³⁺ ions. Significantly, the Tb-MOF with particularly high water stability can be first developed as a highly selective and sensitive luminescent sensor for the biomarker 2-thiazolidinethione-4-carboxylic acid (TTCA) via fluorescence quenching. The low detection limit (1 ppm), reusability, and high antidisturbance together make the Tb-MOF become a promising sensor for the practical detection of TTCA in urine systems, and for the first time realize the detection of urinary TTCA through fluorescence spectrometry based on an Ln-MOF sensor.

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.

Ring-Oxidized Zinc(II) Phthalocyanine Cations: Structure, Spectroscopy, and Decomposition Behavior

A bromonium oxidizing agent was used to produce a ring-oxidized zinc phthalocyanine (PcZn), [PcZn(solvent)]^•₂[BAr^F₄]₂ (1·solvent), in good yield. This material is dimeric in the solid state with one axially coordinated solvent [tetrahydrofuran (THF) or 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME)] and close intradimer ring-ring distances of 3.18 and 3.136 Å (THF and DME respectively); this proximity facilitates strong antiferromagnetic coupling to yield diamagnetic dimers. 1·THF is present in solution as a monomer and a dimer. In CH₂Cl₂, the dimer is favored above 0.1 mM, and it is almost exclusively present in solvents with a high dielectric constant such as acetonitrile. The material 1·THF/DME decomposes in DME to a meso-nitrogen-protonated species, [HPcZn(DME)₂][BAr^F₄] (2), which was isolated and represents the first example of such a structurally characterized, protonated, unsubstituted PcM complex. A partially oxidized dimer or "pimer" [(PcZn(DME))₂]^•[BAr^F₄] (3) was also structurally characterized and has a intradimer ring-ring distance of 3.192 Å, similar to 1·THF/DME. Dimer 3 also represents the first isolated PcM-based pimer. Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis of a 1.0 mM solution of 1·DME in DME showed the production of 3 over hours by the combination of 1·DME and 2 in solution.

Fabricating Bis(phthalocyaninato) Terbium SIM into Tetrakis(phthalocyaninato) Terbium SMM with Enhanced Performance through Sodium Coordination

The non-peripherally substituted 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octa(butoxy)-phthalocyanine-involved unsymmetrical heteroleptic bis(phthalocyaninato) terbium double-decker, Tb(Pc){H[Pc(α-OC₄ H₉ )₈ ]} (Pc=unsubstituted phthalocyanine) (1), was revealed to exhibit typical single ion magnet (SIM) behavior with effective energy barrier, 180 K (125 cm^-1 ), and blocking temperature, 2 K, due to the severe deviation of the terbium coordination polyhedron from square-antiprismatic geometry. Fabrication of this double-decker compound into the novel tetrakis(phthalocyaninato) terbium pseudo-quadruple-decker Na₂ {Tb(Pc)[Pc(α-OC₄ H₉ )₈ ]}₂ (2) single molecule magnet (SMM) not only optimizes the coordination polyhedron of terbium ion towards the square-antiprismatic geometry and intensifies the coordination field strength, but more importantly significantly enhances the molecular magnetic anisotropy in the unsymmetrical bis(phthalocyaninato) double-decker unit, along with the change of the counter cation from H⁺ of 1 to Na⁺ of 2, leading to an significantly enhanced magnetic behavior with spin-reversal energy barrier, 528 K (367 cm^-1 ), and blocking temperature, 25 K. The present result is surely helpful towards developing novel tetrapyrrole lanthanide SMMs through rational design and self-assembly from bis(tetrapyrrole) lanthanide single ion magnet (SIM) building block.

Comparison of the Magnetic Anisotropy and Spin Relaxation Phenomenon of Dinuclear Terbium(III) Phthalocyaninato Single-Molecule Magnets Using the Geometric Spin Arrangement

Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of a dinuclear Tb^III single-molecule magnet (SMM) with two [TbPc₂]⁰ units connected via a fused-phthalocyaninato ligand. The stable and robust complex [(obPc)Tb(Fused-Pc)Tb(obPc)] (1) was characterized by using synchrotron radiation measurements and other spectroscopic techniques (ESI-MS, FT-IR, UV). The magnetic couplings between the Tb^III ions and the two π radicals present in 1 were explored by means of density functional theory (DFT). Direct and alternating current magnetic susceptibility measurements were conducted on magnetically diluted and nondiluted samples of 1, indicating this compound to be an SMM with improved properties compared to those of the well-known [TbPc₂]^-/0/+ and the axially symmetric dinuclear Tb^III phthalocyaninato triple-decker complex (Tb₂(obPc)₃). Assuming that the probability of quantum tunneling of the magnetization (QTM) occurring in one TbPc₂ unit is P_QTM, the probability of QTM simultaneously occurring in 1 is P_QTM², meaning that QTM is effectively suppressed. Furthermore, nondiluted samples of 1 underwent slow magnetic relaxation times (τ ≈ 1000 s at 0.1 K), and the blocking temperature (T_B) was determined to be ca. 16 K with an energy barrier for spin reversal (U_eff) of 588 cm^-1 (847 K) due to D_4d geometry and weak inter- and intramolecular magnetic interactions as an exchange bias (H_bias), reducing QTM. Four hyperfine steps were observed by micro-SQUID measurement. Furthermore, solution NMR measurements (one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and dynamic) were done on 1, which led to the determination of the high rotation barrier (83 ± 10 kJ/mol) of the obPc ligand. A comparison with previously reported Tb^III triple-decker compounds shows that ambient temperature NMR measurements can indicate improvements in the design of coordination environments for SMMs. A large U_eff causes strong uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in 1, leading to a χ_ax value (1.39 × 10^-30 m³) that is larger than that for Tb₂(obPc)₃ (0.86 × 10^-30 m³). Controlling the coordination environment and spin arrangement is an effective technique for suppressing QTM in TbPc₂-based SMMs.