High Nuclearity Complexes of Lanthanide Involving Tetrathiafulvalene Ligands: Structural, Magnetic, and PhotoPhysical Properties

Bulky anion effect on the architecture of chiral dysprosium single-molecule magnets

The interest for chiral tris(β-diketonato)lanthanide complexes in coordination chemistry is huge due to its Lewis acid character, optical activity, and the control of the final compound architecture. The reaction of equimolar quantities of [Dy((-)/(+)hfc)₃ (H₂ O)] (hfc^-  = 3-(heptafluoropropylhydroxymethylene)-(+/-)-camphorate) and L led to the formation of a pair of enantiomers for dinuclear complexes [Dy((-)/(+)hfc)₃ (L)]₂ ⋅C₇ H₁₆ ([(-)/(+)1]⋅C₇ H₁₆ ) (L = 4'-(4'''-pyridyl-N-oxide)-1,2':6'1''-bis-(pyrazolyl)pyridine]). Starting from the previous experimental protocol with the addition of bulky BArF anions, a partial dissociation of the chiral [Dy((-)/(+)hfc)₃ (H₂ O)] was observed leading to the isolation of a mono-dimensional cationic chiral polymer {[Dy((-)/(+)hfc)₂ (L)][BarF]}_n ⋅nCH₃ NO₂ ([(-)/(+)2]_n ⋅nCH₃ NO₂ ). Natural circular dichroism (NCD) highlighted an exciton CD couplet for [(-)/(+)2]_n but not for (-)/(+)1. The latter behaves as a single-molecule magnet (SMM) with a blocking temperature up to 4 K, whereas [(-)/(+)2]_n is a 1D assembly of field-induced SMMs with a magnetic relaxation occurring through a Raman process only.

Evolution from a single relaxation process to two-step relaxation processes of Dy2 single-molecule magnets via the modulations of the terminal solvent ligands

To explore the influences of magnetic interactions on the relaxation dynamics of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) and to understand the relationship between single-ion relaxation and the relaxation of a molecular entity, it is very important to design dinuclear lanthanide-based SMMs with two-step relaxation processes. Here, three Dy₂ complexes of compositions [Dy₂(L)₂(NO₃)₂(MeOH)₂] (1), [Dy₂(L)₂(NO₃)₂(EtOH)₂] (2), and [Dy₂(L)₂(NO₃)₂(DMF)₂]·0.5EtOH (3) (H₂L = 2-(((2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)imino)methyl)-4-methoxyphenol) were successfully synthesized via elaborately introducing different terminal solvent ligands. X-ray single-crystal diffraction analyses revealed that complexes 1-3 are isostructural. The two Dy^III ions of 1 and 2 both adopt D_2d symmetry, while the two Dy^III centres of 3 display D_2d and D_4d symmetries, respectively. The magnetic property studies of 1-3 indicated that all three complexes exhibit single-molecule magnet (SMM) behaviours with energy barriers of 104 K for 1, 98.94 K for 2, and 76.28 K and 45.54 K for 3 under zero dc field. The target of assembling Dy₂ SMMs with two-step relaxation processes was achieved by gradually increasing the sizes of the terminal solvent ligands. Complex 3 exhibits two-step relaxation processes. Complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) calculations were performed on 1-3 to rationalize the observed differences in the magnetic behaviour. It is found that both the angles θ between the magnetic axis and the vector connecting two Dy^III ions and the symmetries of Dy^III ions are vital factors that affect the energy barriers of 1-3. The high local symmetries of the central metals in 1 and 2 make the complexes act as SMMs with higher energy barriers, while the smaller θ angle and different symmetries of the two Dy^III ions render complex 3 as a SMM with a two-step relaxation process. This work demonstrates a new methodology for preparing SMMs with two-step relaxation processes by fine-tuning the terminal solvent ligands.

Redox-Active Dysprosium Single-Molecule Magnet: Spectro-Electrochemistry and Theoretical Investigations

The mononuclear single-molecule magnet (SMM) [Dy(tta)3(L)]⋅C6H14 (1) (where tta− = 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate and L = 4,5-bis(propylthio)-tetrathiafulvalene-2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-methyl-2-pyridine) was studied by spectro-electrochemistry. The resulting electronic spectra of the three oxidation states 1, 1+∙, and 12+ were rationalized by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations starting from the DFT optimized structures. The modulation of the magnetic anisotropy of the DyIII center upon oxidation was also inspected at the Complete Active Space Self-Consistent Field (CASSCF) level of calculation.

Progress in self-assembly of TTF derivatives at HOPG interface

Self-assembled structures of TTF derivatives can be observed according to different substituents.

From zero-dimensional to one-dimensional chain N-oxide bridged compounds with enhanced single-molecule magnetic performance

A series of zero-dimensional dinuclear dysprosium complexes bridged by pyridine-NO ligands were extended by double N-oxide bridged ligand to series of one-dimensional chain complexes with repeated Dy2 unit, they were structurally and magnetically characterized in this work.

Lanthanide complexes involving multichelating TTF-based ligands

The TTF-based skeleton could be alkylated with either the di(pyrazol-1-yl)-4-pyridyl (L1) or dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (L2) to design multichelating ligands. The ([Yb₂(hfac)₆(L1)]·2(CH₂Cl₂)·C₆H₁₄ (1) and [Ln₂(hfac)₆(L2)]·CH₂Cl₂ (Ln = Yb (2) and Dy (3)) complexes which display either SMM behaviour with the hysteresis loop at 0.5 K or multi-NIR emissions.

Chiral heterobimetallic chains from a dicyanideferrite building block including a π-conjugated TTF annulated ligand

The π-conjugated tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) annulated ligand was introduced into a dicyanometallate for the first time, leading to the synthesis of the versatile redox-active dicyanideferrite building block [(n-Bu)₄N][Fe(TTFbp)(CN)₂] (H₂TTFbp = N-(2-(4,5-bis(methylthio)-1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-5-(picolinamido) benzo[d][1,3]dithiol-6-yl) picol inamide). The incorporation of the new precursor with chiral Mn^III Schiff-base complexes resulted in two enantiopure one-dimensional complexes, [Mn((R,R)-salphen)Fe(TTFbp)(CN)₂]_n (2-(RR)) and [Mn((S,S)-salphen)Fe(TTFbp)(CN)₂]_n (2-(SS)) (Salphen = N,N'-1,2-diphenylethylene-bis(salicylideneiminato) dianion), which were synthesized and structurally characterized. Circular dichroism (CD) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra confirmed the enantiomeric nature of the optically active complexes, and structural analyses revealed the formation of neutral cyanide-bridged double chains in 2-(RR) and 2-(SS). Solution and solid state CV studies revealed the redox-active characteristics of the complexes. Antiferromagnetic couplings were detected between Fe^III and Mn^III centers within a chain, and a field-induced magnetic phase transition was observed (T_N = 4.8 K). The introduction of electroactivity and chirality into cyanide-bridged complexes with interesting magnetic properties leads the way towards new multifunctional materials.

Synthesis, properties and surface self-assembly of a pentanuclear cluster based on the new π-conjugated TTF-triazole ligand

The new π-extended redox-active ligand with both TTF and triazole units, 6-(4,5-bis(propylthio)-1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-1H-[1,3]dithiolo[4′,5′:4,5]benzo [1,2-d] [1–3]triazole, has been successfully prepared. Based on the versatile ligand and Cu(tta)₂ precursors (tta⁻ = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione), a TTF-based pentanuclear Cu^II cluster (Cu₅(tta)₄(TTFN₃)₆) is synthesized and structurally characterized. Their absorption and electrochemical properties are investigated. Antiferromagnetic couplings are operative between metal ion centers bridged by triazoles in the complex. The self-assembled structure of the cluster complex on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface was observed using scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to provide insight into the formation mechanism. The introduction of the redox-active TTF unit into the cluster complexes with interesting magnetic properties renders them promising candidates for new multifunctional materials.

Lanthanide ion and tetrathiafulvalene-based ligand as a "magic" couple toward luminescence, single molecule magnets, and magnetostructural correlations

The synthesis of molecules featuring different properties is a perpetual challenge for the chemists' community. The coexistence and even more the synergy of those properties open new perspectives in the field of molecular devices and molecular electronics. In that sense, coordination chemistry contributed to the development of new functional molecules through, for instance, single-molecule magnets (SMMs) and light emitting molecules with potential applications in high capacity data storage and OLEDs, respectively. The appealing combination of both electronic properties into one single object may offer the possibility to have magnetized luminescent entities at nanometric scale. To that end, lanthanides seem to be one of the key ingredients since their peculiar electronic structures endow them with specific magnetic and luminescence properties. Indeed, lanthanides cover a wide range of emission wavelengths, from infrared to UV, which add up to a large variety of magnetic behaviors, from the fully isotropic spin (e.g., Gd(III)) to highly anisotropic magnetic moments (e.g., Dy(III)). In lanthanide complexes, ligands play a fundamental role because on one hand they govern the orientation of the magnetic moment of anisotropic lanthanides and on the other hand they can sensitize efficiently the luminescence. The design of appropriate organic ligands to elaborate such chemical objects with the desired property appears to be essential but remains a perpetual challenge. In this Account, we describe the design of lanthanide-based complexes that emit light, behave as SMMs, or combine both properties. We have paid peculiar attention to the design of ligands based on the tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) moiety. TTF and its derivatives are well-known chemical entities, stable at different oxidation states, and employed mainly in the synthesis of molecular conductors and superconductors. In addition to their redox properties, TTF-based derivatives act as organic chromophores for the sensitization of visible and near-infrared (NIR) luminescence of lanthanides. The mechanism of sensitization involves either antenna effect (energy transfer from the excited state) or photoinduced electron transfer. TTF-based ligands act also as structural agents in the conception of SMM in crystals. Such objects are obtained with the highly anisotropic Dy(III) ion in crystalline phase as well as in frozen solution with magnetic memory at helium-4 temperature (4 K). We highlight the influence of the magnetic dilution (both in amorphous solution and in diamagnetic crystalline matrix) and, particular case of dysprosium based SMMs, the effect of metal-centered isotope enrichment on the SMM properties. Our aim is not only to realize functional molecules but to rationalize both luminescence and magnetic properties on the basis of the structure of the molecules. These two properties are intimately intricate and governed by the electronic structure, which can be calculated and interpreted using modern quantum chemistry tools.

Luminescence and single-molecule magnet behavior in lanthanide complexes involving a tetrathiafulvalene-fused dipyridophenazine ligand

The reaction between the TTF-fused dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz) ligand (L) and 1 equiv of Ln(hfac)3·2H2O (hfac(-) = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetyacetonate) or 1 equiv of Ln(tta)3·2H2O (tta(-) = 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate) (Ln(III) = Dy(III) or Yb(III)) metallic precursors leads to four mononuclear complexes of formula [Ln(hfac)3(L)]·C6H14 (Ln(III) = Dy(III) (1), Yb(III) (2)) and [Ln(tta)3(L)]·C6H14 (Ln(III) = Dy(III) (3), Yb(III) (4)), respectively. Their X-ray structures reveal that the Ln(III) ion is coordinated to the bischelating nitrogenated coordination site and adopts a D4d coordination environment. The dynamic magnetic measurements show a slow relaxation of the Dy(III) magnetization for 1 and 3 with parameters highlighting a slower relaxation for 3 than for 1 (τ0 = 4.14(±1.36) × 10(-6) and 1.32(±0.07) × 10(-6) s with Δ = 39(±3) and 63.7(±0.7) K). This behavior as well as the orientation of the associated magnetic anisotropy axes have been rationalized on the basis of both crystal field splitting parameters and ab initio SA-CASSCF/RASSI-SO calculations. Irradiation of the lowest-energy HOMO → LUMO ILCT absorption band induces a (2)F5/2 → (2)F7/2 Yb-centered emission for 2 and 4. For these Yb(III) compounds, Stevens operators method has been used to fit the thermal variation of the magnetic susceptibilities, and the resulting MJ splittings have been correlated with the emission lines.

New NIR-emissive tetranuclear Er(iii) complexes with 4-hydroxo-2,1,3-benzothiadiazolate and dibenzoylmethanide ligands: synthesis and characterization

Two new Er complexes were prepared and studied.

Magnetic and photo-physical investigations into DyIII and YbIII complexes involving tetrathiafulvalene ligand

Three TTF-based complexes have been elaborated using β-diketonate Dy^III and Yb^III precursors. [Yb(tta)₃(L)]·2CH₂Cl₂ enlarges the scarce series of redox-active luminescent single-molecule magnets with correlation between emissive and magnetic properties.

Tetrathiafulvalene-supported triple-decker phthalocyaninato dysprosium(III) complex: synthesis, properties and surface assembly

Self-assembly of functional compounds into a prerequisite nanostructure with desirable dimension and morphology by controlling and optimizing intermolecular interaction attracts an extensive research interest for chemists and material scientist. In this work, a new triple-decker sandwich-type lanthanide complex with phthalocyanine and redox-active Schiff base ligand including tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) units has been synthesized, and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, absorption spectra, electrochemical and magnetic measurements. Interestingly, the non-centrosymmetric target complex displays a bias dependent selective adsorption on a solid surface, as observed by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at the single molecule level. Density function theory (DFT) calculations are utilized to reveal the formation mechanism of the molecular assemblies, and show that such electrical field dependent selective adsorption is regulated by the interaction between the external electric field and intrinsic molecular properties. Our results suggest that this type of multi-decker complex involving TTF units shows intriguing multifunctional properties from the viewpoint of structure, electric and magnetic behaviors, and fabrication through self-assembly.

Unprecedented sensitization of visible and near-infrared lanthanide luminescence by using a tetrathiafulvalene-based chromophore

Ligand L was synthesized and then coordinated to [Ln(hfac)3]⋅2 H2O (Ln(III)=Tb, Dy, Er; hfac(-)=1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetonate anion) and [Ln(tta)3]⋅2 H2O (Ln(III)=Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Er, Yb; tta(-)=2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate) to give two families of dinuclear complexes [Ln2(hfac)6(L)]⋅C6H14 and [Ln2(tta)6(L)]⋅2 CH2Cl2. Irradiation of the ligand at 37,040 cm(-1) and 29,410 cm(-1) leads to tetrathiafulvalene-centered and 2,6-di(pyrazol-1-yl)-4-pyridine-centered fluorescence, respectively. The ligand acts as an organic chromophore for the sensitization of the infrared Er(III) (6535 cm(-1)) and Yb(III) (10,200 cm(-1)) luminescence. The energies of the singlet and triplet states of L are high enough to guarantee an efficient sensitization of the visible Eu(III) luminescence (17,300-14,100 cm(-1)). The Eu(III) luminescence decay can be nicely fitted by a monoexponential function that allows a lifetime estimation of (0.49±0.01) ms. Finally, the magnetic and luminescence properties of [Yb2(hfac)6(L)]⋅C6H14 were correlated, which allowed the determination of the crystal field splitting of the (2)F(7/2) multiplet state with M(J)=±1/2 as ground states.