Tetraanionic Biphenyl Lanthanide Complexes as Single-Molecule Magnets

Neutral inverse-sandwich rare-earth metal complexes of the benzene tetraanion

Rare-earth metal complexes of the parent benzene tetraanion and neutral inverse-sandwich rare-earth metal arene complexes have remained elusive. Here, we report the first neutral inverse-sandwich rare-earth metal complexes of the parent benzene tetraanion supported by a monoanionic β-diketiminate (BDI) ligand. Reduction of the trivalent rare-earth metal diiodide precursors (BDI)MI2(THF) (BDI = HC(C(Me)N[C6H3-(3-pentyl)2-2,6])2; M = Y, 1-Y; M = Sm, 1-Sm) in benzene or para-xylene by potassium graphite yielded the neutral inverse-sandwich rare-earth metal arene complexes [(BDI)M(THF) n ]2(μ-η6,η6-arene) (M = Y, Sm; arene = benzene, 2-M; arene = para-xylene, 3-M). Single crystal X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic and magnetic characterization studies, together with density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm that these neutral rare-earth metal arene complexes possess an [M3+-(arene)4--M3+] electronic structure with strong metal-arene δ interactions. The arene exchange reactivity shows that 2-Sm has higher stability than 3-Sm. Furthermore, 2-Sm can behave as a four-electron reductant to reduce unsaturated organic substrates. Particularly, while the reaction of 2-Sm with 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene (COT) yielded (BDI)Sm(η8-COT) (4-Sm), 2-Sm reacted with 1,4-diphenylbutadiyne to afford (BDI)Sm(η4-C4Ph2) (5-Sm), the first rare-earth metallacyclopentatriene complex.

Triple Inverse Sandwich versus End-On Diazenido: Bonding Motifs across a Series of Rhenium-Lanthanide and -Actinide Complexes

While synthesizing a series of rhenium-lanthanide triple inverse sandwich complexes, we unexpectedly uncovered evidence for rare examples of end-on lanthanide dinitrogen coordination for certain heavy lanthanide elements as well as for uranium. We begin our report with the synthesis and characterization of a series of trirhenium triple inverse sandwich complexes with the early lanthanides, Ln[(μ-η5:η5-Cp)Re(BDI)]3(THF) (1-Ln, Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm; Cp = cyclopentadienide, BDI = N,N'-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,5-dimethyl-β-diketiminate). However, as we moved across the lanthanide series, we ran into an unexpected result for gadolinium in which we structurally characterized two products for gadolinium, namely, 1-Gd (analogous to 1-Ln) and a diazenido dirhenium double inverse sandwich complex Gd[(μ-η1:η1-N2)Re(η5-Cp)(BDI)][(μ-η5:η5-Cp)Re(BDI)]2(THF)2 (2-Gd). Evidence for analogues of 2-Gd was spectroscopically observed for other heavy lanthanides (2-Ln, Ln = Tb, Dy, Er), and, in the case of 2-Er, structurally authenticated. These complexes represent the first observed examples of heterobimetallic end-on lanthanide dinitrogen coordination. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were utilized to probe relevant bonding interactions and reveal energetic differences between both the experimental and putative 1-Ln and 2-Ln complexes. We also present additional examples of novel end-on heterobimetallic lanthanide and actinide diazenido moieties in the erbium-rhenium complex (η8-COT)Er[(μ-η1:η1-N2)Re(η5-Cp)(BDI)](THF)(Et2O) (3-Er) and uranium-rhenium complex [Na(2.2.2-cryptand)][(η5-C5H4SiMe3)3U(μ-η1:η1-N2)Re(η5-Cp)(BDI)] (4-U). Finally, we expand the scope of rhenium inverse sandwich coordination by synthesizing divalent double inverse sandwich complex Yb[(μ-η5:η5-Cp)Re(BDI)]2(THF)2 (5-Yb), as well as base-free, homoleptic rhenium-rare earth triple inverse sandwich complex Y[(μ-η5:η5-Cp)Re(BDI)]3 (6-Y).

A Combined Synthetic, Magnetic, and Theoretical Study on Enhancing Ligand-Field Axiality for Dy(III) Single-Molecule Magnets Supported by Ferrocene Diamide Ligands

Molecular design is crucial for improving the performance of single-molecule magnets (SMMs). For dysprosium(III) SMMs, enhancing ligand-field axiality is a well-suited strategy to achieve high-performance SMMs. We synthesized a series of dysprosium(III) complexes, (NN^TIPS)DyBr(THF)₂ (1, NN^TIPS = fc(NSiⁱPr₃)₂; fc = 1,1'-ferrocenediyl, THF = tetrahydrofuran), [(NN^TIPS)Dy(THF)₃][BPh₄] (2), (NN^TIPS)DyI(THF)₂ (3), and [(NN^TBS)Dy(THF)₃][BPh₄] (4, NN^TBS = fc(NSi^tBuMe₂)₂), supported by ferrocene diamide ligands. X-ray crystallography shows that the rigid ferrocene backbone enforces a nearly axial ligand field with weakly coordinating equatorial ligands. Dysprosium(III) complexes 1-4 all exhibit slow magnetic relaxation under zero fields and possess high effective barriers (U_eff) around 1000 K, comparable to previously reported (NN^TBS)DyI(THF)₂ (5). We probed the influences of structural variations on SMM behaviors by theoretical calculations and found that the distribution of negative charges defined by r_q, i.e., the ratio of the charges on the axial ligands to the charges on the equatorial ligands, plays a decisive role. Moreover, theoretical calculations on a series of model complexes 1'-5' without equatorial ligands unveil that the axial crystal-field parameters B₂⁰ are directly proportional to the N-Dy-N angles and support the hypothesis that enhancing the ligand-field axiality could improve SMM performance.

Taming Super-Reduced Bi23- Radicals with Rare Earth Cations

Here, we report the synthesis of two new sets of dibismuth-bridged rare earth molecules. The first series contains a bridging diamagnetic Bi22- anion, (Cp*2RE)2(μ-η2:η2-Bi2), 1-RE (where Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; RE = Gd (1-Gd), Tb (1-Tb), Dy (1-Dy), Y (1-Y)), while the second series comprises the first Bi23- radical-containing complexes for any d- or f-block metal ions, [K(crypt-222)][(Cp*2RE)2(μ-η2:η2-Bi2•)]·2THF (2-RE, RE = Gd (2-Gd), Tb (2-Tb), Dy (2-Dy), Y (2-Y); crypt-222 = 2.2.2-cryptand), which were obtained from one-electron reduction of 1-RE with KC8. The Bi23- radical-bridged terbium and dysprosium congeners, 2-Tb and 2-Dy, are single-molecule magnets with magnetic hysteresis. We investigate the nature of the unprecedented lanthanide-bismuth and bismuth-bismuth bonding and their roles in magnetic communication between paramagnetic metal centers, through single-crystal X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible/near-infrared (UV-vis/NIR) spectroscopy, SQUID magnetometry, DFT and multiconfigurational ab initio calculations. We find a πz* ground SOMO for Bi23-, which has isotropic spin-spin exchange coupling with neighboring metal ions of ca. -20 cm-1; however, the exchange coupling is strongly augmented by orbitally dependent terms in the anisotropic cases of 2-Tb and 2-Dy. As the first examples of p-block radicals beneath the second row bridging any metal ions, these studies have important ramifications for single-molecule magnetism, main group element, rare earth metal, and coordination chemistry at large.

An approach to estimate the barrier height for magnetisation reversal in {Dy2} SMMs using ab initio calculations

Although ab initio CASSCF calculations yield a good numerical estimate of barrier height for magnetisation reversal for mononuclear Dy(iii) SIMs, obtaining a reliable value for higher nuclearity clusters such as {Dy2} are challenging. By analysing ab initio computed data of thirty-one different {Dy2} SMMs, we propose a model equation that relates the calculated barrier heights to the experimental values and offers a viable way to predict the barrier heights in {Dy2} SMMs.

Distinct electronic structures and bonding interactions in inverse-sandwich samarium and ytterbium biphenyl complexes

Inverse-sandwich samarium and ytterbium biphenyl complexes were synthesized by the reduction of their trivalent halide precursors with potassium graphite in the presence of biphenyl. While the samarium complex had a similar structure as previously reported rare earth metal biphenyl complexes, with the two samarium ions bound to the same phenyl ring, the ytterbium counterpart adopted a different structure, with the two ytterbium ions bound to different phenyl rings. Upon the addition of crown ether to encapsulate the potassium ions, the inverse-sandwich samarium biphenyl structure remained intact; however, the ytterbium biphenyl structure fell apart with the concomitant formation of a divalent ytterbium crown ether complex and potassium biphenylide. Spectroscopic and computational studies were performed to gain insight into the electronic structures and bonding interactions of these samarium and ytterbium biphenyl complexes. While the ytterbium ions were found to be divalent with a 4f¹⁴ electron configuration and form a primarily ionic bonding interaction with biphenyl dianion, the samarium ions were in the trivalent state with a 4f⁵ electron configuration and mainly utilized the 5d orbitals to form a δ-type bonding interaction with the π* orbitals of the biphenyl tetraanion, showing covalent character.

Inverse-sandwich samarium and ytterbium biphenyl complexes were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Combined experimental and computational studies indicated that they have distinct electronic structures and bonding interactions.

Blocking like it's hot: a synthetic chemists' path to high-temperature lanthanide single molecule magnets

Progress in the synthesis, design, and characterisation of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) has expanded dramatically from curiosity driven beginnings to molecules that retain magnetization above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen. This is in no small part due to the increasingly collaborative nature of this research where synthetic targets are guided by theoretical design criteria. This article aims to summarize these efforts and progress from the perspective of a synthetic chemist with a focus on how chemistry can modulate physical properties. A simple overview is presented of lanthanide electronic structure in order to contextualize the synthetic advances that have led to drastic improvements in the performance of lanthanide-based SMMs from the early 2000s to the late 2010s.

Assembling two Dy2 single-molecule magnets with different energy barriers via fine-tuning the geometries of DyIII sites

Two Dy₂ single-molecule magnets are prepared. The energy barrier of 2 is slightly enhanced by adjusting the geometries of Dy^III centers.

Modulating magnetic dynamics through tailoring the terminal ligands in Dy2 single-molecule magnets

The alternation of terminal ligands leads to distinct arrangements of anisotropy axes and magnetic interactions in two Dy₂ complexes which present different dynamic magnetic behaviors.

Main Group Chemistry at the Interface with Molecular Magnetism

Innovative synthetic coordination and, increasingly, organometallic chemistry are at the heart of advances in molecular magnetism. Smart ligand design is essential for implementing controlled modifications to the electronic structure and magnetic properties of transition metal and f-element compounds, and many important recent developments use nontraditional ligands based on low-coordinate main group elements to drive the field forward. This review charts progress in molecular magnetism from the perspective of ligands in which the donor atoms range from low-coordinate 2p elements-particularly carbon but also boron and nitrogen-to the heavier p-block elements such as phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and even bismuth. Emphasis is placed on the role played by novel main group ligands in addressing magnetic anisotropy of transition metal and f-element compounds, which underpins the development of single-molecule magnets (SMMs), a family of magnetic materials that can retain magnetization in the absence of a magnetic field below a blocking temperature. Nontraditional p-block donor atoms, with their relatively diffuse valence orbitals and more diverse bonding characteristics, also introduce scope for tuning the spin-orbit coupling properties and metal-ligand covalency in molecular magnets, which has implications in areas such as magnetic exchange coupling and spin crossover phenomena. The chemistry encompasses transition metals, lanthanides, and actinides and describes recently discovered molecular magnets that can be regarded, currently, as defining the state of the art. This review identifies that main group chemistry at the interface molecular magnetism is an area with huge potential to deliver new types of molecular magnets with previously unseen properties and applications.

Controllable syntheses and magnetic properties of novel homoleptic triple-decker lanthanide complexes

A class of novel triple-decker lanthanide complexes have been continuously designed and synthesized based on a Schiff base ligand Cl-salphenH₂ and precursors [(acac)₄Ln₂(L)]. The results reveal Dy complex behaves as a typical SMM with intermetallic ferromagnetic interaction.

Syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of macrocyclic Schiff base-supported homodinuclear lanthanide complexes

Five new homodinuclear lanthanide complexes with the general formula [(acac)4Ln2(L)] (Ln3+ = Dy3+ (1), Tb3+ (2), Ho3+ (3), Er3+ (4), and Gd (5)) were synthesized by one-pot [2 + 2] condensation of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol and 1,3-diaminopropane in the presence of various lanthanide acetylacetonates. The eight-coordinate Ln(iii) centre adopts a slightly distorted square antiprism geometry with D4d symmetry. Theoretical analysis and magnetic measurements reveal that the corresponding Dy complex 1 exhibits slow magnetic relaxation behavior, characteristic of a typical SMM with the intramolecular ferromagnetic Dy3+Dy3+ interaction.

A neutral auxiliary ligand enhanced dysprosium(iii) single molecule magnet

An approximately equatorial three-coordinated dysprosium(iii) complex DyL₂[N(SiMe₃)₂] (L = bis(2-(2,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)ethyl)amine) with an additional neutral auxiliary pyrrole ligand was synthesised and structurally characterized.

A tetranuclear samarium(ii) inverse sandwich from direct reduction of toluene by a samarium(ii) siloxide

The dinuclear Sm^II complex [Sm₂L₄(dme)] (L = OSi(OtBu)₃) reacts slowly with toluene, resulting in the isolation of the triple decker arene-bridged Sm^II complex [{Sm₂L₃}₂(μ-η⁶:η⁶-C₇H₈)] in 44% yield. This reactivity provides the first example of an unambiguous arene reduction by an isolated Sm^II species.

Phosphido complexes derived from 1,1'-ferrocenediyl-bridged secondary diphosphines

This paper focuses on ferrocene-based secondary diphosphines of the type [Fe{η⁵-C₅H₄(PHR)}₂] with P-substituents of distinctly different steric and electronic properties, namely methyl, neopentyl (Np), tert-butyl, phenyl and 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (XyF). The reaction of [Fe{η⁵-C₅H₄(PHPh)}₂] (H₂1a) and [Fe{η⁵-C₅H₄(PHt-Bu)}₂] (H₂1b) with n-BuLi in the presence of TMEDA afforded lithium diphosphides of the type [Li₂(μ-1)(TMEDA)₂], which contain a cyclic non-planar Li₂P₂ core. The analogous reactions of [Fe{η⁵-C₅H₄(PHMe)}₂] (H₂1c) and [Fe{η⁵-C₅H₄(PHNp)}₂] (H₂1d) furnished dimeric aggregates exhibiting a ladder-type Li₄P₄ motif, viz. [Li₄(μ-1c)₂(TMEDA)₃] and [Li₂(μ-1d)(TMEDA)]₂. H₂1e (R = XyF) did not afford a stable lithium diphosphide. A Brønsted metathesis with Zr(NMe₂)₄ was possible with the aryl-substituted compounds H₂1a and H₂1e, leading to products of the type [{Zr(NMe₂)₃}₂(μ-1)]. In contrast, the alkyl-substituted congeners H₂1b-H₂1d were inert towards Zr(NMe₂)₄. The reaction of [Fe{η⁵-C₅H₄(PHR)}₂] with nickelocene afforded intractable mixtures of numerous products in the case of H₂1c and H₂1e. In the other three cases, compounds of the type [(NiCp)₂(μ-1)] were isolated. For H₂1b and H₂1d a two-stepped reaction via a phosphino-phosphido intermediate of the type [NiCp(H1)] was observed, which could be isolated and fully characterised in the case of [NiCp(H1b)].

Cycloheptatrienyl trianion: an elusive bridge in the search of exchange coupled dinuclear organolanthanide single-molecule magnets

Lanthanide inverse sandwich compounds of the cycloheptatrienyl trianion give rise to ferromagnetic exchange and slow relaxation of the magnetisation.

The preparation of η-cyclopentadienyl (η⁵-C₅R₅), η-arene (η⁶-C₆R₆), and η-cyclooctatetraenyl (η⁸-C₈R₈) bridging motifs are common in organometallic chemistry; however, the synthetic preparation of η-cycloheptatrienyl (η⁷-C₇R₇) bridging motifs has remained a synthetic challenge in 4f chemistry. To this end, we have developed a synthetic route towards a series of rare dinuclear organolanthanide inverse sandwich complexes containing the elusive η⁷-C₇H₇ bridge. Herein, we present the structures and magnetic properties of the lanthanide inverse sandwich complexes [KLn₂(C₇H₇)(N(SiMe₃)₂)₄] (Ln = Gd^III (1), Dy^III (2), Er^III (3)) and [K(THF)₂Er₂(C₇H₇)(N(SiMe₃)₂)₄] (4). These compounds are the first single-molecule magnets (SMMs) to feature this type of bridging motif. Furthermore, η⁷-C₇H₇ was found to efficiently promote ferromagnetic exchange interactions between metal ions. Variable temperature dc magnetic susceptibility measurements and subsequent simulations give significant exchange constants of J = +1.384, +1.798, and +3.149 cm^–1 and dipolar constants of J = –0.603, –0.601, and –0.475 cm^–1 for compounds 2–4, respectively. Frequency dependent ac susceptibility measurements under an applied static field resulted in the observation of dual relaxation processes, and brought forth a greater understanding of the intermolecularly driven process at high frequency. In particular, this type of analysis of compound 3 under 800 Oe elicited an energy barrier of U_eff = 58 K. Ab initio calculations were performed in order to understand the nature of magnetic coupling and the origin of slow relaxation of magnetisation. Through these studies, the effect of the amido ancillary ligands on the magnetic axiality of the lanthanide ions was found to be competitive with the crystal field of the η⁷-C₇H₇ π-electron cloud. Our findings suggest that the tunability of the dipolar and exchange components of the magnetic interactions lie within the dihedral angle imposed by the amido ligands, thus offering potential for the development of new exchange coupled lanthanide systems.

An Organolanthanide Building Block Approach to Single-Molecule Magnets

Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) are highly sought after for their potential application in high-density information storage, spintronics, and quantum computing. SMMs exhibit slow relaxation of the magnetization of purely molecular origin, thus making them excellent candidates towards the aforementioned applications. In recent years, significant focus has been placed on the rare earth elements due to their large intrinsic magnetic anisotropy arising from the near degeneracy of the 4f orbitals. Traditionally, coordination chemistry has been utilized to fabricate lanthanide-based SMMs; however, heteroatomic donor atoms such as oxygen and nitrogen have limited orbital overlap with the shielded 4f orbitals. Thus, control over the anisotropic axis and induction of f-f interactions are limited, meaning that the performance of these systems can only extend so far. To this end, we have placed considerable attention on the development of novel SMMs whose donor atoms are conjugated hydrocarbons, thereby allowing us to perturb the crystal field of lanthanide ions through the use of an electronic π-cloud. This approach allows for fine tuning of the anisotropic axis of the molecule, allowing this method the potential to elicit SMMs capable of reaching much larger values for the two vital performance measurements of an SMM, the energy barrier to spin reversal (Ueff), and the blocking temperature of the magnetization (TB). In this Account, we describe our efforts to exploit the inherent anisotropy of the late 4f elements; namely, Dy(III) and Er(III), through the use of cyclooctatetraenyl (COT) metallocenes. With respect to the Er(III) derivatives, we have seen record breaking success, reaching blocking temperatures as high as 14 K with frozen solution magnetometry. These results represent the first example of such a high TB being observed for a system with only a single spin center, formally known as a single-ion magnet (SIM). Our continued interrelationship between theoretical and experimental chemistry allows us to shed light on the mechanisms and electronic properties that govern the slow relaxation dynamics inherent to this unique set of SMMs, thus providing insight into the role by which both symmetry and crystal field effects contribute to the magnetic properties. As we look to the future success of such materials in practical devices, we must gain an understanding of how the 4f elements communicate magnetically, a subject upon which there is still limited knowledge. As such, we have described our work on coupling mononuclear metallocenes to generate new dinuclear SMMs. Through a building block approach, we have been able to gain access to new double,- triple- and quadruple-decker complexes that possess remarkable properties; exhibiting TB of 12 K and Ueff above 300 K. Our goal is to develop a fundamental platform from which to study 4f coupling, while maintaining and enhancing the strict axiality of the anisotropy of the 4f ions. This Account will present a successful strategy employed in the production of novel and high-performing SMMs, as well as a clear overview of the lessons learned throughout.

Heteronuclear Ni(ii)–Ln(iii) (Ln = La, Pr, Tb, Dy) complexes: synthesis and single-molecule magnet behaviour

The crystal structures are reported for three heterometallic Ni₂Ln and a Ni₂Dy₂ complex, using the Schiff base ligand 2-methoxy-6-[(E)-phenyliminomethyl] phenol. Detailed dc and ac magnetic susceptibility studies were reported for all the complexes. The complexes 3 and 4 shows frequency dependent out-of-phase susceptibility signals.

Recognition of silver cations by a cucurbit[8]uril-induced supramolecular crown ether

A supramolecular crown formed with the cucurbit[8]uril-induced intramolecular charge-transfer interaction is able to recognize silver cations.

Evidence for 5d-σ and 5d-π covalency in lanthanide sesquioxides from oxygen K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy

The electronic structure in the complete series of stable lanthanide sesquioxides, Ln₂O₃ (Ln = La to Lu, except radioactive Pm), has been evaluated using oxygen K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy with a scanning transmission X-ray microscope (STXM).

Rare-earth metal π-complexes of reduced arenes, alkenes, and alkynes: bonding, electronic structure, and comparison with actinides and other electropositive metals

Rare-earth metal complexes of reduced π ligands are reviewed with an emphasis on their electronic structure and bonding interactions.

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of homodinuclear lanthanide complexes based on dinucleating Schiff base ligands

Two series of homodinuclear lanthanide(iii) complexes were synthesized and characterized. Magnetic studies reveal the weakly antiferromagnetic coupling between paramagnetic Ln ions and enhanced relaxation of magnetization for Dy₂ complexes.

Single molecule magnet behaviour in a {Dy4P2} octahedron

Two new {Ln₄} cages are reported, bridged by phosphonate ligands. The anisotropy axes at the Dy(iii) sites are aligned, leading to slow relaxation of magnetisation.

In situ synthesis of lanthanide complexes supported by a ferrocene diamide ligand: extension to redox-active lanthanide ions

The scope of an in situ method to prepare rare-earth alkyl and halide precursors was extended to cerium, praseodymium, samarium, terbium, thulium, and ytterbium.