Magnetic Exchange Interactions and Magneto-Structural Correlations in Heterobridged μ-Phenoxo-μ1,1-Azide Dinickel(II) Compounds: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Exploration

Magneto-structural studies on a number of doubly end-on cyanate and azide bridged dinuclear nickel(ii) complexes with {N3O} donor Schiff base ligands

Two new doubly μ _1,1-N₃ bridged (1 and 3) and six new doubly μ _1,1-NCO bridged Ni^II complexes (2, 4-8) with six different N₃O donor Schiff base ligands have been synthesized and magneto-structurally characterized. All these neutral complex molecules are isostructural and constitute edge sharing bioctahedral structures. Magnetic studies revealed that all these complexes exhibit ferromagnetic interaction through bridging pseudohalides with ferromagnetic coupling constant J being significantly higher for azide-bridged complexes than that of the cyanate analogues. This is consistent with the literature reported data and also the presence of polarizable π systems and two different N and O donor atoms in cyanate ion, rendering it a poor magnetic coupler in comparison to azide analogues. Although, the magneto-structurally characterized doubly μ _1,1-N₃ bridged Ni^II complexes are abundant, only few such complexes with μ _1,1-bridging NCO^- ions are reported in the literature. Remarkably, addition of these six new examples in this ever-growing series of doubly μ _1,1-NCO bridged systems gives us an opportunity to analyse the precise magneto-structural correlation in this system, showing a general trend in which the J value increases with an increase in bridging angles. Therefore, the high degree of structural and magnetic resemblances by inclusion of six new examples in this series is the major achievement of the present work. An elaborate DFT study was performed resulting in magneto-structural correlation showing that nature and value of the J-parameter is defined not only by Ni-N_b-Ni bond angles, but an important role is also played by the Ni1-Ni2-N_b-X_t dihedral angle (N_b and X_t are bridging N and terminal N or O atom of bridging ligands, respectively).

Strategies to quench quantum tunneling of magnetization in lanthanide single molecule magnets

Enhancing blocking temperature (T_B) is one of the holy grails in Single Molecule Magnets(SMMs), as any future potential application in this class of molecules is directly correlated to this parameter. Among many factors contributing to a reduction of T_B value, Quantum Tunnelling of Magnetisation (QTM), a phenomenon that is a curse or a blessing based on the application sought after, tops the list. Theoretical tools based on density functional and ab initio CASSCF/RASSI-SO methods have played a prominent role in estimating various spin Hamiltonian parameters and establishing the mechanism of magnetization relaxation in this class of molecules. Particularly, various strategies to quench QTM effects go hand-in-hand with experiments, and different methods proposed to quell QTM effects are scattered in the literature. In this perspective, we have explored various approaches that are proposed in the literature to quench QTM effects, and these include the role of (i) local symmetry of lanthanides, (ii) super-exchange interaction in {3d-4f} complexes, (iii) direct-exchange interaction in {radical-4f} and metal-metal bonded complexes to suppress the QTM, (iv) utilizing external stimuli such as an electric field or pressure to modulate the QTM and (v) avoiding QTM effects by stabilising toroidal states in 4f and {3d-4f} clusters. We believe the strategies summarized here will help to design new-generation SMMs.

A trinuclear nickel(II) Schiff base complex with phenoxido- and acetato-bridges: combined experimental and theoretical magneto-structural correlation

We describe the synthesis and characterization of a new trinuclear Ni(ii) Schiff base complex of formula [Ni3(L)2(NCS)2(OAc)2(CH3OH)2] (1) where HL is the 1 : 1 condensation product of 2-picolylamine and o-vanillin. The crystal structure of complex 1 shows that the two terminal Ni(ii) ions are connected to the central one through a phenoxido- and a syn-syn acetato bridge, giving rise to a very bent configuration in the Ni3-core. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show the presence of a weak antiferromagnetic coupling with J = -3.22(2) cm-1. We also report a magneto-structural correlation, performed with all the magnetically characterized Ni(ii) trimers with similar bridges, showing a linear dependence between the J value and the dihedral angle (θ) between the planes containing the Ni-O-Ni and the carboxylate bridges. The super-exchange interaction is investigated by extensive density functional calculations within the broken symmetry approximation which show good agreement with the experimental data. The analysis of the spin density distribution and the shape of the magnetically active single occupied molecular orbitals (SOMO) provide a mechanism of exchange coupling through the bridging groups.

Phenoxido mediated antiferromagnetic and azide mediated ferromagnetic coupling in two dinuclear ferromagnetic nickel(ii) complexes with isomeric Schiff bases: a theoretical insight on the pathway of magnetic interaction

Two relatively rare mixed phenoxo and azide bridged dinuclear nickel(ii) complexes have been discussed. Both complexes show strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions and exhibit ferromagnetic exchange coupling.

Study on the Magneto-Structural Correlation of a New Dinuclear Cobalt(II) Complex with Double μ-Phenoxo Bridges

A new μ-phenoxo-bridged dinuclear cobalt(II) complex, [Co₂(L)₂(acac)₂(H₂O)] (1), has been synthesized by employing a new ligand, (4-methyl-2-formyl-6-(((2-trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methyliminomethyl) phenol) (HL). Structural analysis of complex 1 reveals that the geometry around cobalt centers is best described as a distorted octahedron and the distance of cobalt neighbors is 3.128(0) Å. The magnetic property studies indicate that complex 1 exhibits strong spin-orbit coupling effects and weak ferromagnetic coupling between two high-spin Co(II) centers linked by double μ-O_phenoxo bridges, with J = 1.87(2) cm^-1. The studies show that not only the Co-O-Co angle affects the alignment of the cobalt spins but also the dihedral angle between the CoOCo plane and the phenyl plane plays an important role in the magnetic coupling in this [Co₂O₂] system. Thus, the small bridging angles (96.96(11) and 96.91(11)°) and the large dihedral angles between the CoOCo plane and the phenyl plane (63.0(1) and 30.6(1)°) induce intramolecular ferromagnetic exchange interaction in complex 1.

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of mixed-ligand complexes based on 3,6-bis(benzimidazol-1-yl)pyridazine

Six new metal-organic coordination polymers (CPs) [Ni(L)(2,5-TDC)(H2O)] n (1), [Ni(L)(1,3-BDC)(H2O)] n (2), [Ni(L)(1,4-BDC)(H2O)] n (3), [Mn(L)(2,5-TDC)(H2O)] n (4), [Mn(L)(2,6-PYDC)(H2O)] n (5) and [Mn(L)(1,4-NDC)] n (6) were achieved by reactions of the corresponding metal salt with mixed organic ligands (L = 3,6-bis(benzimidazol-1-yl)pyridazine, 2,5-H2TDC = thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid, 1,3-H2BDC = isophthalic acid, 1,4-H2BDC = terephthalic acid, 2,6-H2PYDC = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-H2NDC = naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid) under solvothermal condition. CPs 1-6 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, TG, XRD and elemental analyses. Their structures range from the intricate 3D CPs 1, 3, 4 and 6 to the 2D coordination polymer 2 and the infinite 1D chain 5. The CPs 1-4 and 6 underlying networks were classified from the topological viewpoint, disclosing the distinct sql (in 1), pcu (in 3 and 6), new topology (in 2), and dia (in 4) topological nets. Moreover, analysis of thermal stability shows that they had good thermal stability. Finally, magnetic properties of CPs 1-6 have been studied, the results showed that complex 2 had ferromagnetic coupling and complexes 1, 3-6 were antiferromagnetic.

Solvent-tuned magnetic exchange interactions in Dy2 systems ligated by a μ-phenolato heptadentate Schiff base

A series of binuclear dysprosium compounds, namely, [Dy(api)]₂ (1), [Dy(api)]₂·2CH₂Cl₂ (2), [Dy(Clapi)]₂·2C₄H₈O (3), and [Dy(Clapi)]₂·2C₃H₆O (4) (H₃api = 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazoline; H₃Clapi = 2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-chlorophenyl)-1,3-bis[3′-aza-4′-(2′′-hydroxy-5′′-chlorophenyl)prop-4′-en-1′-yl]-1,3-imidazolidine), have been isolated by the reactions of salen-type ligands H₃api/H₃Clapi with DyCl₃·6H₂O in different solvent systems. Structural analysis reveals that each salen-type ligand provides a heptadentate coordination pocket (N₄O₃) to encapsulate a Dy^III ion and all of the Dy^III centers in 1–4 adopt a distorted square antiprism geometry with D_4d symmetry. Magnetic studies showed that compound 1 did not exhibit single-molecule magnetic (SMMs) behavior. With the introduction of different lattice solvents, compounds 2–4 showed filed-induced slow magnetic relaxation with barriers U_eff of 18.2 K (2), 28.0 K (3) and 16.4 K (4), respectively. Ab initio calculations were employed to interpret the magnetization behavior of 1–4. The combination of experimental and theoretical data reveal the importance of the weak exchange interaction between the Dy^III ions in the observation of slow magnetic relaxation, and a relaxation mechanism has been developed to rationalize the observed difference in the U_eff values. The different lattice solvents influence Dy–O–Dy bond angles and thus alter the torsion of the square antiprism geometry, consequently resulting in distinct magnetic interactions and the magnetic behavior.

Solvent-tuning changes the magnetic exchange interaction and results in different magnetic relaxation dynamics in Dy₂ systems ligated by a μ-phenolato heptadentate Schiff base.

Counter-complementarity control of the weak exchange interaction in a bent {Ni(ii)3} complex with a μ-phenoxide-μ-carboxylate double bridge

We report a combined computational and experimental study of a weak exchange interaction in a bent {Ni(ii)₃} complex controlled by counter-complementarity.

Microwave assisted synthesis of heterometallic 3d–4f M4Ln complexes

We describe the solvent-free microwave assisted synthesis and magnetic properties of a series of 3d–4f complexes of formula [M₄Ln(OH)₂(chp)₄(SALOH)₅(H₂O)(MeCN)(Solv)] (Solv = MeOH, MeCN, H₂O, M = Ni(ii), Co(ii); Ln = La, Gd, Dy, Tb).

Flexibility and lability of a phenyl ligand in hetero-organometallic 3d metal-Sn(iv) compounds and their catalytic activity in Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of cyclohexanone

The single compartmental Schiff base N,N'-ethylenebis(salicylaldimine) (H₂L) and [SnPh₂Cl₂] were utilized to synthesize heterobimetallic 3d metal-Sn complexes, the Co^IIISn^IV compound [{SnPhCl₂}(1κO²N²,2κO²-μ-L)(μ-OMe){CoPh}] (1), the Ni^IISn^IV compound [{SnPh₂Cl₂}(1κO²N²,2κO²-μ-L)Ni] (2) and the Cu^IISn^IV compound [{SnPh₂Cl₂}(1κO²N²,2κO²-μ-L)Cu] (3). Attempting to prepare the ethoxido bridged compound analogous to 1 (in ethanol) gives the phenylcobalt(iii) complex [Co(κO²N²)Ph(H₂O)] (1A). Single crystal X-ray structure analyses reveal that 1 is derived from an intermetallic (Sn to Co) phenyl shift and that 1A is a transmetallated product; in compounds 2 and 3, the phenyl groups remain coordinated to Sn^IV but one of the π rings interacts with the 3d-metal. Thus, while systems 1 and 1A show the lability of the phenyl ligand, 2 and 3 reveal its flexible nature. Theoretical DFT calculations demonstrate that the conceivable Ph group shift occurs in the oxidized Co^III intermediate [{Sn^IVPh₂Cl₂}(κO₂N₂-μ-L){Co^III(MeO)}] (5) rather than in the corresponding Co^II species [{Sn^IVPh₂Cl₂}(κO₂N₂-μ-L){Co^II(MeOH)}] (4). Their catalytic studies in the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of cyclohexanone into ε-caprolactone with two different oxidants reveal that the sacrificial aldehyde method (with dioxygen/benzaldehyde) is better than that with aqueous H₂O₂ (30%). The effects of various reaction parameters such as solvent, catalyst amount, temperature, time and heating method were studied allowing the achievement of yields up to 83% with 89% selectivity.

Modelling spin Hamiltonian parameters of molecular nanomagnets

Molecular nanomagnets encompass a wide range of coordination complexes possessing several potential applications. A formidable challenge in realizing these potential applications lies in controlling the magnetic properties of these clusters. Microscopic spin Hamiltonian (SH) parameters describe the magnetic properties of these clusters, and viable ways to control these SH parameters are highly desirable. Computational tools play a proactive role in this area, where SH parameters such as isotropic exchange interaction (J), anisotropic exchange interaction (Jx, Jy, Jz), double exchange interaction (B), zero-field splitting parameters (D, E) and g-tensors can be computed reliably using X-ray structures. In this feature article, we have attempted to provide a holistic view of the modelling of these SH parameters of molecular magnets. The determination of J includes various class of molecules, from di- and polynuclear Mn complexes to the {3d-Gd}, {Gd-Gd} and {Gd-2p} class of complexes. The estimation of anisotropic exchange coupling includes the exchange between an isotropic metal ion and an orbitally degenerate 3d/4d/5d metal ion. The double-exchange section contains some illustrative examples of mixed valance systems, and the section on the estimation of zfs parameters covers some mononuclear transition metal complexes possessing very large axial zfs parameters. The section on the computation of g-anisotropy exclusively covers studies on mononuclear Dy(III) and Er(III) single-ion magnets. The examples depicted in this article clearly illustrate that computational tools not only aid in interpreting and rationalizing the observed magnetic properties but possess the potential to predict new generation MNMs.

Experimental and theoretical exploration of magnetic exchange interactions and single-molecule magnetic behaviour of bis(η1:η2:μ2-carboxylate)GdIII2/DyIII2 systems

This investigation demonstrates differences in SMM properties and nature of magnetic exchange in closely related DyIII2/GdIII2 compounds.

Octadentate flexible ligands as a platform for a variety of homo and heterometallic complexes containing diphenoxido and phenoxido/azido bridging groups: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties

Homometallic (M₂ and M₄) and heterometallic (Ni₄Cu) complexes were assembled from octadentate Schiff-base ligands, transition metal ions and ancillary ligands.

Syntheses, crystal structures, magnetic properties and ESI-MS studies of a series of trinuclear CuIIMIICuII compounds (M = Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Zn)

Six homo/heterotrinuclear Cu^IIM^IICu^II (M = Mn–Zn) compounds derived from salicylaldehyde-trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, which is a rarely utilized ligand, are reported.

A nickel(ii)–manganese(ii)-azido layered coordination polymer showing a three-dimensional ferrimagnetic order at 35 K

The synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of a two-dimensional nickel(ii)–manganese(ii)–azido system are described. It is an interesting molecular magnet because it exhibits long-range ferrimagnetic ordering at a T_c of 35 K and a hysteresis loop up to 20 K.

The structure and magnetism of mono- and di-nuclear Ni(ii) complexes derived from {N3O}-donor Schiff base ligands

Some mononuclear and dinuclear Ni(ii) complexes with tetradentate Schiff base ligands exhibit zero-field splitting and ferromagnetic coupling, respectively.

Syntheses, crystal structures, magnetochemistry and catechol oxidase activity of a tetracopper(ii) compound and a new type of dicopper(ii)-based 1D coordination polymer

One phenoxo–hydroxo bridged tetranuclear cluster and one phenoxo-µ_1,1-azido-µ_1,3-azido bridged one-dimensional coordination polymer of copper(ii) derived from a Schiff base ligand are described.

Both end-on and end-to-end azide bridged tetranuclear ferromagnetic nickel(ii) Schiff base complexes

Variable temperature magnetic measurement of a tetranuclear nickel(ii) complex, consisting of two pseudo-dinuclear entities, indicates the presence of intra- and inter-dinuclear ferromagnetic interactions, corroborated by DFT calculations.

Azide Binding Controlled by Steric Interactions in Second Sphere. Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Properties of [Ni(II)2(L)(μ(1,1)-N3)][ClO4] (L = Macrocyclic N6S2 Ligand)

The dinuclear Ni(II) complex [Ni2(L(2))][ClO4]2 (3) supported by the 28-membered hexaaza-dithiophenolate macrocycle (L(2))(2-) binds the N3(-) ion specifically end-on yielding [Ni2(L(2))(μ(1,1)-N3)][ClO4] (7) or [Ni2(L(2))(μ(1,1)-N3)][BPh4] (8), while the previously reported complex [Ni2L(1)(μ(1,3)-N3)][ClO4] (2) of the 24-membered macrocycle (L(1))(2-) coordinates it in the end-to-end fashion. A comparison of the X-ray structures of 2, 3, and 7 reveals the form-selective binding of complex 3 to be a consequence of its preorganized, channel-like binding pocket, which accommodates the azide anion via repulsive CH···π interactions in the end-on mode. In contrast to [Ni2L(1)(μ(1,3)-N3)][ClO4] (2), which features a S = 0 ground state, [Ni2(L(2))(μ(1,1)-N3)][BPh4] (8) has a S = 2 ground state that is attained by competing antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic exchange interactions via the thiolato and azido bridges with a value for the magnetic exchange coupling constant J of 13 cm(-1) (H = -2JS1S2). These results are further substantiated by density functional theory calculations. The stability of the azido-bridged complex determined by isothermal titration calorimetry in MeCN/MeOH 1/1 v/v (log K11 = 4.88(4) at I = 0.1 M) lies in between those of the fluorido- (log K11 = 6.84(7)) and chlorido-bridged complexes (log K11 = 3.52(5)). These values were found to compare favorably well with the equilibrium constants derived at lower ionic strength (I = 0.01 M) by absorption spectrophotometry (log K11 = 5.20(1), 7.77(9), and 4.13(3) for N3(-), F(-), and Cl(-) respectively).

A rare doubly nitrato and phenoxido bridged trimetallic CuII complex: EPR, antiferromagnetic coupling and theoretical rationalization

A new homometallic trinuclear Cu(ii) complex is afforded with a tetradentate Schiff base precursor. Complex 1 manifests a strong antiferromagnetic coupling which is in agreement with EPR and DFT computation to explain the magneto-structural correlation.

Mono- and di-nuclear nickel(ii) complexes derived from NNO donor ligands: syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic studies of dinuclear analogues

Ferromagnetic interaction in dinickel(ii) complexes, supported by DFT calculations, is reported. Bis(phenoxo)-bridged compound is only the second example of ferromagnetically coupled system.

An experimental and theoretical magneto-structural study of polynuclear NiII complexes assembled from a versatile bis(salicylaldehyde)diamine polytopic ligand

Experimental and theoretical magneto-structural correlations and DFT calculations carried out in six novel Ni^II complexes with uncommon structures.

Sulfonated Schiff base dinuclear and polymeric copper(ii) complexes: crystal structures, magnetic properties and catalytic application in Henry reaction

Aqueous medium syntheses and nitroaldol catalytic studies of three pseudohalide bridged copper(ii) complexes characterized by single crystal X-ray structure analysis and variable temperature magnetic studies are reported.

Switching the orientation of Jahn–Teller axes in oxime-based MnIII dimers and its effect upon magnetic exchange: a combined experimental and theoretical study

A switch in the relative orientations of the Jahn–Teller axes in [Mn(NO)]₂ dimers switches the magnetic exchange from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic.

Triple-bridged ferromagnetic nickel(II) complexes: a combined experimental and theoretical DFT study on stabilization and magnetic coupling

Two dinuclear [Ni2L2(o-(NO2)C6H4COO)2(H2O)] (1), [Ni2L2(p-(NO2)C6H4COO)2(H2O)]·0.5CH3OH (2) complexes and one trinuclear [Ni3L2(p-(NO2)C6H4COO)4]·C2H5OH (3) Ni(II) complex have been synthesized using a tridentate Schiff base ligand, 1-[(3-dimethylamino-propylimino)-methyl]-naphthalen-2-ol (HL) along with ortho- and para-nitro benzoate as co-ligands. All these three (1-3) complexes have been characterized by spectral analysis, X-ray crystallography and variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. The structural analyses reveal that complexes 1 and 2 are dinuclear in which two μ2-phenoxido and a water molecule bridge the two Ni(ii) centers to make the complexes face sharing bioctahedra. Complex 3 is a linear triple bridged (phenoxido and carboxylato) trinuclear Ni(II) complex. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility studies indicate the presence of ferromagnetic exchange coupling in complexes 1-3 with J values of 25.4, 28.1 and 6.2 cm(-1) respectively. Theoretically obtained J values of 21.4 cm(-1) (for 1), 22.0 cm(-1) (for 2) and 9.3 cm(-1) (for 3) corroborate very well the experimental results. DFT calculation also shows that stronger H-bonding interactions present in the case of carboxylate based coligands stabilise the triple oxido-bridged complexes.

Syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of a series of μ-phenoxo-μ1,1-carboxylato-μ1,3-carboxylato trinickel(II) compounds

The work in this report describes the syntheses, characterization, crystal structures and magnetic properties of eight linear trinickel(ii) compounds of the composition [Ni(II)3(L(sal-pyr))2(propionate)4] (), [Ni(II)3(L(sal-pyr))2(benzoate)4]·CH3CN (), [Ni(II)3(L(sal-pip))2(acetate)4]·2CH3CN (), [Ni(II)3(L(sal-pip))2(propionate)4] (), [Ni(II)3(L(sal-pip))2(benzoate)4]·CH2Cl2 (), [Ni(II)3(L(sal-mor))2(propionate)4] (), [Ni(II)3(L(sal-mor))2(benzoate)4]·3CH2Cl2 () and [Ni(II)3(L(sal-mor))2(o-Cl-benzoate)4]·2CH3CN·2H2O (), where HL(sal-pyr), HL(sal-pip) and HL(sal-mor) are the 1 : 1 condensation products of salicylaldehyde and 1-(2-aminoethyl)-pyrrolidine, 1-(2-aminoethyl)-piperidine and 4-(2-aminoethyl)-morpholine, respectively. One-half of the trinuclear core in each complex is symmetry related to the second part due to the presence of an inversion centre on the central metal ion and so the terminal nickelcentral nickelterminal nickel angle is 180°. The terminal and central nickel(ii) ions are triply bridged by a phenoxo, a μ1,1-carboxylato and a μ1,3-carboxylato moiety. The μ1,1-carboxylato also acts as a chelating ligand for the terminal metal ion. Both the variable-temperature (2-300 K) susceptibilities at a fixed field strength of 0.1 T and variable-field (up to 7 T) magnetization at different fixed temperatures (2-10 K) were recorded. The magnetic data indicate the ferromagnetic interaction in all the cases with J (Ĥ = -2Jij∑SiSj) values ranging between 2.37 and 3.89 cm(-1) and the single-ion zero-field parameter (D) ranging between 7.21 and 8.94 cm(-1). Satisfactorily simulation of both the χMT vs. T and M vs. H data has been obtained. Comparison of the structures and magnetic properties of compounds with those of the previously published related systems reveals some interesting aspects.

Anion controlled structural and magnetic diversity in unusual mixed-bridged polynuclear NiII complexes with a versatile bis(2-methoxy phenol)diamine hexadentate ligand. An experimental and theoretical magneto-structural study

Six new polynuclear Ni^II complexes with uncommon structures have been magneto-structural studied.