Structure, Magnetic Behavior, and Anisotropy of Homoleptic Trinuclear Lanthanoid 8-Quinolinolate Complexes

Metal-Halide Covalency, Exchange Coupling, and Slow Magnetic Relaxation in Triangular (CpiPr5)3U3X6 (X = Cl, Br, I) Clusters

The actinide elements are attractive alternatives to transition metals or lanthanides for the design of exchange-coupled multinuclear single-molecule magnets. However, the synthesis of such compounds is challenging, as is unraveling any contributions from exchange coupling to the overall magnetism. To date, only a few actinide compounds have been shown to exhibit exchange coupling and single-molecule magnetism. Here, we report triangular uranium(III) clusters of the type (CpiPr5)3U3X (1-X; X = Cl, Br, I; CpiPr5 = pentaisopropylcyclopentadienyl), which are synthesized via reaction of the aryloxide-bridged precursor (CpiPr5)2U2(OPhtBu)4 with excess Me3SiX. Spectroscopic analysis suggests the presence of covalency in the uranium-halide interactions arising from 5f orbital participation in bonding. The dc magnetic susceptibility data reveal the presence of antiferromagnetic exchange coupling between the uranium(III) centers in these compounds, with the strength of the exchange decreasing down the halide series. Ac magnetic susceptibility data further reveal all compounds to exhibit slow magnetic relaxation under zero dc field. In 1-I, which exhibits particularly weak exchange, magnetic relaxation occurs via a Raman mechanism associated with the individual uranium(III) centers. In contrast, for 1-Br and 1-Cl, magnetic relaxation occurs via an Orbach mechanism, likely involving relaxation between ground and excited exchange-coupled states. Significantly, in the case of 1-Cl, magnetic relaxation is sufficiently slow such that open magnetic hysteresis is observed up to 2.75 K, and the compound exhibits a 100-s blocking temperature of 2.4 K. This compound provides the first example of magnetic blocking in a compound containing only actinide-based ions, as well as the first example involving the uranium(III) oxidation state.

Magnetic behaviour of a spin-canted asymmetric lanthanide quinolate trimer

An asymmetrical dysprosium trimer with a molecular formula of [Dy3(hq)7(hqH)(NO3)2(H2O)] was obtained through a reflux reaction employing as starting material Dy(NO3)3·nH2O and 8-quinolinoline as ligand. Magnetic susceptibility investigations show the system to be an SMM, which was corroborated by sub-Kelvin μSQUID studies. Upon cooling, the magnetic susceptibility also exhibits a decrease in the χMT product, which was confirmed to be due to intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions. μSQUID measurements, moreover, reveal a marked magnetic behaviour in the angular dependence of the hysteresis loops. The latter is a direct consequence of the non-colinear spin arrangement of the anisotropy axes of each Dy(III) ion in [Dy3(hq)7(hqH)(NO3)2(H2O)] and the interaction between the ions, as also evidenced by CASSCF calculations. Our results evidence the effect of spin canting along with the intramolecular interactions, which can induce non-trivial magnetic behaviour in SMMs.

Tailoring the Use of 8-Hydroxyquinolines for the Facile Separation of Iron, Dysprosium and Neodymium

Permanent magnets (PMs) containing rare earth elements (REEs) can generate energy in a sustainable manner. With an anticipated tenfold increase in REEs demand by 2050, one of the crucial strategies to meet the demand is developing of efficient recycling methods. NdFeB PMs are the most widely employed, however, the similar chemical properties of Nd (20-30 % wt.) and Dy (0-10 % wt.) make their recycling challenging, but possible using appropriate ligands. In this work, we investigated commercially available 8-hydroxyquinolines (HQs) as potential Fe/Nd/Dy complexing agents enabling metal separation by selective precipitation playing on specific structure/property (solubility) relationship. Specifically, test ethanolic solutions of nitrate salts, prepared to mimic the main components of a PM leachate, were treated with functionalized HQs. We demonstrated that Fe3+ can be separated as insoluble [Fe(QCl,I)3] from soluble [REE(QCl,I)4]- complexes (QCl,I -: 5-Cl-7-I-8-hydoxyquinolinate). Following that, QCl - (5-Cl-8-hydroxyquinolinate) formed insoluble [Nd3(QCl)9] and soluble (Bu4N)[Dy(QCl)4]. The process ultimately gave a solution phase containing Dy with only traces of Nd. In a preliminary attempt to assess the potentiality of a low environmental impact process, REEs were recovered as oxalates, while the ligands as well as Bu4N+ ions, were regenerated and internally reused, thus contributing to the sustainability of a possible metal recovery process.

A single-ion magnet building block strategy toward Dy2 single-molecule magnets with enhanced magnetic performance

A molecular dysprosium(III) complex [Dy(DClQ)₃(H₂O)₂] (1) was used as a building unit for the construction of lanthanide SMMs, leading to the isolation of two dinuclear Dy(III) complexes, namely [Dy₂(DClQ)₆(MeOH)₂] (2) and [Dy₂(DClQ)₆(bpmo)₂]·6MeCN (3) (DClQ = 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline, bpmo = 4,4'-dipyridine-oxide). Structural analyses revealed the same N₃O₅ coordination environment of the Dy(III) centers with a distorted biaugmented trigonal prism (C_2V symmetry) and triangular dodecahedron (D_2d symmetry) for 2 and 3, respectively. Magnetic studies revealed the presence of ferromagnetic and weak antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the Dy³⁺ centers in 2 and 3, respectively. Interestingly, slow relaxation of magnetization at zero fields was evidenced with an U_eff of 51.4 K and 159.0 K for complexes 2 and 3, respectively. The detailed analysis of relaxation dynamics discloses that the Orbach process is dominant for 2 whereas Raman and QTM play an important role in 3. Theoretical calculations were carried out to provide insight into the magnetic exchange interactions and relaxation dynamics for the complexes. Due to a single-ion magnet (SIM) of 1, the foregoing results demonstrate a SIM modular synthetic route for the preparation of dinuclear lanthanide SMMs.

Efficient synthetic route to heterobimetallic trinuclear complexes [Ln-Mn-Ln] and their single molecule magnetic properties

A series of mononuclear lanthanoidate complexes isolated as [Bu₄N][Ln(QCl₄)] 1Ln (QCl = 5-chloro-8-quinolinolate; Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, and Er) have been prepared, characterised, and used as facile precursors to obtain a series of new heterobimetallic complexes as crystalline materials. Reaction of 1Ln with manganese nitrate forms [Ln₂Mn(QCl)₈] (2Ln, where Ln = Tb, Dy, Er and Yb) which have been structurally characterised in the cases of 2Tb and 2Yb. The heteroleptic trinuclear complex [Dy₃(QCl)₈Cl(OH₂)], 3, has also been obtained. Compounds 1Dy, 1Tb, and 1Er display slow relaxation of magnetisation below 10K, particularly for the prolate Er³⁺ ion. These results also suggest that the positive effects of the change from mononuclear to trinuclear lanthanoid complexes enhance their single molecule magnetic (SMM) behaviour, as evidenced by the well resolved frequency dependent AC out-of-phase susceptibility maxima seen in the 2Ln systems, that have been analysed quantitatively. The synthesis used here provides a promising strategy in obtaining heterobimetallic complexes with quinolinolate ligands and also constructing efficient heterobimetallic SMMs.

Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Spectroscopic Properties of Novel Gadolinium and Erbium Triphenylsiloxide Coordination Entities

In alkali metal and lanthanide coordination chemistry, triphenylsiloxides seem to be unduly underappreciated ligands. This is as surprising as that such substituents play a crucial role, among others, in stabilizing rare oxidation states of lanthanide ions, taking a part of intramolecular and molecular interactions stabilizing metal-oxygen cores and many others. This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of new lithium [Li₄(OSiPh₃)₄(THF)₂] (1), and sodium [Na₄(OSiPh₃)₄] (2) species, which were later used in obtaining novel gadolinium [Gd(OSiPh₃)₃(THF)₃]·THF (3), and erbium [Er(OSiPh₃)₃(THF)₃]·THF (4) configuration, it can result in res were determined for all 1-4 compounds, and in addition, IR, Raman, absorption spectroscopy studies were conducted for 3 and 4 lanthanide compounds. Furthermore, direct current (dc) variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements on polycrystalline samples of 3 and 4 were carried out in the temperature range 1.8-300 K. The 3 shows behavior characteristics for the paramagnetism of the Gd³⁺ ion. In contrast, the magnetic properties of 4 are dominated by the crystal field effect on the Er³⁺ ion, masking the magnetic interaction between magnetic centers of neighboring molecules.

Superb Alkali-Resistant DyIII2NiII4 Single-Molecule Magnet

A superb alkali-resistant single-molecule-magnet (SMM) material with the molecular formula [Dy₂Ni₄(L)₈(CH₃COO)₄(NO₃)₂] (1) (HL = 8-hydroxyquinoline) has been structurally and magnetically characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that 1 possesses a hexanuclear [Dy^III₂Ni^II₄] cluster, which is built by two triangular [Dy^IIINi^II₂] cores double-bridged through two CH₃COO^- ions. Interestingly, 1 can keep its original structure in dilute acid and common basic solutions (e.g., triethylamine and NaOH). More importantly, 1 is still stable after treatment with a 20 M NaOH aqueous solution for 1 month at room temperature. Magnetic measurements uncovered that 1 is an SMM under zero applied field with U_eff = 7.43 K. To the best of our knowledge, 1 is the first example of a 3d-4f SMM with such extreme alkali resistance. This work will broaden the vision of preparing SMM materials with excellent chemical stability.

Tuning magnetic anisotropy via terminal ligands along the Dy⋯Dy orientation in novel centrosymmetric [Dy2] single molecule magnets

The SMM properties of four dinuclear Dy^III complexes can be effectively tuned by the appropriate alteration of terminal ligands and lattice guests.

Mononuclear lanthanide(iii)-oxamate complexes as new photoluminescent field-induced single-molecule magnets: solid-state photophysical and magnetic properties

Lanthanide(iii)-oxamate complexes can switch into Light Conversion Molecular Devices (LCMDs) or field-induced Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) depending on the external stimulus.

Field-induced slow magnetic relaxation in the first Dy(iii)-centered 12-metallacrown-4 double-decker

The first double-decker Ga(iii)/Dy(iii) 12-MC-4 complex has been isolated and magnetic studies revealed its SMM properties.

Sublimable Single Ion Magnets Based on Lanthanoid Quinolinate Complexes: The Role of Intermolecular Interactions on Their Thermal Stability

We report the design, preparation, and characterization of two families of thermally robust coordination complexes based on lanthanoid quinolinate compounds: [Ln(5,7-Br₂q)₄]^- and [Ln(5,7-ClIq)₄]^-, where q = 8-hydroquinolinate anion and Ln = Dy^III, Tb^III, Er^III, and Ho^III. The sodium salt of [Dy(5,7-Br₂q)₄]^- decomposes upon sublimation, whereas the sodium salt of [Dy(5,7-ClIq)₄]^-, which displays subtly different crystalline interactions, is sublimable under gentle conditions. The resulting film presents low roughness with high coverage, and the molecular integrity of the coordination complex is verified through AFM, MALDI-TOF, FT-IR, and microanalysis. Crucially, the single-molecule magnet behavior exhibited by [Dy(5,7-ClIq)₄]^- in bulk remains detectable by ac magnetometry in the sublimated film.

A W-Shaped Ga-Dy-Dy-Dy-Ga Cluster: Synthesis, Characterization, and Magnetic Properties

A W-shaped {Ga-Dy-Dy-Dy-Ga} coordination cluster, [Ga₂ Dy₃ (L)₆ (MeO)₂ (MeOH)₃ ]⋅NO₃ ⋅7 MeOH (1) with H₂ L, (E)-2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzylideneamino)phenol was synthesized, characterized, and the magnetic properties investigated. The magnetic measurements indicate that the compound shows single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior under zero dc field. This suggests that the combination of Ga^III ions and Dy^III ions (4 f) is a successful strategy to assemble SMM clusters. The combination of these metal ions also offers prospects in dual functionality therapeutics for medical applications.

Anion-driven structures and SMM behavior of dinuclear terbium and ytterbium complexes

SMM behavior is observed for [Ln₂(HL)₄(NO₃)₆] (Ln = Tb and Yb, HL = 8-hydroxyquinaldine) complexes having nine-coordinated lanthanide centres, whereas, [Ln₂(HL)₄Cl₆]·2EtOH complexes, having hexa-coordinated lanthanide centres do not show any SMM property.

Sublimable chloroquinolinate lanthanoid single-ion magnets deposited on ferromagnetic electrodes

A new family of chloroquinolinate lanthanoid complexes of the formula A⁺[Ln(5,7Cl₂q)₄]^-, with Ln = Y³⁺, Tb³⁺ and Dy³⁺ and A⁺ = Na⁺, NEt₄⁺ and K_0.5(NEt₄)_0.5⁺, is studied, both in bulk and as thin films. Several members of the family are found to present single-molecule magnetic behavior in bulk. Interestingly, the sodium salts can be sublimed under high vacuum conditions retaining their molecular structures and magnetic properties. These thermally stable compounds have been deposited on different substrates (Al₂O₃, Au and NiFe). The magnetic properties of these molecular films show the appearance of cusps in the zero-field cooled curves when they are deposited on permalloy (NiFe). This indicates a magnetic blocking caused by the interaction between the single-ion magnet and the ferromagnet. X-ray absorption spectroscopy confirms the formation of hybrid states at the molecule/metal interface.

Construction of lanthanide single-molecule magnets with the “magnetic motif” [Dy(MQ)4]−

[Dy₂(MQ)₄(NO₃)₃]⁺ is SMM-silent (SMM = single-molecule magnet) owing to the unfavourable magnetic interactions. Introducing an additional “magnetic motif” [Dy(MQ)₄]⁻ to diminish such interactions gave a trinuclear [Dy₃(MQ)₈(NO₃)], which behaves as an SMM.

Thermostability and photoluminescence of Dy(iii) single-molecule magnets under a magnetic field

A series of compounds [ADyL₄]·[solvent] composed of a dysprosium(iii) ion coordinated by four chelated naphthyridine-like ligands (L = 4-hydroxy-8-methyl-1,5-naphthyridine-3-carbonitrile) and an alkali metal ion (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs) were synthesized and characterized. They behave as single-molecule magnets under a zero dc field with an effective energy barrier of around 95 cm^-1. Meanwhile, the main part, [ADyL₄], of these SMMs is thermostable and sublimable. The geometric structures of three sublimed compounds are identical to the original ones without solvents, which is confirmed by X-ray diffraction using single crystal and powder samples. The static and dynamic magnetic properties remain unchanged before and after sublimation. Luminescence measurements at 5-77 K were performed to verify the energy gap between low-lying states and to understand the pathway of the thermal relaxation process of magnetization, as well as to inspect the tiny variation in magnetic sublevels for the ground term of Dy(iii). The photoluminescence spectra under a magnetic field (0-36 T) for the Dy-SMMs are investigated for the first time. The energy splitting of the two lowest sublevels of the ground term ⁶H_15/2 of Dy(iii) are analyzed using the Zeeman formula.

A family of tetranuclear quinolinolate Dy(iii)-based single-molecule magnets: effects of periphery ligand replacement on their magnetic relaxation

Three tetranuclear quinolinolate Dy(iii)-based complexes are reported, their distinct slow magnetic relaxation behaviors were related to the replacement of the peripheral β-diketonate ligand.

A series of dinuclear Dy(iii) complexes bridged by 2-methyl-8-hydroxylquinoline: replacement on the periphery coordinated β-diketonate terminal leads to different single-molecule magnetic properties

A series of dinuclear Dy(iii) complexes bridged by 2-methyl-8-hydroxylquinoline were reported, in which the replacement on the β-diketonate terminal leads to different structures and further affect their SMM properties.

Improving f-element single molecule magnets

Historical developments, trends, pitfalls and strategies in improving f-element single molecule magnets are described.

Synthesis, structure, and magnetism of non-planar heptanuclear lanthanide(iii) complexes

The reaction of 2-methoxy-6-(pyridine-2-yl-hydrazonomethyl) phenol (LH) with lanthanide(iii) salts (Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho and Er) in the presence of an excess of triethylamine afforded a series of non-planar heptanuclear homometallic complexes. The Gd(iii) analogue shows good MCE behaviour (−ΔS_m(T) = 27.7 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 3 K over 0–7 T).

Luminescence, magnetocaloric effect and single-molecule magnet behavior in lanthanide complexes based on a tridentate ligand derived from 8-hydroxyquinoline

New lanthanide complexes based on a tridentate ligand derived from 8-hydroxyquinoline were synthesized. Luminescence properties and single-molecule magnet behavior were investigated.

A simple route to a 1D ferromagnetic Dy-containing compound showing magnetic relaxation behaviour

The relatively rare well-isolated 1D ferromagnetic chain of the Dy analogue displays magnetic relaxation behaviour.

An Unexpected Coupling Reaction of 8-Quinolinolate at Elevated Temperature

Reactions of 8-hydroxyquinoline (HOQ) with elemental rare-earth and transition metal combinations or alloys at 200–300°C yielded a variety of complexes, albeit in very low yields, including two structurally characterised homometallic complexes containing an unexpected biquinolinolate ligand. Reaction of HOQ with SmCo5 alloy gives rise to the complexes [SmCo2(OQ)7] (1), [Co4(OQ)4(BQ)2] (2), and [Sm3(OQ)5(BQ)2(H2O)] (3Sm), where BQ is 2,7′-biquinoline-8,8′-diolate, resulting from an unusual coupling reaction between two OQ/HOQ species at the 2 and 7′ positions. Complexes 1–3 and HOQ co-crystal 2·2HOQ were isolated as single crystals from separate reactions although formation of other products under the reaction conditions used was likely. Analogues of 3Sm with erbium and ytterbium were obtained using respective rare-earth metal filing in combination with nickel powder. Reaction involving cobalt powder only, without any rare-earth metals, yielded a homoleptic complex containing only the 8-quinolinolate ligand i.e. [Co4(OQ)8] (4). These results highlight the rewards, in terms of rich synthetic chemistry, and pitfalls, in terms of yield and isolation, of the pseudo-solid state synthetic approach using 8-quinolinolate ligands.