Field-Induced Slow Magnetic Relaxation in Cobalt(II) Compounds with Pentagonal Bipyramid Geometry

Halide mediated modulation of magnetic interaction and anisotropy in dimeric Co(II) complexes

The burgeoning interest in the field of molecular magnetism is to perceive the high magnetic anisotropy in different geometries of metal complexes and hence to draw a magneto-structural correlation. Despite a handful of examples to exemplify the magnetic anisotropy in various coordination geometries of mononuclear complexes, the magnetic anisotropies for two different coordination geometries are underexplored. Employing an appropriate synthetic strategy utilizing the ligand LH2 [2,2'-{(1E,1'E)-pyridine2,6-diyl-bis(methaneylylidine)}-bis(azaneylylidine)diphenol] and cobalt halide salts in a 1 : 2 stoichiometric ratio in the presence of triethylamine allowed us to report a new family of dinuclear cobalt complexes [CoII2X2(L)(P)(Q)]·S with varying terminal halides [X = Cl, P = CH3CN, Q = H2O, S = H2O (1), X = Br, P = CH3CN, Q = H2O, S = H2O (2), X = I, P = CH3CN, and Q = CH3CN (3)]. All these complexes are characterized through single crystal X-ray crystallography, which reveals their crystallization in the monoclinic system P21/n space group with nearly identical structural features. These complexes share vital components, including Co(II) centers, a fully deprotonated ligand [L]2-, halide ions, and solvent molecules. The [L]2- ligand contains two Co(II) centers, where phenolate oxygen atoms bridge the Co(II) centers, forming a Co2O2 four-membered ring. Co1 demonstrates a distorted pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry with axial positions for solvent molecules, while Co2 displays a distorted tetrahedral geometry involving phenolate oxygen atoms and halide ions. Temperature-dependent dc magnetic susceptibility measurements were conducted on 1-3 within a range of 2 to 300 K at 1 kOe. The χmT vs. T plots exhibit similar trends, with χmT values at 300 K higher than the spin-only value, signifying a significant orbital contribution. As the temperature decreases, χmT decreases smoothly in all the complexes; however, no clear saturation at low temperatures is observed. Field-dependent magnetization measurements indicate a rapid increase below 20 kOe, with no hysteresis and a low magnetic blocking temperature. DFT and CASSCF/NEVPT2 theoretical calculations were performed to perceive the magnetic interaction and single-ion anisotropies of Co(II) ions in various ligand-field environments.

Tetranuclear CoII4O4 Cubane Complex: Effective Catalyst Toward Electrochemical Water Oxidation

The reaction of Co(OAc)2·6H2O with 2,2'-[{(1E,1'E)-pyridine-2,6-diyl-bis(methaneylylidene)bis(azaneylylidene)}diphenol](LH2) a multisite coordination ligand and Et3N in a 1:2:3 stoichiometric ratio forms a tetranuclear complex Co4(L)2(μ-η1:η1-OAc)2(η2-OAc)2]· 1.5 CH3OH· 1.5 CHCl3 (1). Based on X-ray diffraction investigations, complex 1 comprises a distorted Co4O4 cubane core consisting of two completely deprotonated ligands [L]2- and four acetate ligands. Two distinct types of CoII centers exist in the complex, where the Co(2) center has a distorted octahedral geometry; alternatively, Co(1) has a distorted pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry. Analysis of magnetic data in 1 shows predominant antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -2.1 cm-1), while the magnetic anisotropy is the easy-plane type (D1 = 8.8, D2 = 0.76 cm-1). Furthermore, complex 1 demonstrates an electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with an overpotential of 325 mV and Tafel slope of 85 mV dec-1, required to attain a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and moderate stability under alkaline conditions (pH = 14). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies reveal that compound 1 has a charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 2.927 Ω, which is comparatively lower than standard Co3O4 (5.242 Ω), indicating rapid charge transfer kinetics between electrode and electrolyte solution that enhances higher catalytic activity toward OER kinetics.

Slow magnetic relaxation in 8-coordinate Mn(II) compounds

The design and synthesis of high-spin Mn(II)-based single-molecule magnets (SMMs) have not been well developed to a great extent, as compared with a large number of SMMs based on the other first row transition metal complexes. In light of our success in designing Fe(II), Co(II) and Fe(III)-based SMMs with a high coordination number of 8, it is of great interest to design Mn(II) analogues with such a strategy. In this contribution, four Mn(II) compounds, [MnII(Ln)2](ClO4)2 (1-4) were obtained from reactions of neutral tetradentate ligands, L1-L4, with hydrated MnII(ClO4)2 (L1 = 2,9-bis(carbomethoxy)-1,10-phenanthroline, L2 = 2,9-bis(carbomethoxy)-2,2'-dipyridine, L3 = N2,N9-dibutyl-1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxamide, L4 = 6,6'-bis(2-(tert-butyl)-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine). Their crystal structures have been determined by X-ray crystallography and it clearly shows that the Mn(II) centers in these compounds have an oversaturated coordination number of 8. Their magnetic properties have been investigated in detail; to our surprise, all of these Mn(II) compounds show interesting slow magnetic relaxation behaviors under an applied direct current field, although they have very small negative D values.

[MII(H2dapsc)]-[Cr(CN)6] (M = Mn, Co) Chain and Trimer Complexes: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Non-Covalent Interactions and Magnetic Properties

Four new heterometallic complexes combining [MII(H2dapsc)]2+ cations with the chelating H2dapsc {2,6-diacetylpyridine-bis(semicarbazone)} Schiff base ligand and [Cr(CN)6]3- anion were synthesized: {[MII(H2dapsc)]CrIII(CN)6K(H2O)2.5(EtOH)0.5}n·1.2n(H2O), M = Mn (1) and Co (2), {[Mn(H2dapsc)]2Cr(CN)6(H2O)2}Cl·H2O (3) and {[Co(H2dapsc)]2Cr(CN)6(H2O)2}Cl·2EtOH·3H2O (4). In all the compounds, M(II) centers are seven-coordinated by N3O2 atoms of H2dapsc in the equatorial plane and N or O atoms of two apical -CN/water ligands. Crystals 1 and 2 are isostructural and contain infinite negatively charged chains of alternating [MII(H2dapsc)]2+ and [CrIII(CN)6]3- units linked by CN-bridges. Compounds 3 and 4 consist of centrosymmetric positively charged trimers in which two [MII(H2dapsc)]2+ cations are bound through one [CrIII(CN)6]3- anion. All structures are regulated by π-stacking of coplanar H2dapsc moieties as well as by an extensive net of hydrogen bonding. Adjacent chains in 1 and 2 interact also by coordination bonds via a pair of K+ ions. The compounds containing MnII (1, 3) and CoII (2, 4) show a significant difference in magnetic properties. The ac magnetic measurements revealed that complexes 1 and 3 behave as a spin glass and a field-induced single-molecule magnet, respectively, while 2 and 4 do not exhibit slow magnetic relaxation in zero and non-zero dc fields. The relationship between magnetic properties and non-covalent interactions in the structures 1-4 was traced.

Self-assembly of fish-bone and grid-like CoII-based single-molecule magnets using dihydrazone ligands with NNN and NNO pockets

Three Co^II complexes, [Co₂(H₂L¹)₂](ClO₄)₄·4CH₃OH (1), [Co₂(H₄L²)₂](ClO₄)₄ (2) and [Co₄(H₄L²)₄](ClO₄)₈ (3), were constructed by the self-assembly of the symmetrical dihydrazone ligands H2L1 and H4L2 with Co^II ions under different synthetic conditions. The fish-bone-like complex 1 was obtained using the ligand H2L1 in methanol via the solvothermal method, while the self-assembly of H4L2 with Co^II ions is solvent-dependent, producing the fish-bone-like complex 2 and [2 × 2] grid-like complex 3. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and theoretical calculations reveal that the large negative D values for the three complexes stem from their easy-axis magnetic anisotropy. Ac magnetic susceptibility measurements disclosed field-induced slow magnetic relaxation behaviors and the presence of Raman and/or direct processes of the three complexes at various applied dc fields.

Field-Induced Single Molecule Magnetic Behavior of Mononuclear Cobalt(II) Schiff Base Complex Derived from 5-Bromo Vanillin

A mononuclear Co(II) complex of a Schiff base ligand derived from 5-Bromo-vanillin and 4-aminoantipyrine, that has a compressed tetragonal bipyramidal geometry and exhibiting field-induced slow magnetic relaxation, has been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis and molecular spectroscopy. In the crystal packing, a hydrogen-bonded dimer structural topology has been observed with two distinct metal centers having slightly different bond parameters. The complex has been further investigated for its magnetic nature on a SQUID magnetometer. The DC magnetic data confirm that the complex behaves as a typical S = 3/2 spin system with a sizable axial zero-field splitting parameter D/hc = 38 cm−1. The AC susceptibility data reveal that the relaxation time for the single-mode relaxation process is τ = 0.16(1) ms at T = 2.0 K and BDC = 0.12 T.

Slow magnetic relaxation in mononuclear octa-coordinate Fe(II) and Co(II) complexes from a Bpybox ligand

Two 3d transition metal mononuclear complexes, [(FeL₂)(ClO₄)₂]₂·CH₃CN (1) and (CoL₂)(ClO₄)₂·2CH₃CN (2), have been prepared from a rigid tetradentate bpybox (L = 6,6'-bis(2,5-dihydrooxazol-4-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine) ligand. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses together with the help of calculations show that both compounds are octa-coordinate. Direct current magnetic studies reveal their significant magnetic anisotropy. Impressively, field-induced relaxation of magnetism is observed in the two complexes and the apparent anisotropy barriers are 14.1 K for 1 and 21.6 K for 2, respectively. Theoretical calculations reveal that two Fe(II) centers in 1 have small negative D values of -4.897 and -4.825 cm^-1 and relatively small E values of 0.646 and 0.830 cm^-1, indicating a uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. In contrast, the D and E values in the Co(II) center of 2 are 46.42 cm^-1 and 11.51 cm^-1, featuring a rhombic anisotropy. This work demonstrates that field-induced slow magnetic relaxation in 3d transition metal complexes with high coordination numbers can be manipulated through rigid ligand design.

Slow magnetic relaxation in dinuclear Co(III)-Co(II) complexes containing a five-coordinated Co(II) centre with easy-axis anisotropy

Two air-stable Co(III)-Co(II) mixed-valence complexes of molecular formulas [Co^IICo^III(L)(DMAP)₃(CH₃COO)]·H₂O·CH₃OH (1) and [Co^IICo^III(L)(4-Pyrrol)₃ (CH₃COO)]·0.5CH₂Cl₂ (2) (H₄L = 1,3-bis-(5-methyl pyrazole-3-carboxamide) propane; DMAP = 4-dimethylaminopyridine; and 4-Pyrrol = 4-pyrrolidinopyridine) were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, high-field electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR) spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements. Both complexes possess one five-coordinated paramagnetic Co(II) ion and one six-coordinated Co(III) ion with octahedral geometry. Direct-current magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements show the easy-axis magnetic anisotropy that is also confirmed by low-temperature HFEPR measurements and theoretical calculations. Frequency- and temperature-dependent alternating-current magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal their field-assisted slow magnetic relaxation, which is a characteristic behavior of single-molecule magnets (SMMs), caused by the individual Co(II) ion. The effective energy barrier of complex 1 (49.2 cm^-1) is significantly higher than those of the other dinuclear Co(III)-Co(II) SMMs. This work hence presents the first instance of the dinuclear Co(III)-Co(II) single-molecule magnets with a five-coordinated environment around the Co(II) ion.

Magnetic anisotropy of transition metal and lanthanide ions in pentagonal bipyramidal geometry

The magnetic anisotropy associated with a pentagonal bipyramidal (PBP) coordination sphere is examined on the basis of experimental and theoretical investigations. The origin and the characteristics of this anisotropy are discussed in relation to the electronic configuration of the metal ions. The effects of crystal field, structural distortion, and a second-coordination sphere on the observed anisotropies for transition meal and lanthanide ions are outlined. For the Ln derivatives, we focus on compounds showing SMM-like behavior (i.e. slow relaxation of their magnetization) in order to highlight the essential chemical and structural parameters for achieving strong axial anisotropy. The use of PBP complexes to impart controlled magnetic anisotropy in polynuclear species such as SMMs or SCMs is also addressed. This review of the magnetic anisotropies associated with a pentagonal bipyramidal coordination sphere for transition metal and lanthanide ions is intended to highlight some general trends that can guide chemists towards designing a compound with specific properties.

What controls the magnetic anisotropy in heptacoordinate high-spin cobalt(II) complexes? A theoretical perspective

The magnetic anisotropy of sixteen seven-coordinate high-spin Co^II complexes with O, N, Cl and I donors was investigated with state-of-the-art ab initio CASSCF/NEVPT2 calculations and compared with experimental data. Based on the nature of the equatorial and axial ligands, which were found to tune the zero-field splitting, the complexes were classified into four groups. The experimental zero-field splitting parameters D which, for the various structures are in a range of +30 to +60 cm^-1, as well as the g and E values are well reproduced. The investigation of the electronic structure shows that in these pentagonal bipyramidal complexes the donors and symmetry in the equatorial plane play an important role in the values of the axial zero-field splitting parameter D, and breaking of the horizontal plane of symmetry was found to enhance the magnitude of the D value. Although negative values of D are a desired condition for SIMs, many Co^II based SIMs with positive zero-field splitting are fundamentally important to understand the nature of magnetic anisotropy, and seven coordinate Co^II complexes with a large overall crystal field splitting might provide a way forward in this class of molecules.

Slow-Relaxation Behavior of a Mononuclear Co(II) Complex Featuring Long Axial Co-O Bond

Co(II) mononuclear complex with different coordination geometry would display various of field-induced single-ion magnet (SIM) behaviors. Here, we identify a field-induced single-ion magnet in a mononuclear complex Co(H2DPA)2·H2O (H2DPA = 2,6-pyridine-dicarboxylic acid) by the hydrothermal method. The long axial Co-O coordination bond (Co1‧‧‧O3) can be formed by Co1 and O3. Therefore, Co(II) ion is six-coordinated in a distorted elongated octahedron. AC magnetization susceptibilities show that the effective energy barrier is up to 43.28 K. This is much larger than most mononuclear Co(II). The distorted elongated octahedron caused by the axial Co-O coordination bond is responsible for the high effective energy barrier. The distribution of electron density in Co1 and O3 atoms in the long axial bond would influence the magnetic relaxation process in turn. Our work deepens the relationship between the effective energy barrier and the weak change of ligand field by long axial bonds, which would facilitate constructing SIM with high energy temperature.

Copper(II) Complexes of Pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide Ligands with High SOD Activity

Copper(II) complexes of pyridine-based ligands functionalized with alanine (PydiAla) and tyrosine (PydiTyr) moieties have been synthesized as novel superoxide dismutase mimics. The complexes were characterized by pH-potentiometric, spectroscopic (UV-vis, circular dichroism, mass spectrometry, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy), computational (DFT), and X-ray diffraction methods. Both ligands form high stability copper(II) complexes via the (Npy,N-,N-) donor set supported by the binding of the carboxylate pendant arms. Although the coordination mode is the same for the two systems, the tyrosine containing counterpart exhibits increased copper(II) binding affinity, which is most likely due to the presence of the aromatic moiety of the side chains. Both copper(II) complexes are capable of binding N-methylimidazole, and the formation of the corresponding ternary species was observed at physiological pH. The binary and ternary copper(II) complexes exhibit high SOD activity. The PydiTyr complex exhibits about 1 order of magnitude higher activity than the PydiAla complex. This is probably due to the presence of the phenolic OH group in the former species, which promotes the binding of the superoxide anion radical to the metal center. The results serve as a basis for designing highly efficient copper(II) mimics for medical and practical applications.

Modulation of the magnetic dynamics of pentagonal-bipyramidal Co(ii) complexes by fine-tuning the coordination microenvironment

Dynamic magnetic behaviours of a series of Co(ii) SIMs with pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry have been modulated by an alteration of the ligand field effect.

Weak interchain interaction-dominated magnetic responses in water-extended cobalt(ii)-chains: from magnetic ordering to single-chain magnet

Weak intermolecular interaction-dominated interchain magnetic couplings in water-extended cobalt(ii)-chains are found to be highly responsible for the magnetic evolution from magnetic ordering to single-chain magnet behavior.

Symmetry-Breaking Phase Transitions, Dielectric and Magnetic properties of Pyrrolidinium-Tetrahalidocobaltates

We report the physicochemical characteristics of novel Co-based pyrrolidinium analogs: (C4H10N)2CoCl4 (PCC) and (C4H10N)2CoBr4 (PCB). Both compounds consist of the zero-dimensional (OD) anionic network and disordered pyrolidinium cations. The structural...

Modulation of the architectures and magnetic dynamics in pseudotetrahedral cobalt(II) complexes

Two β-Diketiminate cobalt(II) compounds of formula [LCo(μ-Cl)]2∙2C6H14 (1) and [LCoClPy]∙0.5C7H8∙0.5C6H14 (2) (L = [PhC-(PhCN-Dip)2]−, Dip = 2,6-iPr2C6H3) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1...

Syntheses, Structures and Magnetic Properties of M2 (M = Fe, Co) Complexes with N6 Coordination Environment: Field-Induced Slow Magnetic Relaxation in Co2

Two dinuclear complexes [M2(H2L)2](ClO4)4·2MeCN (M = Co for Co2 and Fe for Fe2) were synthesized using a symmetric hydrazone ligand with the metal ions in an N6 coordination environment. The crystal structures and magnetic properties were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The crystal structure study revealed that the spin centers were all in the high-spin state with a distorted octahedron (Oh) geometry. Dynamic magnetic properties measurements revealed that complex Co2 exhibited field-induced single-molecule magnet properties with two-step relaxation in which the fast relaxation path was from QTM and the slow relaxation path from the thermal relaxation under an applied field.

A Series of Novel Pentagonal-Bipyramidal Erbium(III) Complexes with Acyclic Chelating N3O2 Schiff-Base Ligands: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetism

A series of six seven-coordinate pentagonal-bipyramidal (PBP) erbium complexes, with acyclic pentadentate [N3O2] Schiff-base ligands, 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis-(4-methoxybenzoylhydrazone) [H2DAPMBH], or 2,6-diacethylpyridine bis(salicylhydrazone) [H4DAPS], and various apical ligands in different charge states were synthesized: [Er(DAPMBH)(C2H5OH)Cl] (1); [Er(DAPMBH)(H2O)Cl]·2C2H5OH (2); [Er(DAPMBH)(CH3OH)Cl] (3); [Er(DAPMBH)(CH3OH)(N3)] (4); [(Et3H)N]+[Er(H2DAPS)Cl2]- (5); and [(Et3H)N]+[Y0.95Er0.05(H2DAPS)Cl2]- (6). The physicochemical properties, crystal structures, and the DC and AC magnetic properties of 1-6 were studied. The AC magnetic measurements revealed that most of Compounds 1-6 are field-induced single-molecule magnets, with estimated magnetization energy barriers, Ueff ≈ 16-28 K. The experimental study of the magnetic properties was complemented by theoretical analysis based on ab initio and crystal field calculations. An experimental and theoretical study of the magnetism of 1-6 shows the subtle impact of the type and charge state of the axial ligands on the SMM properties of these complexes.

Trinuclear Cyanido-Bridged [Cr2 Fe] Complexes: To Be or not to Be a Single-Molecule Magnet, a Matter of Straightness

Trinuclear systems of formula [{Cr(L^N3O2Ph )(CN)₂ }₂ M(H₂ L^N3O2R )] (M=Mn^II and Fe^II , L^N3O2R stands for pentadentate ligands) were prepared in order to assess the influence of the bending of the apical M-N≡C linkages on the magnetic anisotropy of the Fe^II derivatives and in turn on their Single-Molecule Magnet (SMM) behaviors. The cyanido-bridged [Cr₂ M] derivatives were obtained by assembling trans-dicyanido Cr^III complex [Cr(L^N3O2Ph )(CN)₂ ]^- and divalent pentagonal bipyramid complexes [M^II (H₂ L^N3O2R )]²⁺ with various R substituents (R=NH₂ , cyclohexyl, S,S-mandelic) imparting different steric demand to the central moiety of the complexes. A comparative examination of the structural and magnetic properties showed an obvious effect of the deviation from straightness of the M-N≡C alignment on the slow relaxation of the magnetization exhibited by the [Cr₂ Fe] complexes. Theoretical calculations have highlighted important effects of the bending of the apical C-N-Fe linkages on both the magnetic anisotropy of the Fe^II center and the exchange interactions with the Cr^III units.

Slow magnetic relaxation in high-coordinate Co(II) and Fe(II) compounds bearing neutral tetradentate ligands

The first-row transition metal compounds, [M^II(L1)₂](ClO₄)₂ (M = Ni (1); Co (2)), have been prepared by treatment of a neutral tetradentate ligand (L1 = N²,N⁹-dibutyl-1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxamide) with metal perchlorate salts in MeOH. Both compounds have been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography and it was found that the coordination numbers are 6 and 7, respectively. The reaction of 6,6'-bis(2-^tbutyl-tetrazol-5-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine (L2) with hydrated Fe^II(ClO₄)₂ afforded a 8-coordinate Fe(II) compound, [Fe^II(L2)₂](ClO₄)₂ (3); however its reaction with hydrated Co^II(ClO₄)₂ resulted in 6-coordinate [Co^II(L2)₂](ClO₄)₂. It is interesting to observe field-induced slow magnetic relaxation in the 7-coordinate Co(II) compound 2 and 8-coordinate Fe(II) compound 3, which further supports the validity of designing high coordination number compounds as single-molecule magnets. Direct current magnetic studies demonstrate that 2 has a very large positive D value (56.2 cm^-1) and a small E value (0.66 cm^-1), indicating easy plane magnetic anisotropy. Consistent with the larger D value, an effective spin-reversal barrier of U_eff = 100 K (71.4 cm^-1) is obtained, which is the highest value reported for 7-coordinate Co(II) complexes with a pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. In contrast, 8-coordinate Fe(II) compound 3 exhibits uniaxial magnetic anisotropy.

Hepta-coordinated Ni(II) assemblies - structure and magnetic studies

Two mononuclear complexes [Ni(dapsc)(H2O)2]Cl(NO3)·H2O (1) and [Ni(dapsc)(NCS)2] (2), and a bimetallic CN-bridged trinuclear molecule [NiII(dapsc)(H2O)]2[WIV(CN)8]·11H2O (3) (dapsc = 2,6-diacetylpyridine-bis(semicarbazone)) were synthesised and characterised in terms of structure and magnetic properties. All three compounds contain Ni(ii) ions in a pentagonal bipyramid coordination geometry afforded by the equatorial pentadentate ligand (dapsc) and two O- or N-donating axial ligands. The compounds differ in the relative arrangement of the complexes, intermolecular interactions and distortion from the ideal coordination geometry. The high-field EPR and magnetometric studies show large anisotropy of the Ni(ii) centres with the D parameters in the range of -10.5 to -21.2 cm-1 and negligible antiferromagnetic interactions. The easy-axis magnetic anisotropies of 1-3 were reproduced by ab initio CASSCF/NEVPT2 calculations. The ground states consist mainly of the |MS = |±1 states, which is consistent with the fact that no out-of-phase signal can be detected in the AC magnetic susceptibility measurements.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of poly[[bis-[μ4-N,N'-(1,3,5-oxadiazinane-3,5-di-yl)bis(carbamoyl-methano-ato)]nickel(II)tetra-potassium] 4.8-hydrate]

The title compound, {[K4Ni2(C7H6N4O7)2]·4.8H2O} n , was obtained as a result of a template reaction between oxalohydrazide-hydroxamic acid, formaldehyde and nickel(II) nitrate followed by partial hydrolysis of the formed inter-mediate. The two independent [Ni(C7H6N4O7)]2- complex anions exhibit pseudo-C S symmetry and consist of an almost planar metal-containing fragment and a 1,3,5-oxadiazinane ring with a chair conformation disposed nearly perpendicularly with respect to the former. The central NiII atom has a square-planar N2O2 coordination arrangement formed by two amide N and two carboxyl-ate O atoms. In the crystal, the nickel(II) complex anions form layers parallel to the ab plane. Neighboring complex anion layers are connected by layers of potassium cations for which two of the four independent cations are disordered over two sites [ratios of 0.54 (3):0.46 (3) and 0.9643 (15):0.0357 (15)]. The framework is stabilized by an extensive system of hydrogen bonds where the water mol-ecules act as donors and the carb-oxy-lic O atoms, the amide O atoms and the oxadiazinane N atoms act as acceptors.

Magnetic anisotropies and slow magnetic relaxation of three tetrahedral tetrakis(pseudohalido)–cobalt(ii) complexes

Magnetic anisotropies and slow magnetic relaxation of three homoleptic cobalt(ii) complexes with different pseudohalide ligands were studied via magnetometry, HFEPR and theoretical calculations.

Slow magnetization relaxation in a tetrahedrally coordinated mononuclear Co(II) complex exclusively ligated with phenanthroline ligands

This paper describes a tetrahedral mononuclear Co(ii) complex [CoL2](ClO4)2 (1) in which L = 2,9-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline. The structure of 1, which was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, indicates that it exists in the triclinic space group P1[combining macron]. Magnetic property studies were conducted by reduced magnetization measurements, ab initio calculations and X-band EPR experiments, the results of which revealed a large zero-field splitting, with D ∼ -45.9 cm-1. The Arrhenius equation indicates that the kinetic energy barrier of 1 is Ueff = 46.9 cm-1. This study describes a very rare case of a Co(ii) single ion magnet (SIM) that is purely tetrahedrally coordinated by pyridine like ligands.

Modulating Magnetic and Photoluminescence Properties in 2-Aminonicotinate-Based Bifunctional Coordination Polymers by Merging 3d Metal Ions

Herein, the synthesis and study of bifunctional coordination polymers (CPs) with both magnetic and photoluminescence properties, derived from a heterometallic environment, are reported. As a starting point, three isostructural monometallic CPs with the formula [M(μ-2ani)₂ ]_n (M^II =Mn (1_Mn ), Co (3_Co ) and Ni (4_Ni ); 2ani=2-aminonicotinate), crystallise as chiral 2D-layered structures stacked by means of supramolecular interactions. These compounds show high thermal stability in the solid state (above 350 °C), despite which, in aqueous solution, compound 1_Mn is shown to partially transform into a novel 1D chain CP with the formula [Mn(2ani)₂ (μ-H₂ O)₂ ]_n (2_Mn ). A study of the direct current (dc) magnetic properties of 1_Mn , 3_Co and 4_Ni reveals a spin-canted structure derived from antisymmetric antiferromagnetic weak exchanges along the chiral network (as confirmed by DFT calculations) and magnetic anisotropy of the ions, in such a way that long-range ordering is observed with variable magnitude for the spin carriers. Moreover, compounds 3_Co and 4_Ni show no frequency-dependent alternating current (ac) susceptibility curves under zero dc field; this is characteristic behaviour of a glassy state that may be partially supressed for 3_Co by applying an external dc field. To overcome long-range magnetic ordering, Co^II ions are diluted in a diamagnetic Zn^II -based matrix, which enables single-molecule magnet behaviour. Interestingly, this strategy allows a bifunctional Co_x Zn_1-x 2ani material, which is imbued with a strong photoluminescent emitting capacity, as characterised by an intense blue light followed by a green afterglow, to be obtained.

Slow Magnetic Relaxation in a One-Dimensional Coordination Polymer Constructed from Hepta-Coordinate Cobalt(II) Nodes

A one-dimensional coordination polymer was synthesized employing hepta-coordinate CoII as nodes and dicyanamide as linkers. Detailed direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the presence of field-induced slow magnetic relaxation behavior of the magnetically isolated seven-coordinate CoII center with an easy-plane magnetic anisotropy. Detailed ab initio calculations were performed to understand the magnetic relaxation processes. To our knowledge, the reported complex represents the first example of slow magnetic relaxation in a one-dimensional coordination polymer constructed from hepta-coordinate CoII nodes and dicyanamide linkers.

Co(II)-Based single-ion magnets with 1,1'-ferrocenediyl-bis(diphenylphosphine) metalloligands

Herein, we report on investigations of magnetic and spectroscopic properties of three heterobimetallic Fe(ii)-Co(ii) coordination compounds based on the tetracoordinate {CoP2X2} core encapsulated by dppf metalloligand, where X = Cl (1), Br (2), I (3), dppf = 1,1'-ferrocenediyl -bis(diphenylphosphine). The analysis of static magnetic data has revealed the presence of axial magnetic anisotropy in compounds (1) and (2) and this was further confirmed by high-frequency electron spin resonance (HF-ESR) spectroscopy. Dynamic magnetic data confirmed that (1) and (2) behave as field-induced Single-Ion Magnets (SIMs). Together with bulk studies, we have also tested the possibility of depositing (2) as thick films on Au(111), glass, and polymeric acetate by drop-casting as well as thermal sublimation, a key aspect for the development of future devices embedding these magnetic objects.

Tuning Magnetic Anisotropy in a Class of Co(II) Bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) Complexes

Tuning the magnetic anisotropy of metal ions remains highly interesting in the design of improved single-molecule magnets (SMMs). We herein report synthetic, structural, magnetic, and computational studies of four mononuclear Co^II complexes, namely [Co(hfac)₂ (MeCN)₂ ] (1), [Co(hfac)₂ (Spy)₂ ] (2), [Co(hfac)₂ (MBIm)₂ ] (3), and [Co(hfac)₂ (DMF)₂ ] (4) (MeCN=acetonitrile, hfac=hexafluoroacetylacetone, Spy=4-styrylpyridine, MbIm=5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole, DMF=N,N-dimethylformamide), with distorted octahedral geometry constructed from hexafluoroacetylacetone (hfac) and various axial ligands. By a building block approach, complexes 2-4 were synthesized by recrystallization of the starting material of 1 from various ligands containing solution. Magnetic and theoretical studies reveal that 1-4 possess large positive D values and relative small E parameters, indicating easy-plane magnetic anisotropy with significant rhombic anisotropy in 1-4. Dynamic alternative current (ac) magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that these complexes exhibit slow magnetic relaxation under external fields, suggesting field-induced single-ion magnets (SIMs) of 1-4. These results provide a promising platform to achieve fine tuning of magnetic anisotropy through varying the axial ligands based on Co(II) bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) complexes.

Structural, magnetic, redox and theoretical characterization of seven-coordinate first-row transition metal complexes with a macrocyclic ligand containing two benzimidazolyl N-pendant arms

A structurally new heptadentate derivative of a 15-membered pyridine-based macrocycle containing two benzimidazol-2-yl-methyl N-pendant arms (L = 3,12-bis((1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)methyl)-6,9-dioxa-3,12,18-triazabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca-1(18),14,16-triene) was synthesized and its complexes with the general formula [M(L)](ClO4)2·1.5CH3NO2 (M = MnII (1), FeII (2), CoII (3) and NiII (4)) were thoroughly investigated. X-ray crystal structures confirmed that all complexes are seven-coordinate with axially compressed pentagonal bipyramidal geometry having the largest distortion for NiII complex 4. FeII, CoII and NiII complexes 2, 3 and 4 show rather large magnetic anisotropy manifested by moderate to high obtained values of the axial zero-field splitting parameter D (7.9, 40.3, and -17.2 cm-1, respectively). Magneto-structural correlation of the FeII, CoII and NiII complexes with L and with previously studied structurally similar ligands revealed a significant impact of the functional group in pendant arms on the magnetic anisotropy especially that of the CoII and NiII complexes and some recommendations concerning the ligand-field design important for anisotropy tuning in future. Furthermore, complex 3 showed field-induced single-molecule magnet behavior described with the Raman (C = 507 K-n s-1 for n = 2.58) relaxation process. The magnetic properties of the studied complexes were supported by theoretical calculations, which very well correspond with the experimental data of magnetic anisotropy. Electrochemical measurements revealed high positive redox potentials for M3+/2+ couples and high negative redox potentials for M2+/+ couples, which indicate the stabilization of the oxidation state +ii expected for the σ-donor/π-acceptor ability of benzimidazole functional groups.

Field-induced slow magnetic relaxation in low-spin S = 1/2 mononuclear osmium(v) complexes

Photochemical reactions of (PPh4)[OsVI(N)(L)(CN)3] (NO2-OsN) with piperidine and pyrrolidine afforded two osmium(v) hydrazido compounds, (PPh4)[OsV(L)(CN)3(NNC5H10)] ([PPh4]1) and (PPh4)[OsV(L)(CN)3(NNC4H8)] ([PPh4]2), respectively. Their structures consist of isolated, mononuclear distorted octahedral osmium anions that are well-separated from each other by PPh4+. Their low spin S = 1/2 and L = 1 ground state was confirmed by magnetometry and DFT calculations. Interestingly, both compounds exhibit slow magnetic relaxation under a bias dc-field. These osmium(v) complexes are potentially useful building-blocks for the construction of molecule-based architectures with interesting magnetic properties. In contrast, the structurally related (PPh4)[OsIII(L)(CN)3(NH3)] ([PPh4]3), which also has a low-spin S = 1/2 ground state but with a different electronic configuration (5d5), does not exhibit slow magnetic relaxation, due to the absence of any orbital moment (L = 0). Furthermore, the structurally different osmium(v) hydrazido compound reported by Meyer, [OsV(tpy)(Cl)2(NNC5H10)](PF6) (4[PF6]), also does not exhibit slow magnetic relaxation due possibly to a change in magnetic anisotropy from axial for [PPh4]1 and [PPh4]2 to planar.

Synthesis, crystal structures, HF-EPR, and magnetic properties of six-coordinate transition metal (Co, Ni, and Cu) compounds with a 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole Schiff-base ligand

We have synthesized a series of transition metal compounds [M(L)₂(H₂O)₂] (M = Co (1), Ni (2), and Cu (3)) by using the 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole Schiff-base ligand via the hydrothermal methods. They are all mononuclear compounds with the octahedral geometry. Direct-current magnetic and HF-EPR measurements were combined to reveal the negative D values (-28.78 cm^-1, -10.79 cm^-1) of complexes 1 and 2, showing the easy-axis magnetic anisotropies of compounds 1 and 2. Applying a dc field of 800 Oe at 2.0 K, the slow magnetic relaxation effects were observed in compound 1, which is a remarkable feature of single-ion magnets.

Optimal diamagnetic dilution concentration for suppressing the dipole-dipole interaction in single-ion magnets

The effect of screening the Co^II moment of monomeric [Co^IIL₂(H₂O)] (L = 8-hydroxyquinaldine), having a trigonal bipyramid coordination, by diamagnetic Zn in Co_xZn_1-x solid solutions on its magnetic relaxation was explored using ac-susceptibility, high-field electron-spin-resonance measurements and CASPT2 calculations. The retention of the crystal structure for all the solid solutions was demonstrated using single crystal diffraction. The dc-magnetization and theoretical fittings of the susceptibility for Co₁ and Co_0.1Zn_0.9 gave a large zero-field-splitting (ZFS) D of 50 ± 6 cm^-1, and very weak dipole interaction between the nearest neighbors, while EPR and calculations confirmed the positive sign of the axial component (D). Consistent parameters were obtained from experiments and theory. Importantly, only field-induced relaxation was observed for the samples with less than 50% Co and a gradual change in the barrier energy to moment reversal and relaxation times was observed between 11% and 20% Co, while both were enhanced for higher dilutions. The results establish a clear barrier for extending the longevity of the magnetism for this type of single-ion species by lowering the intramolecular interactions. The results suggest that the magnetic interaction persists up to the second sphere, that is, for a dilution of 1 in 9 (11% Co). Importantly, this method is applicable to all single-ion magnet systems, that is, the optimum dilution concentration to restrain the dipole field can be given only by the single crystal structure.

Stereochemistry of coordination polyhedra vs. single ion magnetism in penta- and hexacoordinated Co(ii) complexes with tridentate rigid ligands

A tridentate ligand L (2,6-bis(1-(3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine) was synthesized and used for the preparation of three pentacoordinated Co(ii) complexes of formula [Co(L)X₂] (where X = NCS^- for 1, X = Cl^- for 2 and X = Br^- for 3) and one ionic compound 4 ([Co(L)₂]Br₂·2CH₃OH·H₂O) containing a hexacoordinated Co(ii) centre. Static magnetic data were analysed with respect to the spin (1-3) or the Griffith-Figgis (4) Hamiltonian. Ab initio calculations enable us to identify the positive axial magnetic anisotropy parameter D accompanied by a significant degree of rhombicity in the reported complexes. Also, magneto-structural correlation was outlined for this class of compounds. Moreover, all four compounds exhibit slow relaxation of magnetisation at an applied static magnetic field with either both low- and high-frequency relaxation channels (3) or a single high-frequency relaxation process (1, 2 and 4). The interplay between the stereochemistry of coordination polyhedra, magnetic anisotropy and the relaxation processes was investigated and discussed in detail.

A ferromagnetic Ni(ii)–Cr(iii) single-chain magnet based on pentagonal bipyramidal building units

The first example of a ferromagnetic Ni(ii)–Cr(iii) single-chain magnet fashioned using pentagonal bipyramidal Ni(ii) complexes with Ising-type anisotropy.

Magneto-structural diversity of Co(ii) compounds with 1-benzylimidazole induced by linear pseudohalide coligands

The magneto-structural diversity of 1-benzylimidazole-containing cobalt(ii) compounds with linear pseudohalide ions (NCS⁻, NCO⁻, and N₃⁻) is explored.

Pillar–template strategy switching the redox activity and magnetic properties of trisphenylamine-based coordination polymers

A pillar–template strategy was used to modify the redox activity and magnetic properties of trisphenylamine-based coordination polymers via a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation method.

A capped trigonal prismatic cobalt(ii) complex as a structural archetype for single-ion magnets

Mononuclear, seven-coordinate complex [Co^II(BPA-TPA)](BF₄)₂ (BPA-TPA = pentapyidyldiamine) display field-induce slow magnetic relaxation, thereby presenting the first report of SIMs based on 3d metal ions with a capped trigonal prismatic geometry.

Structure, magnetic anisotropy and relaxation behavior of seven-coordinate Co(ii) single-ion magnets perturbed by counter-anions

A series of mononuclear seven-coordinate complexes with the same coordination unit [Co(BPA-TPA)]²⁺ (BPA-TPA = pentapyidyldiamine) display the different slow magnetic relaxation processes perturbed by the variation of the counter anions.

Two Four-Coordinate and Seven-Coordinate CoII Complexes Based on the Bidentate Ligand 1, 8-Naphthyridine Showing Slow Magnetic Relaxation Behavior

For a long time, the cobalt(II) complex ([Co(napy)₄ ](ClO₄ )₂ ) (napy=1, 8-naphthyridine) has been considered as an eight-coordinate complex without any structural proof. After careful considerations, two complexes [Co(napy)₂ Cl₂ ] (1) and [Co(napy)₄ ](ClO₄ )₂ (2) based on the bidentate ligand napy were synthesized and structurally characterized. X-ray single-crystal structural determination showed that the cobalt(II) center in [Co(napy)₂ Cl₂ ] (1) is four-coordinate with a tetrahedral geometry (T_d ), while [Co(napy)₄ ](ClO₄ )₂ (2) is seven-coordinate rather than eight-coordinate with a capped trigonal prism geometry (C_2v ). Direct-current (dc) magnetic data revealed that complexes 1 and 2 possess positive zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameters of 11.08 and 25.30 cm^-1 , respectively, with easy-plane magnetic anisotropy. Alternating current(ac) susceptibility measurements revealed that both complexes showed slow magnetic relaxation behaviour. Theoretical calculations demonstrated that the presence of easy-plane magnetic anisotropy (D>0) for complexes 1 and 2 is in agreement with the experimental data. Furthermore, these results pave the way to obtain four-coordinate and seven-coordinate cobalt(II) single-ion magnets (SIMs) by using a bidentate ligand.

Coligand Effects on the Field-Induced Double Slow Magnetic Relaxation in Six-Coordinate Cobalt(II) Single-Ion Magnets (SIMs) with Positive Magnetic Anisotropy

Two mononuclear cobalt(II) compounds of formula [Co(dmphen)₂(OOCPh)]ClO₄·1/2H₂O·1/2CH₃OH (1) and [Co(dmbipy)₂(OOCPh)]ClO₄ (2) (dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, dmbipy = 6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine and HOOCPh = benzoic acid) are prepared and magnetostructurally investigated. Each cobalt(II) ion is six-coordinate with a distorted octahedral CoN₄O₂ environment. The complex cations are interlinked leading to supramolecular chains (1) and pairs (2) that grow along the crystallographic c-axis with racemic mixtures of (Δ,Λ)-Co units. FIRMS allowed us to directly measure the zero-field splitting between the two lowest Kramers doublets, which led to axial anisotropy values of 58.3 cm^-1 ≤ D < 60.7 cm^-1 (1) and 63.8 cm^-1 ≤ D < 64.1 cm^-1 (2). HFEPR spectra of polycrystalline samples of 1 and 2 at low temperatures confirm the positive sign of D and provide an estimate of the E/D quotient [0.147/0.187 (1) and 0.052 (2)]. Detailed ac and dc magnetic studies reveal that 1 and 2 are new examples of field-induced single-ion magnets (SIMs) with small transversal anisotropy. CASSCF/NEVPT2 calculations support these results. Two Orbach processes or one Orbach plus a direct relaxation mechanism provide similar agreements with the nonlinear experimental Arrhenius plots at H_dc = 500 and 2500 G for 1. Two independent relaxation processes occur in 2, but in contrast to 1, an observed linear dependence of ln(τ) vs 1/T substantiates Orbach processes against the most widely proposed Raman and direct mechanisms. The analysis of each relaxation process in 2 provided values for E_a and τ₀ that are very close to those found for 1, validating the predominant role of the Orbach relaxations in both compounds and, probably, also in other cobalt(II) SIMs. A mechanism based on a spin-phonon coupling is proposed to account for the SIM behavior in 1 and 2 with any Raman or direct processes being discarded.

Slow Magnetic Relaxation, Antiferromagnetic Ordering, and Metamagnetism in MnII (H2 dapsc)-FeIII (CN)6 Chain Complex with Highly Anisotropic Fe-CN-Mn Spin Coupling

Reactions of [Mn(H₂ dapsc)Cl₂ ]⋅H₂ O (dapsc=2,6- diacetylpyridine bis(semicarbazone)) with K₃ [Fe(CN)₆ ] and (PPh₄ )₃ [Fe(CN)₆ ] lead to the formation of the chain polymeric complex {[Mn(H₂ dapsc)][Fe(CN)₆ ][K(H₂ O)_3.5 ]}_n ⋅1.5n H₂ O (1) and the discrete pentanuclear complex {[Mn(H₂ dapsc)]₃ [Fe(CN)₆ ]₂ (H₂ O)₂ }⋅4 CH₃ OH⋅3.4 H₂ O (2), respectively. In the crystal structure of 1 the high-spin [Mn^II (H₂ dapsc)]²⁺ cations and low-spin hexacyanoferrate(III) anions are assembled into alternating heterometallic cyano-bridged chains. The K⁺ ions are located between the chains and are coordinated by oxygen atoms of the H₂ dapsc ligand and water molecules. The magnetic structure of 1 is built from ferrimagnetic chains, which are antiferromagnetically coupled. The complex exhibits metamagnetism and frequency-dependent ac magnetic susceptibility, indicating single-chain magnetic behavior with a Mydosh-parameter φ=0.12 and an effective energy barrier (U_eff /k_B ) of 36.0 K with τ₀ =2.34×10^-11  s for the spin relaxation. Detailed theoretical analysis showed highly anisotropic intra-chain spin coupling between [Fe^III (CN)₆ ]^3- and [Mn^II (H₂ dapsc)]²⁺ units resulting from orbital degeneracy and unquenched orbital momentum of [Fe^III (CN)₆ ]^3- complexes. The origin of the metamagnetic transition is discussed in terms of strong magnetic anisotropy and weak AF interchain spin coupling.

A Series of Field-Induced Single-Ion Magnets Based on the Seven-Coordinate Co(II) Complexes with the Pentadentate (N3O2) H2dapsc Ligand

A series of five new mononuclear pentagonal bipyramidal Co(II) complexes with the equatorial 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(semicarbazone) ligand (H2dapsc) and various axial pseudohalide ligands (SCN, SeCN, N(CN)2, C(CN)3, and N3) was prepared and structurally characterizated: [Co(H2dapsc)(SCN)2]∙0.5C2H5OH (1), [Co(H2dapsc)(SeCN)2]∙0.5C2H5OH (2), [Co(H2dapsc)(N(CN)2)2]∙2H2O (3), [Co(H2dapsc)(C(CN)3)(H2O)](NO3)∙1.16H2O (4), and {[Co(H2dapsc)(H2O)(N3)][Co(H2dapsc)(N3)2]}N3∙4H2O (5). The combined analyses of the experimental DС and AC magnetic data of the complexes (1–5) and two other earlier described those of this family [Co(H2dapsc)(H2O)2)](NO3)2∙2H2O (6) and [Co(H2dapsc)(Cl)(H2O)]Cl∙2H2O (7), their theoretical description and the ab initio CASSCF/NEVPT2 calculations reveal large easy-plane magnetic anisotropies for all complexes (D = + 35 − 40 cm‒1). All complexes under consideration demonstrate slow magnetic relaxation with dominant Raman and direct spin–phonon processes at static magnetic field and so they belong to the class of field-induced single-ion magnets (SIMs).

Coordination [CoII2] and [CoIIZnII] Helicates Showing Slow Magnetic Relaxation

The slow magnetic relaxation of Co^II ions in the elusive intermediate geometry between the trigonal prism and antiprism has been studied on the new [Co₂L₃]⁴⁺ and [CoZnL₃]⁴⁺ coordination helicates [L is a bis(pyrazolylpyridine) ligand]. Solution paramagnetic ¹H NMR and solid-state magnetization measurements unveil single-molecule-magnet behavior with small axial anisotropy, as predicted previously.