Design of one-dimensional coordination networks from a macrocyclic {3d-4f} single-molecule magnet precursor linked by [W(CN)8]3- anions

Dimethyl Derivatives of 2,2'-Bipyridine as Ligands in [W(CN)6(bpy)]2--Type Complexes

The thermal decomposition of (XMebpyH)3(H3O)[W(CN)8]·3H2O (where XMebpy denotes 4Mebpy 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine or 5Mebpy 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine) in glycerol results in the coordination of XMebpy. Salts of the anion formula [W(CN)6(XMebpy)]2- were isolated for PPh4+ and/or AsPh4+ cations as well as for K+, Rb+, and Cs+ ones. X-ray single-crystal analyses for tetraphenyl-phosphonium and tetraphenyl-arsonium cations are described. IR, UV-Vis, and cyclic voltammetry data are presented. The results were compared with those for [W(CN)6(bpy)]2- (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) ion salts.

Anion-encapsulating, discrete prism and extended frusta, from trimetallated triangular macrocycles and linkers

Reaction of a trinuclear triangular macrocyclic complex Pb3L(CF3SO3)6 with bidentate linkers in a ratio of 3 equiv. of linker per 2 equiv. of complex, produces a prismatic structure with 4,4'-dipyridyl, and two unprecedented, extended 3D frustum-like structures with 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene and 1,4-di(4-pyridyl)benzene. The cavities of these structures encapsulate triflate anions.

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.

Metallocyclic CuII-LnIII Single-Molecule Magnets from the Self-Assembly of 1,4-Diformylnaphthalene-2,3-diol

We report the synthesis and characterization of seven new tetranuclear 3d-4f complexes derived from the 3:3:1 reaction of 1,4-diformylnaphthalene-2,3-diol (H₂ L) with copper(II) nitrate and a lanthanide salt, Ln = Tb [L ₃Cu₃TbCl₂(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂] (C1), Ho [L ₃Cu₃HoCl₃(H₂O)₃(MeOH)](H₂O) (C2), Er [L ₃Cu₃ErCl₃(H₂O)_3.5(MeOH)_0.5](H₂O) (C3), Gd [L ₃Cu₃Gd(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂(MeOH)](NO₃) (C4), Dy [L ₃Cu₃Dy(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂(MeOH)](NO₃) (C5), Yb [L ₃Cu₃Yb(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂(MeOH)](NO₃) (C6), and La [L ₃Cu₃La(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂(MeOH)](NO₃) (C7). Structural elucidation showed that the self-assembly using the acyclic ligand system was successful for all seven complexes, which exhibit the same near-planar Cu₃LnO₁₂ core. Five complexes (C1, C2, and C4-C6) were magnetically characterized at 300 K and 1.8 K. Complexes C1, C4, and C5 were observed to have ferromagnetic ground states and showed appreciable frequency dependence in their AC magnetic measurements, which yielded effective barriers between 7.82(4) and 13.2(3) K, confirming the presence of single-molecule magnet properties.

Lanthanide induced variability in localised CoII geometries of four triangular L3Co3 IILnIII complexes

Four tetranuclear heterobimetallic triangle complexes [L₃Co₃Dy(NO₃)₂(H₂O)(MeOH)₅](NO₃) (C1), [L₃Co₃Gd(NO₃)₃(MeOH)₄] (C2), [L₃Co₃La(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₆](NO₃)(H₂O) (C3), and [L₃Co₃TbCl(NO₃)₂(H₂O)_0.5(MeOH)_3.5] (C4), where H₂L = 1,4-bisformylnaphthalene-2,3-diol, have been synthesised and structurally characterised. Each complex crystallises with a complete molecule in the asymmetric unit (Z' = 1) and displays near perfect octahedrality in two out of three Co^II centres. The third Co^II ion assumes a different coordination geometry in each complex: six-coordinate octahedral in C1, six-coordinate with a distortion towards trigonal prismatic in C2, five-coordinate trigonal bipyramidal in C3, and five-coordinate square pyramidal in C4; which has been attributed to increasing lanthanide cation size, coupled with a non-macrocyclic coordination environment. Continuous Shape Measurement (CShM) calculations and octahedral distortion parameter calculations were performed, using the SHAPE and OctaDist software packages, respectively, in order to aid in the assessment of each metal centre's local coordination geometry. The preliminary magnetic investigation of C3 found χ _m T = 9.4 cm³ K mol^-1 at 300 K and M = 7.1 μ _B at 1.8 K, which are approximately two thirds the maximum theoretical values for three Co^II ions and indicates the presence of a relatively large zero-field splitting parameter (D/k _B = 65 K) operative in each Co^II ion rather than exchange coupling between the Co^II centres.

Slow Relaxation of the Magnetization in Anilato-Based Dy(III) 2D Lattices

The search for two- and three-dimensional materials with slow relaxation of the magnetization (single-ion magnets, SIM and single-molecule magnets, SMM) has become a very active area in recent years. Here we show how it is possible to prepare two-dimensional SIMs by combining Dy(III) with two different anilato-type ligands (dianions of the 3,6-disubstituted-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone: C₆O₄X₂²⁻, with X = H and Cl) in dimethyl sulfoxide (dmso). The two compounds prepared, formulated as: [Dy₂(C₆O₄H₂)₃(dmso)₂(H₂O)₂]·2dmso·18H₂O (1) and [Dy₂(C₆O₄Cl₂)₃(dmso)₄]·2dmso·2H₂O (2) show distorted hexagonal honeycomb layers with the solvent molecules (dmso and H₂O) located in the interlayer space and in the hexagonal channels that run perpendicular to the layers. The magnetic measurements of compounds 1, 2 and [Dy₂(C₆O₄(CN)Cl)₃(dmso)₆] (3), a recently reported related compound, show that the three compounds present slow relaxation of the magnetization. In compound 1 the SIM behaviour does not need the application of a DC field whereas 2 and 3 are field-induced SIM (FI-SIM) since they show slow relaxation of the magnetization when a DC field is applied. We discuss the differences observed in the crystal structures and magnetic properties based on the X group of the anilato ligands (H, Cl and Cl/CN) in 1–3 and in the recently reported derivative [Dy₂(C₆O₄Br₂)₃(dmso)₄]·2dmso·2H₂O (4) with X = Br, that is also a FI-SIM.

Octacyanidometallates for multifunctional molecule-based materials

Octacyanidometallates have been successfully employed in the design of heterometallic coordination systems offering a spectacular range of desired physical properties with great potential for technological applications. The [M(CN)8]n- ions comprise a series of complexes of heavy transition metals in high oxidation states, including NbIV, MoIV/V, WIV/V, and ReV. Since the discovery of the pioneering bimetallic {MnII4[MIV(CN)8]2} and {MnII9[MV(CN)8]6} (M = Mo, W) molecules in 2000, octacyanidometallates were fruitfully explored as precursors for the construction of diverse d-d or d-f coordination clusters and frameworks which could be obtained in the crystalline form under mild synthetic conditions. The primary interest in [M(CN)8]n--based networks was focused on their application as molecule-based magnets exhibiting long-range magnetic ordering resulting from the efficient intermetallic exchange coupling mediated by cyanido bridges. However, in the last few years, octacyanidometallate-based materials proved to offer varied and remarkable functionalities, becoming efficient building blocks for the construction of molecular nanomagnets, magnetic coolers, spin transition materials, photomagnets, solvato-magnetic materials, including molecular magnetic sponges, luminescent magnets, chiral magnets and photomagnets, SHG-active magnetic materials, pyro- and ferroelectrics, ionic conductors as well as electrochemical containers. Some of these materials can be processed into the nanoscale opening the route towards the development of magnetic, optical and electronic devices. In this review, we summarise all important achievements in the field of octacyanidometallate-based functional materials, with the particular attention to the most recent advances, and present a thorough discussion on non-trivial structural and electronic features of [M(CN)8]n- ions, which are purposefully explored to introduce desired physical properties and their combinations towards advanced multifunctional materials.

Investigating the effect of lanthanide radius and diamagnetic linkers on the framework of metallacrown complexes

By changing the stoichiometric ratios, the one-pot reaction of the glycinehydroxamic acid (H2glyha) ligand with copper(ii) and lanthanide(iii) salts in the presence of diamagnetic [Na2{Fe(CN)5(NO)}] led to two series of isostructural complexes, which can be designated as heterotrimetallic dimeric clusters [{LnCu5(glyha)5}{Fe(CN)5(NO)}(H2O)4]2·xNO3·yH2O (x = 2, y = 11 for La (1), x = 2, y = 11 for Pr (2), and x = 2, y = 11 for Nd (3)) and heterotetrametallic coordination polymers [Na{LnCu5(glyha)5}{Fe(CN)5(NO)}2(H2O)x·yH2O]n (x = 6, y = 4 for Sm (4), x = 6, y = 0 for Gd (5), x = 6, y = 4 for Tb (6), x = 5, y = 5 Dy (7), and x = 6, y = 4 for Ho (8)). Each molecular structure contains LnIII[15-metallacrown-5] nodes and diamagnetic [Fe(CN)5(NO)]2- linkers. The resulting products demonstrate diversified structural frameworks due to the radius effect of LnIII ions and different bridging fashions of diamagnetic [Fe(CN)5(NO)]2- linkers. An analysis of magnetic susceptibilities reveals that 7 exhibits ferromagnetic coupling between CuII and DyIII ions and field-induced SMM behavior.

Two-dimensional heterometallic CuIILnIII (Ln = Tb and Dy) coordination polymers bridged by dicyanamides showing slow magnetic relaxation behavior

Two-dimensional heterometallic Cu^IILn^III (Ln = Gd, Tb and Dy) coordination polymers bridged by dicyanamides showed slow magnetic relaxation behaviour and a magnetic hysteresis loop at 1.8 K was observed for the CuTb compound.

Heterotrimetallic complexes in molecular magnetism

The most representative examples of coordination compounds containing three different paramagnetic metal ions are reviewed, with a special emphasis on their magnetic properties.

Incorporation of hexacyanidoferrate(iii) ion in photoluminescent trimetallic Eu(3-pyridone)[Co1−xFex(CN)6] chains exhibiting tunable visible light absorption and emission properties

Tuning of absorption and photoluminescence is achieved in trimetallic EuCoFe cyanido-bridged frameworks through the gradual replacement of [Co^III(CN)₆]³⁻ with [Fe^III(CN)₆]³⁻.

Enforcing Ising-like magnetic anisotropy via trigonal distortion in the design of a W(v)-Co(ii) cyanide single-chain magnet

A new octacyanotungstate(v) singe chain magnet with an effective energy barrier of 39.7(3) cm^–1 is achieved by enforcing Ising-like magnetic anisotropy via introduction of trigonal distortion with a fac-tridentate capping ligand.

A new octacyanotungstate(v) based single chain magnet {[(Tpm)Co(DMF)W(CN)₈]₂[Co(DMF)₄]·2DMF}_n (1, Tpm = 1,1,1-trispyrazoylmethane), with an effective barrier of 39.7(3) cm^–1 is reported. The Ising-like magnetic anisotropy of the chain originates from the nearly parallel local orientations of the Co(ii) ions with the source of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy being a trigonal distortion of the octahedral environment with the fac-tridentate capping Tpm ligand.

Metallocyclic Ni4Ln2M2 single-molecule magnets

Magnetic studies on nine new octanuclear cyclic heterotrimetallic complexes reveal that in comparison with analogous octanuclear complexes [Ni₄Dy₂M₂] (M³⁺ = Fe, W and Co), the [Ni₄Dy₂Cr₂] species show the highest energy barrier and the [Ni₄Tb₂M₂] (M = Cr or Fe) complexes display single-molecule magnetic properties.

Insights into bonding interactions and excitation energies of 3d-4f mixed lanthanide transition metal macrocyclic complexes

In this contribution, a computational study of equatorial bound tetranuclear macrocycle (butylene linked) [LnZn(HOM^Bu)]³⁺ (Ln = La³⁺, Ce³⁺) complexes was carried out. Here, the electronic structure, bonding interaction and excitation energies were studied within the relativistic density functional theory framework. From the electronic structure analysis, the frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) were strongly localized in the d-orbitals of the Zn centers and the f-orbitals of the lanthanide ions. Besides, the inner MOs were found to exhibit a π-character from the organic part of the macrocyclic chain. EDA-NOCV was used as a tool for evaluating the bonding interaction, taking the trinuclear metallomacrocycle (ZnHOM^Bu) and the lanthanide center as fragments. This analysis showed that the interaction between these fragments was slightly covalent; with this covalency being the result of a charge transfer from the metallomacrocyclic ring to the lanthanide. This phenomenon was observed in the deformation density channels obtained from the EDA-NOCV study; in which π- and σ-charge transfer was observed. Finally, the TD-DFT study of the excitation energies evidenced three sets of bands: the first set with the highest intensity represented the ligand to metal charge transfer bands; the second set could be attributed to the 3d-4f electronic transitions between the metal centers; and the third set represented the f-f bands found for the open-shell cerium complex. This class of complexes accomplishes the "antenna effect" principle, which states that highly absorptive transition-metal (TM) complexes can be used to enhance the luminescence of poorly emissive systems, and are introduced in this study as self-sensitizer bimetallic d-f systems with potential applications in near infra-red (NIR) technologies.

Macrocyclic {3d-4f} SMMs as building blocks for 1D-polymers: selective bridging of 4f ions by use of an O-donor ligand

Crystallisation of the tetranuclear 3d-4f Single-Molecule Magnet (SMM) [CuTb^III(L^Et)(NO₃)₃(MeOH)]·MeOH (1) with Na₂[tpa] (tpa = terephthalate and H₆L^Et is the [3 + 3] imine macrocycle derived from 1,4-diformyl-2,3-dihydroxybenzene and 1,2-diaminoethane) gives a structurally characterised one-dimensional cationic polymer {[CuTb^III(L^Et)(tpa)(H₂O)₃](NO₃)·0.5H₂O·0.25MeOH}_n (2). A comparative study of the static and dynamic magnetic properties of 2 and its precursor, 1, is reported.

Ligand-directed assembly of trinuclear and one-dimensional heterotrimetallic CuIILnIIIFeIIIcomplexes: unusual antiferromagnetic CuIIFeIIIcoupling via cyano bridges

Rare phenoxo- and cyano-bridged CuLnFe trinuclear complexes were prepared. The 1D Cu₂DyFe complex displays both single-chain magnetic properties and the intrachain Cu(ii)–Fe(iii) antiferromagnetic coupling.

A new family of [CuIILnIIIMV] heterotrimetallic complexes (Ln = La, Gd, Tb; M = Mo, W): model systems to probe exchange interactions and single-molecule magnet properties

Four 3d–4f–4(5)d heterotrimetallic complexes, [L²CuLn(H₂O)₅(μ-NC)M(CN)₇], were obtained from the association of the binuclear 3d–4f complexes and {M^V(CN)₈}³⁻ metalloligands.

2p–3d–4f hetero-tri-spin molecule-based magnetic compounds

The most up-to-date advances in the design and synthesis of molecular magnetic materials by means of a 2p–3d–4f strategy are reviewed.

Nitronyl nitroxide based 2p-3d-4f chains with the magnetocaloric effect and slow magnetic relaxation

Four new nitronyl nitroxide radical based hetero-tri-spin one-dimensional compounds, namely [{Ln(hfac)3}3{Cu(hfac)2}{NIT-Ph(OMe)2}4]n (Ln = Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3), Er (4); hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate; NIT-Ph(OMe)2 = 2-(2',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-imidazolyl-1-oxyl-3-oxide) have been successfully prepared. Single crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis reveals that complexes 1-4 possess a 1D chain structure with a repeating [Cu-Rad-Ln-Rad-Ln-Rad-Ln-Rad] moiety in which Ln(hfac)3 and Cu(hfac)2 units are bridged by nitronyl nitroxide radicals through the NO groups. DC magnetic studies found that ferromagnetic interactions between metals and the coordinated NO groups are active in all four compounds. The Tb derivative displays frequency dependent ac magnetic susceptibilities, indicating slow magnetic relaxation behavior. The Gd complex shows an important cryogenic magnetocaloric effect with the entropy change (-ΔSm) of 13.5 J kg(-1) K(-1) at 2 K and a magnetic field of 7 T, representing the first example of Gd-radical molecular species exhibiting the magnetocaloric effect.

Two series of novel 3D potentially porous heterometallic Cu–Ln coordination frameworks assembled by 3,4-pyridinedicarboxylic acid with different topologies and channels: syntheses, structures, luminescence and magnetic properties

Two series of heterometallic Cu–Ln coordination frameworks assembled by 3,4-pyridinedicarboxylic acid with different topologies and channels.

{CoIIIMnIII}ncorrugated chains based on heteroleptic cyanido metalloligands

The use of cyanide-bearing complexes affords one-dimensional coordination polymers with the formulas {[Mn^III(salen)(μ-NC)₂Co^III(4,4-dmbipy)(CN)₂]·H₂O}_n(1) and {[Mn^III(salen)(μ-NC)₂Co^III(dmphen)(CN)₂]}_n(2) .

A family of fourteen soluble stable macrocyclic [NiII3LnIII] heterometallic 3d–4f complexes

Fourteen macrocyclic NiII3Ln^III (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb or Lu) complexes were made, and checked for Single-Molecule Magnet behaviour; two acyclic analogues were structurally characterised.

From isolated 1H-pyrazole cryptand anion receptors to hybrid inorganic–organic 1D helical polymeric anion receptors

We report a 1-D helical coordination polymer formed by protonated polyamine 1H-pyrazole cryptands interconnected by Cu²⁺metal ions that are able to encapsulate chloride anions behaving as a multianion receptor.

On the importance of ferromagnetic exchange between transition metals in field-free SMMs: examples of ring-shaped hetero-trimetallic [(LnNi2){W(CN)8}]2 compounds

Genuine SMMs with enlarged energy barriers for magnetization reversal are shown to result from ferromagnetic interactions between transition metals in exchange-coupled d–4f compounds.