Antisymmetric Exchange in Triangular Tricopper(II) Complexes: Correlation among Structural, Magnetic, and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Parameters

Utilization of a trinuclear Cu-pyrazolate inorganic motif to build multifunctional MOFs

The current work aims to generate multifunctional MOFs by incorporating a well-known inorganic motif, a trinuclear Cu-pyrazolate [Cu3(μ3-OH)(μ-Pyz)3] (T-CuP) unit, as a node of the network. Accordingly, we report herein the synthesis and properties of five new compounds using five V-shaped dicarboxylic acids as auxiliary ligands. The structural features are consistent with the theme of grafting T-CuP units as nodal points of architectures whose chassis are primarily made of bent acids. V-shaped acids also induce a helical nature inside resulting frameworks. Beside their structural and physical features, T-CuP unit-based MOFs also vindicate our thematic approach of the trinuclear Cu-pyrazolate unit imparting specific physicochemical properties, such as magnetic, electrical, and catalytic properties, to resultant MOFs. The MOFs show excellent catalytic properties in reducing 4-nitrophenol, which could be attributed to the porous nature of the network along with the presence of metal centres with unsaturated coordination within the T-CuP unit. Furthermore, efficient photocatalytic degradation of harmful organic dyes confirms their importance for environmental remediation. The presence of a T-CuP unit and various functional groups also make some of the MOFs suitable candidates for electrical applications, which is indeed manifested in encouraging proton conductivity. Finally, the potential of current MOFs, fitted with a magnetically important trinuclear Cu-pyrazolate motif, as magnetic materials has also been thoroughly investigated.

Electronic Structure and Transformation of Dinitrosyl Iron Complexes (DNICs) Regulated by Redox Non-Innocent Imino-Substituted Phenoxide Ligand

The coupled NO-vibrational peaks [IR νNO 1775 s, 1716 vs, 1668 vs cm-1 (THF)] between two adjacent [Fe(NO)2] groups implicate the electron delocalization nature of the singly O-phenoxide-bridged dinuclear dinitrosyliron complex (DNIC) [Fe(NO)2(μ-ON2Me)Fe(NO)2] (1). Electronic interplay between [Fe(NO)2] units and [ON2Me]- ligand in DNIC 1 rationalizes that "hard" O-phenoxide moiety polarizes iron center(s) of [Fe(NO)2] unit(s) to enforce a "constrained" π-conjugation system acting as an electron reservoir to bestow the spin-frustrated {Fe(NO)2}9-{Fe(NO)2}9-[·ON2Me]2- electron configuration (Stotal = 1/2). This system plays a crucial role in facilitating the ligand-based redox interconversion, working in harmony to control the storage and redox-triggered transport of the [Fe(NO)2]10 unit, while preserving the {Fe(NO)2}9 core in DNICs {Fe(NO)2}9-[·ON2Me]2- [K-18-crown-6-ether)][(ON2Me)Fe(NO)2] (2) and {Fe(NO)2}9-[·ON2Me] [(ON2Me)Fe(NO)2][PF6] (3). Electrochemical studies suggest that the redox interconversion among [{Fe(NO)2}9-[·ON2Me]2-] DNIC 3 ↔ [{Fe(NO)2}9-[ON2Me]-] ↔ [{Fe(NO)2}9-[·ON2Me]] DNIC 2 are kinetically feasible, corroborated by the redox shuttle between O-bridged dimerized [(μ-ONMe)2Fe2(NO)4] (4) and [K-18-crown-6-ether)][(ONMe)Fe(NO)2] (5). In parallel with this finding, the electronic structures of [{Fe(NO)2}9-{Fe(NO)2}9-[·ON2Me]2-] DNIC 1, [{Fe(NO)2}9-[·ON2Me]2-] DNIC 2, [{Fe(NO)2}9-[·ON2Me]] DNIC 3, [{Fe(NO)2}9-[ONMe]-]2 DNIC 4, and [{Fe(NO)2}9-[·ONMe]2-] DNIC 5 are evidenced by EPR, SQUID, and Fe K-edge pre-edge analyses, respectively.

N-N-Bridged Polynuclear POM-Based Coordination Polymers Based on a V-Type Ligand: Proton Conduction and Magnetism

The construction of polyoxometalate (POM)-based coordination polymers, in the presence of a nitrogen heterocyclic ligand, is intriguing due to the potential for obtaining diverse structures. These structures exhibit extensive application possibilities in the fields of proton conductivity and magnetism. Herein, four new POM-based polynuclear coordination polymers with the formulas of {[Fe2(btb)3(H2O)2(SiW12O40)]·3H2O}n (1), {[Cd2(btb)2(H2O)6(HPMoVI10MoV2O40)]·2H2O}n (2), {[Co3(OH)2(btb)2(H2O)5(HPMoVI10MoV2O40)]·7H2O}n (3), and {[Cu3(OH)(btb)2(H2O)(HP2Mo5O23)]·6H2O}n (4) have been prepared using the V-type 1,3-bis(4H-1,2,4-triazole-4-yl)benzene (btb) ligand. Compounds 1 and 2 feature similar two-dimensional (2D) structures, derived from the binuclear Fe2N6 and Cd2N4 subunits connected by tridentate btb ligands. Meanwhile, in compound 3, hexanuclear Co6(OH)4 units are bound by quadridentate btb ligands forming a 2D layer with the same 4-c sql topology simplification as compounds 1 and 2. In compound 1, Keggin-type polyoxoanions are monodentate-coordinated to metal ions and suspended on the 2D structure, while, in compounds 2 and 3, they act as discrete counterions residing in the interstitial spaces between two adjacent layers, thereby extending the 2D structures into 3D structures through hydrogen bonding interactions. In compound 4, trinuclear Cu3(OH) subunits are further constructed into a 3D framework through cooperation with four tridentate and quadridentate btb ligands as well as Strandberg-type anions. Furthermore, the proton conduction of the four compounds has been investigated. They display high proton conductivities at 358 K and 98% RH with powdered samples, which are 1.26 × 10-3, 1.24 × 10-3, 3.24 × 10-4, and 2.57 × 10-4 S cm-1, respectively. Interestingly, by mixing with Nafion, the composite membranes of compounds 2 and 4 exhibit enhanced proton conductivities, measuring at 4.87 × 10-2 and 1.28 × 10-2 S cm-1, respectively, at 358 K and 98% RH, which suggests excellent potential for applications. In addition, compounds 1, 3, and 4 display antiferromagnetic behaviors due to similar magnetic interactions. This work can provide research insights into the assembly of 2D POM-based coordination polymers with nitrogen heterocyclic ligands and Keggin-type POMs and further promote their research progress in proton conduction.

A bis-calix[4]arene-supported [CuII16] cage

Reaction of 2,2'-bis-p-^tBu-calix[4]arene (H₈L) with Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O and N-methyldiethanolamine (Me-deaH₂) in a basic dmf/MeOH mixture affords [CuII16(L)₂(Me-dea)₄(μ₄-NO₃)₂(μ-OH)₄(dmf)_3.5(MeOH)_0.5(H₂O)₂](H₆L)·16dmf·4H₂O (4), following slow evaporation of the mother liquor. The central core of the metallic skeleton describes a tetracapped square prism, [Cu₁₂], in which the four capping metal ions are the Cu^II ions housed in the calix[4]arene polyphenolic pockets. The [CuII8] square prism is held together "internally" by a combination of hydroxide and nitrate anions, with the N-methyldiethanolamine co-ligands forming dimeric [CuII2] units which edge-cap above and below the upper and lower square faces of the prism. Charge balance is maintained through the presence of one doubly deprotonated H₆L^2- ligand per [Cu₁₆] cluster. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the predominance of strong antiferromagnetic exchange interactions and an S = 1 ground state, while EPR is consistent with a large zero-field splitting.

Integration of Trinuclear Triangle Copper(II) Secondary Building Units in Octacyanidometallates(IV)-Based Frameworks

The design and synthesis of high-dimensional materials based on secondary building blocks (SBUs) play a pivotal role in the further development of functional molecular materials. Herein, the self-assembly of Cu(II) ions, pyrazole (Hpz), and octacyanidometallate(IV) anions in the presence of water produced two new isostructural three-dimensional systems {[Cu₃(μ₃-OH)(μ-pz)₃(H₂O)₃]₂[M(CN)₈]}·nH₂O (M = W, 1, and Mo, 2). 1 and 2 consist of trinuclear triangle copper(II) (TTC) SBUs and octacyanidometallates(IV). At room temperature, both assemblies display strong antiferromagnetic interactions within the TTC entities with an average Cu^II···Cu^II isotropic magnetic coupling constant of about -145 cm^-1. Moreover, a detailed analysis of magnetic data revealed the presence of spin frustration with antisymmetric magnetic exchange-coupling constants of around +32 and +46 cm^-1 for 1 and 2, respectively. Finally, quantum chemical calculations explained their magnetic and optical properties.

The Role of Magnetic Dipole—Dipole Coupling in Quantum Single-Molecule Toroics

For single-molecule toroics (SMTs) based on noncollinear Ising spins, intramolecular magnetic dipole–dipole coupling favours a head-to-tail vortex arrangement of the semi-classical magnetic moments associated with a toroidal ground state. However, to what extent does this effect survive beyond the semi-classical Ising limit? Here, we theoretically investigate the role of dipolar interactions in stabilising ground-state toroidal moments in quantum Heisenberg rings with and without on-site magnetic anisotropy. For the prototypical triangular SMT with strong on-site magnetic anisotropy, we illustrate that, together with noncollinear exchange, intramolecular magnetic dipole–dipole coupling serves to preserve ground-state toroidicity. In addition, we investigate the effect on quantum tunnelling of the toroidal moment in Kramers and non-Kramers systems. In the weak anisotropy limit, we find that, within some critical ion–ion distances, intramolecular magnetic dipole–dipole interactions, diagonalised over the entire Hilbert space of the quantum system, recover ground-state toroidicity in ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic odd-membered rings with up to seven sites, and are further stabilised by Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya coupling.

A cationic sulfur-hydrocarbon triradical with an excited quartet state

The triptycene-bridged tris(thianthrene) compound 1 was designed and synthesized. Three-electron oxidation of 1 by NO[Al(OC(CF₃)₃)₄], followed by crystallization at two different temperatures resulted in the triradical trication salts 2a and 2b respectively, which feature different crystal packing patterns. The triradical trications in 2a and 2b both feature a doublet ground state which can be thermally populated to a quartet state, representing the first examples of cationic main-group triradicals.

Spin-Electric Coupling in a Cobalt(II)-Based Spin Triangle Revealed by Electric-Field-Modulated Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy

A cobalt(II)-based spin triangle shows a significant spin-electric coupling. [Co3 (pytag)(py)6 Cl3 ]ClO4 ⋅3 py crystallizes in the acentric monoclinic space group P21 . The intra-triangle antiferromagnetic interaction, of the order of ca. -15 cm-1 (H=-JSa Sb ), leads to spin frustration. The two expected energy-degenerate ground doublets are, however, separated by a few wavenumbers, as a consequence of magnetic anisotropy and deviations from threefold symmetry. The Co3  planes of symmetry-related molecules are almost parallel, allowing for the determination of the spin-electric properties of single crystals by EFM-ESR spectroscopy. The spin-electric effect detected when the electric field is applied in the Co3  plane was revealed by a shift in the resonance field. It was quantified as ΔgE /E=0.11×10-9  m V-1 , which in terms of frequency corresponds to approximately 0.3 Hz m V-1 . This value is comparable to what was determined for a Cu3  triangle despite the antiferromagnetic interaction being 20 times larger for the latter.

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.

Molecular magnetism in the multi-configurational self-consistent field method

We develop a structured theoretical framework used in our recent articles (2019 Eur. Phys. J. B 92 93 and 2020 Phys. Rev. B 101 094427) to characterize the unusual behavior of the magnetic spectrum, magnetization and magnetic susceptibility of the molecular magnet Ni₄Mo₁₂. The theoretical background is based on the molecular orbital theory in conjunction with the multi-configurational self-consistent field method and results in a post-Hartree-Fock scheme for constructing the corresponding energy spectrum. Furthermore, we construct a bilinear spin-like Hamiltonian involving discrete coupling parameters accounting for the relevant spectroscopic magnetic excitations, magnetization and magnetic susceptibility. The explicit expressions of the eigenenergies of the ensuing Hamiltonian are determined and the physical origin of broadening and splitting of experimentally observed peaks in the magnetic spectra is discussed. To demonstrate the efficiency of our method we compute the spectral properties of a spin-one magnetic dimer. The present approach may be applied to a variety of magnetic units based on transition metals and rare Earth elements.

Supramolecular Assemblies of Trinuclear Copper(II)-Pyrazolato Units: A Structural, Magnetic and EPR Study

Two anionic complexes, {[Cu3(µ3-OH)(µ-4-Ph-pz)3Cl3]2[Cu(4-Ph-pzH)4](µ-Cl)2}2− (1) and [Cu3(µ3-OH)(µ-pz)3(µ1,1-N3)2(N3)]− (2), crystallize as one-dimensional polymers, held together by weak Cu-(µ-Cl) and Cu-(µ-N3) interactions, respectively. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility analyses determined the dominant antiferromagnetic intra-Cu3 exchange parameters in the solid state for both complexes, whereas the weak ferromagnetic inter-Cu3 interactions manifested also in the solid state EPR spectra, are absent in the corresponding frozen solution spectra. DFT calculations were employed to support the results of the magnetic susceptibility analyses.

Synthesis and Characterization of Cu(II) and Mixed-Valence Cu(I)Cu(II) Clusters Supported by Pyridylamide Ligands

A group of copper complexes supported by polydentate pyridylamide ligands H₂bpda and H₂ppda were synthesized and characterized. The two Cu(II) dimers [Cu^II₂(Hbpda)₂(ClO₄)₂] (1) and [Cu^II₂(ppda)₂(DMF)₂] (2) were constructed by using neutral ligands to react with Cu(II) salts. Although the dimers showed similar structural features, the second-sphere interactions affect the structures differently. With the application of Et₃N, the tetranuclear cluster (HNEt₃)[Cu^II₄(bpda)₂(μ₃-OH)₂(ClO₄)(DMF)₃](ClO₄)₂ (3) and hexanuclear cluster (HNEt₃)₂[Cu^II₆(ppda)₆(H₂O)₂(CH₃OH)₂](ClO₄)₂ (4) were prepared under similar reaction conditions. The symmetrical and unsymmetrical arrangement of the ligand donors in ligands H₂bpda and H₂ppda led to the dramatic conformation difference of the two Cu(II) complexes. As part of our effort to explore mixed-valence copper chemistry, the triple-decker pentanuclear cluster [Cu^II₃Cu^I₂(bpda)₃(μ₃-O)] (5) was prepared. XPS examination demonstrated the localized mixed-valence properties of complex 5. Magnetic studies of the clusters with EPR evidence showed either weak ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic interactions among copper centers. Due to the trigonal-planar conformation of the trinuclear Cu(II) motif with the μ₃-O center, complex 5 exhibits geometric spin frustration and engages in antisymmetric exchange interactions. DFT calculations were also performed to better interpret spectroscopic evidence and understand the electronic structures, especially the mixed-valence nature of complex 5.

Molecular enneanuclear CuII phosphates containing planar hexanuclear and trinuclear sub-units: syntheses, structures, and magnetism

Highly symmetric enneanuclear copper(ii) phosphates [Cu9(Pz)6(μ-OH)3(μ3-OH)(ArOPO3)4(DMF)3] (PzH = pyrazole, Ar = 2,6-(CHPh2)2-4-R-C6H2; R = Me, 2MeAr; Et, 2EtAr; iPr, 2iPrAr; and Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3, 2Dip) comprising nine copper(ii) centers and pyrazole, hydroxide and DMF as ancillary ligands were synthesized by a reaction involving the arylphosphate monoester, 1, copper(i)chloride, pyrazole, and triethylamine in a 4 : 9 : 6 : 14 ratio. All four complexes were characterized by single crystal structural analysis. The complexes contain two distinct structural motifs within the multinuclear copper scaffold: a hexanuclear unit and a trinuclear unit. In the latter, the three Cu(ii) centres are bridged by a μ3-OH. Each pair of Cu(ii) centers in the trinuclear unit are bridged by a pyrazole ligand. The hexanuclear unit is made up of three dinuclear Cu(ii) motifs where the two Cu(ii) centres are bridged by an -OH and a pyrazole ligand. The three dinuclear units are connected to each other by phosphate ligands. The latter also aid the fusion of the trinuclear and the hexanuclear motifs. Magnetic studies reveal a strong antiferromagnetic exchange between the Cu(ii) centres of the dinuclear units in the hexanuclear part and a strong spin frustration in the trinuclear part leading to a degenerate ground state.

Hexanuclear Cu3O-3Cu triazole-based units as novel core motifs for high nuclearity copper(ii) frameworks

The asymmetric 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-triazole ligand H₂V (5-amino-3-picolinamido-1,2,4-triazole) by reaction with an excess of Cu(ii) perchlorate (Cu : H₂V being 12 : 1) has produced a novel hexanuclear {Cu₆(μ₃-O/H)(HV/V)₃} fragment, with one triangular Cu₃(μ₃-O/H) group connected to three peripheral single Cu(ii) ions through a cis-cis-trans bridging mode of the ligand, which is the building block of the three structures described here: one hexanuclear, [Cu₆(μ₃-O)(HV)₃(ClO₄)₇(H₂O)₉]·8H₂O (1), one dodecanuclear, [Cu₁₂(μ₃-O)₂(V)₆(ClO₄)₅(H₂O)₁₈](ClO₄)₃·6H₂O (2), and one tetradecanuclear 1D-polymer, {[Cu₁₄(μ₃-OH)₂(V)₆(HV)(ClO₄)₁₁(H₂O)₂₀](ClO₄)₂·14H₂O} _n (3), the last two containing hexanuclear subunits linked by perchlorato bridges. The Cu-Cu av. intra-triangle distance is 3.352(2) Å and the Cu(central)-Cu(bridged external) av. distance is 5.338(3) Å. The magnetic properties of the hexanuclear "Cu₃O-3Cu" cluster have been studied, resulting as best fit parameters: g = 2.18(1), J(intra-triangle) = -247.0(1) cm^-1 and j(central Cu^II - external Cu^II) = -5.15(2) cm^-1.

The molecular and electronic structure of an unusual cobalt NNO pincer ligand complex

The reaction of two equivalents of [Co(PMe₃)₄] (1) with one equivalent of a neutral NNO pincer ligand (L₁) led to the formation of purple-coloured single crystals. The crystal structure determination reveals the molecular structure as a cobalt dimer [Co₂(L₁)(PMe₃)₅], which is solved in the triclinic P1[combining macron] space group. Although this species appears to have a formal zero oxidation state on cobalt ions, careful analysis of the structural parameters of the L₁ reveals that the NNO ligand is reduced by three electrons; this observation has rarely been reported in the literature. Therefore, herein, more accurate description of the molecular formula [(PMe₃)₂Co^II(η⁴-L₁^3-)Co^I(PMe₃)₃] (2) was proposed. In 2, we observed an unusual η³-π-allyl-type binding mode of the pyridine ring carbon atoms of the L₁^3- ligand with the cobalt ion. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy not only reveals the presence of the mixed valent cobalt ion within 2 but also unambiguously discloses the spin state of these metal ions (Co(i) diamagnetic (low-spin) and Co(ii) paramagnetic (high-spin)). The proposed electronic structure is consistent with the magnetic moment measured at room temperature. The electronic structure of 2 was further supported by the Q-band EPR measurements performed on polycrystalline sample of 2 at 5.0 K, and the presence of two independent S = ½ states was revealed. This has been qualitatively rationalized based on the super-exchange coupling pathway observed in 2. The NMR studies performed for 2 (C₆D₆ solvent) evidently showed that the solid-state structure of 2 was maintained in solution.

Copper(ii) self-assembled clusters of bis((pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)alkanes. Unusual rearrangement of ligands under reaction conditions

The reaction of two structurally related bridging ligands bis[5-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl]methane (H2L1) and bis[5-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl]ethane (H2L2) with copper(ii) salts resulted in a surprising wide variety of complex structures [Cu2(H2L1)Cl2]Cl2·4CH3OH (1), [Cu4(L1)4]·4H2O (2), [Cu(H2L2)(ClO4)2] (3) and [Cu3(OH)Na2(L')6](ClO4)·5H2O·C3H6O (4), where HL' is 3,5-bis-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole, which were structurally characterized by the X-ray diffraction method. Complexes 1 and 2 were prepared on the H2L1 basis and have binuclear and tetranuclear structures, respectively, demonstrating strong impact of the type of counter anion on the coordination mode of the ligand. In contrast, the reaction between Cu(ClO4)2 6H2O and H2L2 led to the preparation of mononuclear complex 3. The reaction of H2L2 with Cu(ClO4)2 under alkaline conditions led to oxidative rearrangement of the ligand and the homoleptic pentanuclear complex 4 with anionic ligand L' was prepared. Magnetic properties were studied for compounds 1, 2 and 4 and for all of them the antiferromagnetic interactions between the Cu atoms were confirmed and analyzed by the spin Hamiltonian formalism. Furthermore, the occurrence of the antisymmetric exchange was confirmed in 4. The magnetic data analysis was supported by the X-band EPR measurements performed for complexes 1, 2 and 4.

Relevance of Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya spectral broadenings in promoting spin decoherence: a comparative pulsed-EPR study of two structurally related iron(iii) and chromium(iii) spin-triangle molecular qubits

Two related iron(iii) and chromium(iii) spin-triangle molecular qubits show coherent driving of their spins, and decoherence that is not significantly affected by Dzyaloshikskii–Moriya spectral broadenings.

Molecular electronic spin qubits from a spin-frustrated trinuclear copper complex

The trinuclear copper(ii) complex [Cu3(saltag)(py)6]ClO4 (H5saltag = tris(2-hydroxybenzylidene)triaminoguanidine) was synthesized and characterized by experimental as well as theoretical methods. This complex exhibits a strong antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -298 cm-1) between the copper(ii) ions, mediated by the N-N diazine bridges of the tritopic ligand, leading to a spin-frustrated system. This compound shows a T2 coherence time of 340 ns in frozen pyridine solution, which extends to 591 ns by changing the solvent to pyridine-d5. Hence, the presented compound is a promising candidate as a building block for molecular spintronics.

Two mixed-addenda Nb/W polyoxometalate-based hybrid compounds containing multicopper units: synthesis, structures, and electrochemical and magnetic properties

Two Nb/W mixed-addenda polyoxometalate-based hybrid compounds were synthesized. Their structures and properties were studied.

Interactions between H-bonded [CuII3(μ3-OH)] triangles; a combined magnetic susceptibility and EPR study

X-band EPR spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility studies elucidate the magnetic exchange scheme within a triangular CuII3(μ₃-OH) complex and the intermolecular dipolar interactions between two H-bonded CuII3(μ₃-OH) units.

High-nuclearity heterometallic clusters with both an anion and a cation sandwiched by planar cluster units: synthesis, structure and properties

To develop high-nuclearity clusters as multi-functional materials, we prepared a new type of sandwich clusters using an anion-templated synthetic strategy. The reactions of (2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioylbis(salicylidene hydrazone) (H₆L) with [Cu₂(OAc)₄(H₂O)₂] in the presence of alkali metal halide (NaCl, NaBr, KCl or KBr) provided four high-nuclearity clusters [MCu₁₈L₆X(C₅H₅N)₁₅(DMF)₃]·3DMF·6H₂O (M = Na and X = Cl (1); M = Na and X = Br (2); M = K and X = Cl (3); and M = K and X = Br (4)). They represent a new type of nanoscale high-nuclearity heterometallic sandwich clusters, in which the halide anion is fully sandwiched by two planar nonanuclear clusters, and the alkali metal ion is half-sandwiched on the top of the upper planar nonanuclear cluster. The experimental magnetic data and simulating results reveal dominant antiferromagnetic interactions between metal ions in these compounds. Their dielectric constants and electric hysteresis loops were also measured.

Effect of the apical ligand on the geometry and magnetic properties of copper(ii)/mesoxalate trinuclear units

Three new heterometallic metal-organic frameworks, namely, {(Ph₄P)₂[MnCu₃(Hmesox)₃Br(H₂O)]·H₂O}_n (1), {(Ph₄P)₂[CoCu₃(Hmesox)₃Br]}_n (2) and {(Ph₄P)₂[ZnCu₃(Hmesox)₃Br]·2.5H₂O}_n (3) were prepared and their structure and magnetic properties were investigated (H₄mesox = mesoxalic acid, Ph₄P⁺ = tetraphenylphosphonium). The structure of all the compounds consist of two interpenetrating opposite-chirality supramolecular cationic and polymeric anionic 3-D (10,3)-a networks, which results in chiral compounds. The anionic network is formed from the polymerization of [Cu₃(Hmesox)₃Br]^4- units, working as three connectors, and M(ii) cations, working as three-connecting nodes, M = Mn(ii), Co(ii) and Zn(ii). The Ph₄P⁺ cations build the cationic chiral supramolecular network opposite to the anionic one. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit long-range magnetic ordering with critical temperatures of 7.2 K and 6.9 K, respectively. However, compound 3 does not display long-range order, but shows ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic coupling among the Cu(ii) ions. The magnetic interactions are studied by DFT calculations and compared with related Cu(ii)-mesoxalate compounds previously reported.

Ligand-directed synthesis of {MnIII5} twisted bow-ties

3,5-Diamino-1,2,4-triazole derivatives direct the assembly of {MnIII5} twisted bow-ties.

Manganese clusters of aromatic oximes: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties

With the aim of tuning the structures by using oxime ligands with different non-coordinating groups, three aromatic oxime ligands were designed by fusing oxime groups ([double bond, length as m-dash]N-OH) onto different non-coordinating groups. Their reactions with the corresponding Mn(ii) salts gave five manganese clusters [Mn(μ₃-O)(L¹)₃(DMF)(H₂O)₃Cl]·2DMF·CH₃OH (1), [Mn(μ₃-O)(L²)₃(OAc)(CH₃OH)₂] (2), [Mn(μ₃-O)₂(L²)₆(H₂O)(py)₇](ClO₄)₂·py·0.5CH₃OH·2H₂O (3), [MnO₄(L²)₈(DMF)₄]·DMF·6CH₃CN (4), and [MnMnO₄(L³)₁₂]·3DMF·6H₂O (5), in which H₂L¹, H₂L² and HL³ represent indane-1,2,3-trione-1,2-dioxime, acenaphthenequinone dioxime, and 9,10-phenanthrenedione-9-oxime, respectively. Their structures were determined and studied in detail. 1 and 2 show planar triangular trinuclear Mn structures. 3 has a hexanuclear Mn skeleton formed from two Mn triangular units through inter-trinuclear mutual coordination. 4 and 5 present octanuclear skeletons constructed from planar triangular Mn₃O and tetrahedral Mn₄O secondary building units, respectively, with different symmetries and different oxidation states of the manganese ions. Their structural studies reveal a significant contribution of the parent rings for fusing oxime groups, different non-coordinating groups and anions to the formation of different cluster skeletons. Their magnetic properties were investigated and simulated, which revealed the presence of dominant antiferromagnetic interactions between the metal ions in these compounds.

A discrete CuII6 cluster and a 3D MnII–CuII framework based on assembly of Mn2Cu4 clusters: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties

Two new magnetic metal–organic coordination compounds, a 0D Cu₆ cluster and a 3D heterometallic framework with MnII2CuII4 secondary building units are synthesized. Detailed magnetic studies are performed with proper magneto-structural correlation.

Effect of N ancillary ligands on the structure, nuclearity and magnetic behavior of Cu(ii)–pyrazolecarboxylate complexes

The first discrete cyclic-trinuclear copper(ii)–pyrazolato complex without any μ₃ ligand core was synthesized and its magnetic properties were investigated.