Slow magnetic relaxation at zero field in the tetrahedral complex [Co(SPh)4]2-

Structural, optical and magnetic properties of a new metal-organic CoII-based complex

A mononuclear cobalt(ii) complex [C5H8N3]2[CoCl4(C5H7N3)2] (I) was synthesized and structurally characterized. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that monometallic Co(ii) ions acted as coordination nodes in a distorted octahedral geometry, giving rise to a supramolecular architecture. The latter is made up of a ½ unit form composed of an anionic element [Co0.5Cl2(C5H7N3)]- and one 2-amino-4-methylpyrimidinium cation [C5H8N3]+. The crystalline arrangement of this compound adopts the sandwich form where inorganic parts are sandwiched between the organic sheets following the [100] direction. More information regarding the structure hierarchy has been supplied based on Hirshfeld surface analysis; the X⋯H (X = N, Cl) interactions play a crucial role in stabilizing the self-assembly process of I, complemented by the intervention of π⋯π electrostatic interaction created between organic entities. Thermal analyses were carried out to study the thermal behavior process. Static magnetic measurements and ab initio calculations of compound I revealed the easy-axis anisotropy character of the central Co(ii) ion. Two-channel field-induced slow-magnetic relaxation was observed; the high-frequency channel is characterized by underbarrier relaxation with U eff = 16.5 cm-1, and the low-frequency channel involves a direct relaxation process affected by the phonon-bottleneck effect.

Thermal Jahn-Teller Distortion Changes and Slow Relaxation of Magnetization in Mn(III) Schiff Base Complexes

The impact that the anion and alkyl group has on the electronic structures and magnetic properties of four mononuclear Mn(III) complexes is explored in [Mn(salEen-Br)2]Y (salEen-Br = 2-{[2-(ethylamino)ethylimino]methyl}-4-Br-phenol; Y = ClO4- 1 and BF4-·1/3CH2Cl2 2) and [Mn(salBzen-Br)2]Y (salBzen-Br = 2-{[2-(benzylamino)ethylimino]methyl}-4-Br-phenol; Y = ClO4- 3 and BF4- 4). X-ray structures of [Mn(salEen-Br)2]ClO4·0.45C6H14 1-hexane, [Mn(salEen-Br)2]BF4·0.33CH2Cl2·0.15C6H14 2-dcm-hexane, and 3-4 reveal that they crystallize in ambient conditions in the monoclinic P21/c space group. Lowering the temperature, 2-dcm-hexane uniquely exhibits a structural phase transition toward a monoclinic P21/n crystal structure determined at 100 K with the unit cell trebling in size. Remarkably, at room temperature, the axially elongated Jahn-Teller axis in 2-dcm-hexane is poorly defined but becomes clearer at low temperature after the phase transition. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1-4 reveal that only 3 and 4 show slow relaxation of magnetization with Δeff/kB = 27.9 and 20.7 K, implying that the benzyl group is important for observing single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the alkyl group subtly influences the orbital levels and therefore very likely the observed SMM properties.

Cobalt(II) Single-Ion Magnet Coordinated by Double Deprotonation of 2,2'-Bipyridine-6,6'-diol Ligands

In this study, we synthesized a new Co(II) complex, [NMe4]2[Co(bpyO2)2] (1), using deprotonated 2,2'-bipyridine-6,6'-diol ligands (bpyO2 2-). This compound exhibits a significant zero-field splitting (D) value. The far-infrared magneto spectroscopy and high-frequency and field electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR) measurements indicated that compound 1 possesses D = -54.8 cm-1 and E ∼ 0 cm-1. These findings were subsequently confirmed by other experimental data, including DC magnetic susceptibilities and variable temperature and variable magnetic field reduced magnetizations. Additionally, we conducted a series of AC magnetic susceptibility measurements to investigate the kinetics of magnetization relaxation. Below 6.6 K and under zero external magnetic field, fast quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) dominates (∼570 Hz), and temperature-independent out-of-phase signals are observed. Above 8.1 K, temperature-dependent behavior is observed. Furthermore, we examined the AC magnetic susceptibility behavior under external magnetic fields ranging from 300 to 4000 G. The effect of QTM is significantly reduced in the presence of an external magnetic field. Temperature-dependent behavior is primarily governed by Raman relaxation. Through structural analysis of compound 1 and a series of pure nitrogen-coordinated single-ion magnets (SIMs), we propose that the oxo substituents from the double-deprotonated form of the 2,2'-bipyridine-6,6'-diol ligands donate their negative charge to the pyridine ring, forming amido anion sites. This triggers a more pronounced out-of-phase signal than that observed in pure pyridine-coordinated compounds. Moreover, we observed intermolecular interactions, including intermolecular hydrogen bonding, which, to some extent, influenced the slow relaxation of molecules. Therefore, we speculate that the slow relaxation phenomenon of compound 1 may be attributed to the combination of oxo back-donating effects and intermolecular interactions.

Field-Induced Slow Magnetic Relaxation in Mononuclear Cobalt(II) Complexes Decorated by Macrocyclic Pentaaza Ligands

Two cobalt(II) complexes [CoL1](OTf)2 (1, L1 = 6,6''-di(anilino)-4'-phenyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine) and [CoL2](OTf)2·MeOH (2, L2 = 6,6''-di(N,N-dimethylamino)-4'-phenyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine) were synthesized and characterized. Crystal structure analyses showed that the spin carries were coordinated by five N atoms from the neutral pentaaza ligands, forming distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination environments. Ab initio calculations revealed large easy-axial anisotropy in complexes 1 and 2. Magnetic measurements suggest that complexes 1 and 2 are field-induced single-molecule magnets, whose relaxations are mainly predominated by Raman and direct processes.

Solvation/desolvation induced reversible distortion change and switching between spin crossover and single molecular magnet behaviour in a cobalt(II) complex

Coexistence and switching between spin-crossover (SCO) and single molecular magnet (SMM) behaviours in one single complex may lead to materials that exhibit bi-stable and stimuli sensitive properties in a wide temperature range and under multiple conditions; unfortunately, the conflict and dilemma in the principle of approaching SCO and SMM molecules make it particularly difficult; at low temperature, low spin (LS) SCO molecules possess highly symmetrical geometry and isotropic spins, which are not suitable for SMM behaviour. Herein, we overcome this issue by using a rationally designed Co(II) mononuclear complex [Co(MeOphterpy)2] (ClO4)2 (1; MeOphterpy = 4'-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine), the magnetic properties of which reversibly respond to desolvation and solvation. The solvated structure reinforced a low distortion of the coordination sphere via hydrogen bonding between ligands and methanol molecules, while in the desolvated structure a methoxy group flipping occurred, increasing the distortion of the coordination sphere and stabilising the HS state at low temperature, which exhibited a field-induced slow magnetic relaxation, resulting in a reversible switching between SCO and SMM properties within one molecule.

Oxygen-Donor Metalloligands Induce Slow Magnetization Relaxation in Zero Field for a Cobalt(II) Complex with {CoO4} Motif

Most 3d metal-based single-molecule magnets (SMMs) use N-ligands or ligands with even softer donors to impart a particular coordination geometry and increase the zero-field splitting parameter |D|, while complexes with hard O-donor ligands showing slow magnetization relaxation are rare. Here, we report that a diamagnetic NiII complex of a tetradentate ligand featuring two N-heterocyclic carbene and two alkoxide-O donors, [LO,ONi], can serve as a {O,O'}-chelating metalloligand to give a trinuclear complex [(LO,ONi)Co(LO,ONi)](OTf)2 (2) with an elongated tetrahedral {CoIIO4} core, D = -74.3 cm-1, and a spin reversal barrier Ueff = 86.9 cm-1 in the absence of an external dc field. The influence of diamagnetic NiII on the electronic structure of the {CoO4} unit in comparison to [Co(OPh)4]2- (A) has been probed with multireference ab initio calculations. These reveal a contrapolarizing effect of the NiII, which forms stronger metal-alkoxide bonds than the central CoII, inducing a change in ligand field splitting and a 5-fold increase in the magnetic anisotropy in 2 compared to A, with an easy magnetization axis along the Ni-Co-Ni vector. This demonstrates a strategy to enhance the SMM properties of 3d metal complexes with hard O-donors by modulating the ligand field character via the coordination of diamagnetic ions and the benefit of robust metalloligands in that regard.

A single carbon atom controls the geometry and reactivity of CoII(N2S2) complexes

Three- vs. two-carbon N-to-N connectors give rise to monomeric, tetrahedral N2S2Co(II) (μeff = 4.24 BM) or dimeric [(N2S2)Co(II)]2 (diamagnetic) complexes, respectively. Differences in the derivative products of the Lewis acid receivers, W0(CO)3 and W0(CO)4, illustrate nucleophilicity of the thiolate sulfur lone pairs in each case, as well as their structural control.

Spin canting and slow magnetic relaxation in mononuclear cobalt(II) sulfadiazine ternary complexes

Monomeric [Co(SDZ)2phen] (1) and [Co(SDZ)(bq)Cl] (2) complexes (SDZ = sulfadiazine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, and bq = 2,2'-biquinoline) have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray diffraction studies indicate that SDZ acts as a bidentate ligand coordinating through the sulfonamide and the pyrimidine N atoms in both compounds. In complex 1, the coordination sphere consists of two SDZ ligands and a bis-chelating phen ligand, giving rise to a CoN6 coordination sphere. On the other hand, 2 has a CoN4Cl core, with two N-atoms from SDZ and two from the bq ligand. Both compounds have been studied by dc and ac magnetometry and shown to display slow magnetic relaxation under an optimum external dc field (1 kOe) at low temperatures. Moreover, compound 2 displays long range magnetic ordering provided by spin-canted antiferromagnetism, which has been characterized by further field-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements, FC/ZFC curves, hysteresis loops and frequency-independent ac curves. The signs of the calculated D parameters, positive in 1 and negative in 2, have been rationalized according to the two lowest-lying transitions in the orbital energy diagrams derived from ab initio ligand field theory (AILFT). In a subsequent attempt to reveal the possible hidden zero-field SMM behaviour, Ni(II)-based 3 and Co(II)-doped Ni(II)-based (with a Ni : Co ratio of 0.9 : 0.1) heterometallic compound 2Ni were synthesized.

Large Magnetic Anisotropy in Mono- and Binuclear cobalt(II) Complexes: The Role of the Distortion of the Coordination Sphere in Validity of the Spin-Hamiltonian Formalism

To get a better insight into understanding the factors affecting the enhancement of the magnetic anisotropy in single molecule (single ion) magnets, two cobalt(II) complexes based on a tridentate ligand 2,6-di(thiazol-2-yl)pyridine substituted at the 4-position with N-methyl-pyrrol-2-yl have been synthesized and studied by X-ray crystallography, AC and DC magnetic data, FIRMS and HFEPR spectra, and theoretical calculations. The change of the counteranion in starting Co(II) salts results in the formation of pentacoordinated mononuclear [Co(mpyr-dtpy)Cl2]·2MeCN (1) complex and binuclear [Co(mpyr-dtpy)2][Co(NCS)4] (2) compound. The observed marked distortion of trigonal bipyramid geometry in 1 and cationic octahedral and anionic tetrahedral units in 2 brings up a question about the validity of the spin-Hamiltonian formalism and the possibility of determining the value and sign of the zero-field splitting D parameter. Both complexes exhibit field-induced slow magnetic relaxation with two or three relaxation channels at BDC = 0.3 T. The high-frequency relaxation time in the reciprocal form τ(HF)-1 = CTn develops according to the Raman relaxation mechanism (for 2, n = 8.8) and the phonon-bottleneck-like mechanism (for 1, n = 2.3). The high-frequency relaxation time at T = 2.0 K and BDC = 0.30 T is τ(HF) = 96 and 47 μs for 1 and 2, respectively.

Tuning Magnetic Anisotropy in Co(II) Tetrahedral Carbazole-Modified Phosphine Oxide Single-Ion Magnets: Importance of Structural Distortion versus Heavy-Ion Effect

Three mononuclear cobalt(II) tetrahedral complexes [Co(CzPh2PO)2X2] (CzPh2PO = (9H-carbazol-9-yl)diphenylphosphine oxide and X = Cl (1), Br (2), I (3)) have been synthesized using a simple synthetic approach to examine their single-ion magnetic (SIM) behavior. A detailed study of the variation in the dynamic magnetic properties of the Co(II) ion in a tetrahedral ligand field has been carried out by the change of the halide ligand. The axial zero-field splitting parameter D was found to vary from -16.4 cm-1 in 1 to -13.8 cm-1 in 2 and +14.6 cm-1 in 3. All the new complexes exhibit field-induced SIM behavior. The results obtained from ab initio CASSF calculations match well with the experimental data, revealing how halide ions induce a change in the D value as we move from Cl- to I-. The ab initio calculations further reveal that the change in the sign of D is due to the multideterminant characteristics of the ground state wave function of 1 and 2, while single-determinant characteristics are instead observed for 3. To gain a better understanding of the relationship between the structural distortion and the sign and magnitude of D values, magnetostructural D correlations were developed using angular relationships, revealing the importance of structural distortions over the heavy halide effect in controlling the sign of D values. This study broadens the scope of employing electronically and sterically modified phosphine oxide ligands in building new types of air-stable Co(II) SIMs.

Tetracoordinate Co(II) complexes with semi-coordination as stable single-ion magnets for deposition on graphene

We present a theoretical and experimental study of two tetracoordinate Co(II)-based complexes with semi-coordination interactions, i.e., non-covalent interactions involving the central atom. We argue that such interactions enhance the thermal and structural stability of the compounds, making them appropriate for deposition on substrates, as demonstrated by their successful deposition on graphene. DC magnetometry and high-frequency electron spin resonance (HF-ESR) experiments revealed an axial magnetic anisotropy and weak intermolecular antiferromagnetic coupling in both compounds, supported by theoretical predictions from complete active space self-consistent field calculations complemented by N-electron valence state second-order perturbation theory (CASSCF-NEVPT2), and broken-symmetry density functional theory (BS-DFT). AC magnetometry demonstrated that the compounds are field-induced single-ion magnets (SIMs) at applied static magnetic fields, with slow relaxation of magnetization governed by a combination of quantum tunneling, Orbach, and direct relaxation mechanisms. The structural stability under ambient conditions and after deposition was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. Theoretical modeling by DFT of different configurations of these systems on graphene revealed n-type doping of graphene originating from electron transfer from the deposited molecules, confirmed by electrical transport measurements and Raman spectroscopy.

Field induced single ion magnet behavior in CoII complexes in a distorted square pyramidal geometry

We report three CoII-based complexes with the general formula [CoII(L)(X)2] by changing the halide/pseudo-halide ions [X = NCSe (1SeCN); Cl (2Cl) and Br (3Br)]. The obtained τ5 and CShM values confirm a distorted square pyramidal geometry around the CoII ion in all these complexes. In these three complexes, the central CoII ion is situated above the basal plane of the square pyramidal geometry. The extent of distortion from the ideal SPY-5 geometry differs upon changing the coordinating halide/pseudo-halide ion in these complexes. This essentially results in the alteration of the anisotropic parameter D and hence impacts the magnetic properties in these complexes. This phenomenon has been corroborated with the aid of theoretical investigations. All these complexes display field-induced SIM behaviour with magnetic relaxation occurring through a combination of processes depending on the applied dc magnetic field values and dilution.

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.

Isotopic enrichment in lanthanide coordination complexes: contribution to single-molecule magnets and spin qudit insights

Lanthanide Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) fascinate the scientific community due to their plethora of potential applications ranging from data storage to spintronic devices and quantum computing. This review article proposes a comprehensive description of the influence of the nuclear spin, i.e. hyperfine interaction, on the magnetic properties of lanthanide SMMs and on quantum information processing of qudit. This influence is analysed for non-Kramers and Kramers lanthanide SMMs as well as for the electronic distribution of the electron in 4f orbitals i.e. oblate and prolate ions. Then the role of magnetic interactions in isotopically enriched polynuclear Dy(III) SMMs is discussed. Finally the possible effect of superhyperfine interaction due to the nuclear spin of elements originating from the surrounding of the lanthanide centre is analyzed. The effect of nuclear spin on the dynamics of the lanthanide SMMs is demonstrated using different techniques such as magnetometry, muon spectroscopy (μ-SR), and Mössbauer and Resonance Vibrational Spectroscopies.

Air-stable four-coordinate cobalt(ii) single-ion magnets: experimental and ab initio ligand field analyses of correlations between dihedral angles and magnetic anisotropy

For single-ion magnets (SIMs), understanding the effects of the local coordination environment and ligand field on magnetic anisotropy is key to controlling their magnetic properties. Here we present a series of tetracoordinate cobalt(ii) complexes of the general formula [^FL₂Co]X₂ (where ^FL is a bidentate diamido ligand) whose electron-withdrawing -C₆F₅ substituents confer stability under ambient conditions. Depending on the cations X, these complexes adopt structures with greatly varying dihedral twist angle δ between the N-Co-N' chelate planes in the solid state (48.0 to 89.2°). AC and DC field magnetic susceptibility measurements show this to translate into very different magnetic properties, the axial zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameter D ranging from -69 cm^-1 to -143 cm^-1 with substantial or negligible rhombic component E, respectively. A close to orthogonal arrangement of the two N,N'-chelating σ- and π-donor ligands at the Co(ii) ion is found to raise the energy barrier for magnetic relaxation to above 400 K. Multireference ab initio methods were employed to describe the complexes' electronic structures, and the results were analyzed within the framework of ab initio ligand field theory to probe the nature of the metal-ligand bonding and spin-orbit coupling. A relationship between the energy gaps of the first few electronic transitions and the ZFS was established, and the ZFS was correlated with the dihedral angle δ as well as with the metal-ligand bonding variations, viz. the two angular overlap parameters e_σ and e_πs. These findings not only give rise to a Co(ii) SIM showing open hysteresis up to 3.5 K at a sweep rate of 30 Oe s^-1, but they also provide design guidelines for Co(ii) complexes with favorable SIM signatures or even switchable magnetic relaxation properties.

Magnetic Anisotropy and Relaxation of Pseudotetrahedral [N2 O2 ] Bis-Chelate Cobalt(II) Single-Ion Magnets Controlled by Dihedral Twist Through Solvomorphism

The methanol solvomorph 1 ⋅ 2MeOH of the cobalt(II) complex [Co(L^Sal,2-Ph )₂ ] (1) with the sterically demanding Schiff-base ligand 2-(([1,1'-biphenyl]-2-ylimino)methyl)phenol (HL^Sal,2-Ph ) shows the thus far largest dihedral twist distortion between the two chelate planes compared to an ideal pseudotetrahedral arrangement. The cobalt(II) ion in 1 ⋅ 2MeOH exhibits an easy-axis anisotropy leading to a spin-reversal barrier of 55.3 cm^-1 , which corresponds to an increase of about 17 % induced by the larger dihedral twist compared to the solvent-free complex 1. The magnetic relaxation for 1 ⋅ 2MeOH is significantly slower compared to 1. An in-depth frequency-domain Fourier-transform (FD-FT) THz-EPR study not only allowed the direct measurement of the magnetic transition between the two lowest Kramers doublets for the cobalt(II) complexes, but also revealed the presence of spin-phonon coupling. Interestingly, a similar dihedral twist correlation is also observed for a second pair of cobalt(II)-based solvomorphs, which could be benchmarked by FD-FT THz-EPR.

Multi-Technique Experimental Benchmarking of the Local Magnetic Anisotropy of a Cobalt(II) Single-Ion Magnet

A comprehensive understanding of the ligand field and its influence on the degeneracy and population of d-orbitals in a specific coordination environment are crucial for the rational design and enhancement of magnetic anisotropy of single-ion magnets (SIMs). Herein, we report the synthesis and comprehensive magnetic characterization of a highly anisotropic Co^II SIM, [L₂Co](TBA)₂ (L is an N,N'-chelating oxanilido ligand), that is stable under ambient conditions. Dynamic magnetization measurements show that this SIM exhibits a large energy barrier to spin reversal U _eff > 300 K and magnetic blocking up to 3.5 K, and the property is retained in a frozen solution. Low-temperature single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction used to determine the experimental electron density gave access to Co d-orbital populations and a derived U _eff, 261 cm^-1, when the coupling between the d _{x ² - y ²} and d_xy orbitals is taken into account, in very good agreement with ab initio calculations and superconducting quantum interference device results. Powder and single-crystal polarized neutron diffraction (PNPD, PND) have been used to quantify the magnetic anisotropy via the atomic susceptibility tensor, revealing that the easy axis of magnetization is pointing along the N-Co-N' bisectors of the N,N'-chelating ligands (3.4° offset), close to the molecular axis, in good agreement with complete active space self-consistent field/N-electron valence perturbation theory to second order ab initio calculations. This study provides benchmarking for two methods, PNPD and single-crystal PND, on the same 3d SIM, and key benchmarking for current theoretical methods to determine local magnetic anisotropy parameters.

Slow Magnetic Relaxation and Modulated Photoluminescent Emission of Coordination Polymer Based on 3-Amino-4-hydroxybenzoate Zn and Co Metal Ions

As a starting point, a new 3D porous framework with the {[CoL]·0.5DMF·H₂O}_n chemical formula (where L = 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoate) is described. Its performance as a single molecule magnet was explored. The study of magnetic properties reveals that Co-MOF shows no frequency-fdependant alternating current (ac) signals under zero direct current (dc) magnetic field, whereas single-molecule magnet behaviour is achieved when Co^II ions are diluted in a Zn^II based matrix. Interestingly, this strategy renders a bifunctional [Co_xZn_1-xL]_n material that is also characterized by a strong photoluminescent emitting capacity.

Magnetic anisotropy and structural flexibility in the field-induced single ion magnets [Co{(OPPh2)(EPPh2)N}2], E = S, Se, explored by experimental and computational methods

During the last few years, a large number of mononuclear Co(II) complexes of various coordination geometries have been explored as potential single ion magnets (SIMs). In the work presented herein, the Co(II) S = 3/2 tetrahedral [Co{(OPPh2)(EPPh2)N}2], E = S, Se, complexes (abbreviated as CoO2E2), bearing chalcogenated mixed donor-atom imidodiphosphinato ligands, were studied by both experimental and computational techniques. Specifically, direct current (DC) magnetometry provided estimations of their zero-field splitting (zfs) axial (D) and rhombic (E) parameter values, which were more accurately determined by a combination of far-infrared magnetic spectroscopy and high-frequency and -field EPR spectroscopy studies. The latter combination of techniques was also implemented for the S = 3/2 tetrahedral [Co{(EPiPr2)2N}2], E = S, Se, complexes, confirming the previously determined magnitude of their zfs parameters. For both pairs of complexes (E = S, Se), it is concluded that the identity of the E donor atom does not significantly affect their zfs parameters. High-resolution multifrequency EPR studies of CoO2E2 provided evidence of multiple conformations, which are more clearly observed for CoO2Se2, in agreement with the structural disorder previously established for this complex by X-ray crystallography. The CoO2E2 complexes were shown to be field-induced SIMs, i.e., they exhibit slow relaxation of magnetization in the presence of an external DC magnetic field. Advanced quantum-chemical calculations on CoO2E2 provided additional insight into their electronic and structural properties.

Photoinduced Ligand-to-Metal Charge Transfer of Cobaltocene: Radical Release and Catalytic Cyclotrimerization

Irradiation of cobalt metallocenes at the ligand-to-metal charge transfer energies results in the labilization of the cyclopentadienyl-cobalt bond and radical release. The cyclopentadienyl radical is detected by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy using a spin trap and can also be chemically trapped using hydrogen-atom-donating reagents. This reaction presents a new photochemical method of generating new cobalt complexes or of forming cyclopentadienyl cobalt(I) species that are active for catalytic [2 + 2 + 2] cyclotrimerization reactions. More importantly, these results also show that cobaltocene should not be considered as a photostable redox reagent under many conditions, including those relevant to photovoltaics or photocatalysis.

Pentagonal-bipyramidal 4d and 5d complexes with unquenched orbital angular momentum as a unique platform for advanced single-molecule magnets: current state and perspectives

This article overviews the current state and prospects of the concept of advanced single-molecule magnets (SMMs) based on low-spin (S = 1/2) pentagonal-bipyramidal (PBP) 4d³ and 5d³ complexes with unquenched orbital angular momentum. This approach is based on the unique property of PBP 4d³ and 5d³ complexes to cause highly anisotropic spin coupling of perfect uniaxial symmetry, -J_zSziSzj - J_xy(SxiSxj + SyiSyj), regardless of the local geometric symmetry. The M(4d/5d)-M(3d) exchange-coupled pairs in the apical positions of the PBP complexes produce Ising-type exchange interactions (|J_z| > |J_xy|), which serve as a powerful source of uniaxial magnetic anisotropy of a SMM cluster. In polynuclear heterometallic 4d/5d-3d complexes embodying PBP 4d/5d units and high-spin 3d ions, anisotropic Ising-type exchange interactions produce a double-well potential with high energy barriers U_eff, which is controlled by the anisotropic exchange parameters J_z, J_xy. Theoretical analysis shows that the barrier is proportional to the difference |J_z - J_xy| and to the number n of the apical 4d/5d-3d pairs in a SMM cluster, U_eff ∝ |J_z - J_xy|n, which provides an opportunity to scale up the barrier U_eff and blocking temperature T_B up to the record values. A novel family of 4d/5d complexes with forced PBP coordination provided by structurally rigid planar pentadentate Schiff-base ligands in the equatorial plane is discussed as a better alternative to the cyanometallates. The possibility of a significant increase in the anisotropic exchange parameters J_z, J_xy in PBP complexes with monoatomic apical μ-bridging ligands is examined. The basic principles of molecular engineering the highest barrier through anisotropic exchange interactions of PBP 4d/5d complexes are formulated. The theoretical and experimental results taken together indicate that the concept of high-performance SMMs based on 4d/5d PBP complexes with unquenched orbital angular momentum is an attractive alternative to the currently dominant lanthanide-based SMM strategy.

Unraveling the Contributions to Spin-Lattice Relaxation in Kramers Single-Molecule Magnets

The study of how spin interacts with lattice vibrations and relaxes to equilibrium provides unique insights into its chemical environment and the relation between electronic structure and molecular composition. Despite its importance for several disciplines, ranging from magnetic resonance to quantum technologies, a convincing interpretation of spin dynamics in crystals of magnetic molecules is still lacking due to the challenging experimental determination of the correct spin relaxation mechanism. We apply ab initio spin dynamics to a series of 12 coordination complexes of Co²⁺ and Dy³⁺ ions selected among ∼240 compounds that largely cover the literature on single-molecule magnets and well represent different regimes of spin relaxation. Simulations reveal that the Orbach spin relaxation rate of known compounds mostly depends on the ions' zero-field splitting and little on the details of molecular vibrations. Raman relaxation is instead found to be also significantly affected by the features of low-energy phonons. These results provide a complete understanding of the factors limiting spin lifetime in single-molecule magnets and revisit years of experimental investigations by making it possible to transparently distinguish Orbach and Raman relaxation mechanisms.

Treatment Activity of Ho(III)-Based Coordination Polymer on Liver Cancer by the Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling Pathway Activity

A new 0D dinuclear coordination polymer [Ho2(L)6(phen)2] (1) was hydrothermally synthesized based on HoCl3·6H2O, organic ligand HL = 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, and the auxiliary ligand phen = 1,10-phenanthroline (L− is the fully deprotonated organic ligand), and full characterization of the structure was performed via the X-ray single-crystal diffraction data. Once this newly synthesized novel compound was achieved, the way it acted inside the liver cancer was examined, and the corresponding mechanism was determined. First, the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) method was conducted to analyze the compound activity after the treatment of liver cancer cells. In addition, real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was used to examine the in-cell vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway activity. The molecular docking simulation showed that the carboxyl and phenol groups contained active binding receptor sites, indicating that Ho complex has excellent biological activity.

Enhancing SIM behaviour in a mononuclear tetrahedral [Co(N,N'-2-iminopyrrolyl)2] complex

A new homoleptic Co(II) complex bearing two highly sterically congested 2-formiminopyrrolyl N,N'-chelating ligands is reported, displaying slow relaxation of the magnetisation at zero static (DC) field. This compound shows a large value for the zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameter D of -42.6(4) cm^-1 leading to a spin-reversal energy barrier U_eff of 85 cm^-1.

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.

Co(II) single-ion magnets: synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

Magnetoactive coordination compounds exhibiting bi- or multistability between two or more magnetic stable states present an attractive example of molecular switches. Currently, the research is focused on molecular nanomagnets, especially single molecule magnets (SMMs), which are molecules, where the slow relaxation of the magnetization based on the purely molecular origin is observed. Contrary to ferromagnets, the magnetic bistability of SMMs does not require intermolecular interactions, which makes them particularly interesting in terms of application potential, especially in the high-density storage of data. This paper aims to introduce the readers into a basic understanding of SMM behaviour, and furthermore, it provides an overview of the attractive Co(II) SMMs with emphasis on the relation between structural features, magnetic anisotropy, and slow relaxation of magnetization in tetra-, penta-, and hexacoordinate complexes.

Magnetic anisotropy of two tetrahedral Co(II)-halide complexes with triphenylphosphine ligands

Recently, the choice of ligand and geometric control of mononuclear complexes, which can affect the relaxation pathways and blocking temperature, have received wide attention in the field of single-ion magnets (SIMs). To find out the influence of the coordination environment on SIMs, two four-coordinate mononuclear Co(II) complexes [NEt₄][Co(PPh₃)X₃] (X = Cl^-, 1; Br^-, 2) have been synthesized and studied by X-ray single crystallography, magnetic measurements, high-frequency and -field EPR (HF-EPR) spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. Both complexes are in a cubic space group Pa3̄ (No. 205), containing a slightly distorted tetrahedral moiety with crystallographically imposed C_3v symmetry through the [Co(PPh₃)X₃]^- anion. The direct-current (dc) magnetic data and HF-EPR spectroscopy indicated the anisotropic S = 3/2 spin ground states of the Co(II) ions with the easy-plane anisotropy for 1 and 2. Ab initio calculations were performed to confirm the positive magnetic anisotropies of 1 and 2. Frequency- and temperature-dependent alternating-current (ac) magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed slow magnetic relaxation for 1 and 2 at an applied dc field. Finally, the magnetic properties of 1 and 2 were compared to those of other Co(II) complexes with a [CoAB₃] moiety.

Phonon-induced relaxation mechanisms are changed by a chelating effect in a CoII single-ion magnet

It is well known that phonon-induced relaxation processes play a significant role in accelerating magnetization relaxation in the low-temperature regime. Unfortunately, many SIMs (single-ion magnets) suffer from being quenched by these mechanisms such that neither out-of-phase signals nor magnetization hysteresis can be readily observed. Nevertheless, because it involves molecular motions at low-frequency (low-energy) levels, methods for synthetically controlling this factor have not yet been addressed by chemists. In this study, we prepared a series of three compounds in which one contains a rigid chelating ligand, and the other two contain analogous ligands that can coordinate more liberally. To our surprise, compound 1, with a rigid chelating ligand, displayed promising SIM behavior with out-of-phase signals up to 11 K in a zero d.c. magnetic field at an a.c. frequency of 1000 Hz. The other two (2 and 3) with dangling ligands failed to show significant out-of-phase signals until an extra d.c. field was applied. The results of magnetization relaxation studies suggest that the phonon-induced relaxation processes play an essential role in 2 and 3, even at very low temperatures. Nevertheless, the rigid chelating ligand in 1 prevents the molecule from being involved in phonon-induced relaxation processes that seriously interfere with the magnetization relaxation up to 5.6 K. Therefore, we concluded that the presence of a rigid chelating ligand can efficiently change the phonon-induced relaxation processes at low temperatures.

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.

Slowing magnetic relaxation with open-shell diluents

Strategies for slowing magnetic relaxation via local environmental design are vital for developing next-generation spin-based technologies (e.g., quantum information processing). Herein, we demonstrate a technique to do so via chemical design of a local magnetic environment. We show that embedding the open-shell complex (Ph₄P)₂[Co(SPh)₄] in solid-state matrices of the isostructural, open-shell species (Ph₄P)₂[M(SPh)₄] (M = Ni²⁺, S = 1; M = Fe²⁺, S = 2; M = Mn²⁺, S = 5 2 ) will slow magnetic relaxation for the embedded [Co(SPh)₄]^2- ion by three orders of magnitude. Magnetometry, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and computational analyses reveal that integer spin and large, positive zero-field splitting (D) values for the diluent produce a quiet, local magnetic field that slows relaxation rates for the embedded Co molecules. These results will enable the investigation of magnetic systems for which strictly diamagnetic congeners are either synthetically inaccessible or are not isostructural.

Mononuclear Transition Metal Cymantrenecarboxylates as Precursors for Spinel-Type Manganites

Novel mononuclear cymantrenecarboxylate complexes of transition metals, [Co(H₂O)₆](CymCO₂)₂·4H₂O (Cym = (η⁵-C₅H₄)Mn(CO)₃) (1), [Ni(H₂O)₆](CymCO₂)₂·4H₂O (2), [Zn(H₂O)₆](CymCO₂)₂·4H₂O (3), [Co(CymCO₂)₂(imz)₂] (imz = imidazole, 4), [Co(CymCO₂)₂(bpy)₂]·2PhMe (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl, 5), [Ni(CymCO₂)(bpy)₂(H₂O)][CymCO₂]·0.5MePh·2H₂O (6), [Cu(CymCO₂)₂(imz)₂] (7), and [Cu(CymCO₂)₂(bpy)(H₂O)] (8), were obtained and characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Complexes 1–3 are isostructural. Magnetism of the Co complexes 1, 4, and 5 was studied; it was shown that they exhibit the properties of field-induced single-molecule magnets with magnetization reversal barriers (ΔE/k_B) of 44, 13, and 10 K, respectively. Thermal decomposition of complexes 1–8 was studied by means of DSC and TGA methods. The final products of thermolysis of 1–6 in air, according to powder XRD data, are the pure spinel phases MMn₂O₄; for the cases of copper complexes, the mixtures of CuMn₂O₄ and CuO were found in the products.

Trigonally Distorted Hexacoordinate Co(II) Single-Ion Magnets

By simple reactions involving various cobalt(II) carboxylates (acetate and in situ prepared pivalate and 4-hydroxybenzoate salts) and neocuproine (neo), we were able to prepare three different carboxylate complexes with the general formula [Co(neo)(RCOO)₂] (R = –CH₃ for 1, (CH₃)₃C– for 2, and 4OH-C₄H₆– for 3). The [Co(neo)(RCOO)₂] molecules in the crystal structures of 1–3 adopt a rather distorted coordination environment, with the largest trigonal distortion observed for 1, whereas 2 and 3 are similarly distorted from ideal octahedral geometry. The combined theoretical and experimental investigations of magnetic properties revealed that the spin Hamiltonian formalism was not a valid approach and the L-S Hamiltonian had to be used to reveal very large magnetic anisotropies for 1–3. The measurements of AC susceptibility showed that all three compounds exhibited slow-relaxation of magnetization in a weak external static magnetic field, and thus can be classified as field-induced single-ion magnets. It is noteworthy that 1 also exhibits a weak AC signal in a zero-external magnetic field.

Field-induced slow magnetic relaxation behaviours in binuclear cobalt(II) metallocycle and exchange-coupled cluster

Precise control of structures and magnetic properties of a molecular material constitutes an important challenge to realize the tailor-made magnetic function. Herein, we reported that the ligand-directed coordination self-assembly of...

Single-ion magnet behaviour in homoleptic Co(ii) complexes bearing 2-iminopyrrolyl ligands

Four-coordinate distorted tetrahedral bis(2-iminopyrrolyl)cobalt(ii) complexes behave as Single-Ion Magnets (SIMs) in the absence of an external magnetic field.

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...

A C,S Bonded Quasi-Two-Coordinate Chromium(II) Complex Showing Field-induced Slow Magnetic Relaxation Behaviour

A C,S bonded quasi-two-coordinate Cr(II) complex, Cr(SAr*)2 (HSAr* = HSC6H3-2,6(C6H2-2,4,6-Pri3)2), has been successfully synthesized. Magnetic, high-frequency / field electron paramagnetic resonance (HF-EPR) experiments and ab initio calculation studies show that...

Single-Molecule Magnets beyond a Single Lanthanide Ion: The Art of Coupling

The promising future of storing and processing quantized information at the molecular level has been attracting the study of Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) for almost three decades. Although some recent breakthroughs are mainly about the SMMs containing only one lanthanide ion, we believe SMMs can tell a much deeper story than the single-ion anisotropy. Here in this Perspective, we will try to draw a unified picture of SMMs as a delicately coupled spin system between multiple spin centres. The hierarchical couplings will be presented step-by-step, from the intra-atomic hyperfine coupling, to the direct and indirect intra-molecular couplings with neighbouring spin centres, and all the way to the inter-molecular and spin–phonon couplings. Along with the discussions on their distinctive impacts on the energy level structures and thus magnetic behaviours, a promising big picture for further studies is proposed, encouraging the multifaceted developments of molecular magnetism and beyond.

In this Perspective, we draw a unified picture for single-molecule magnets as delicately coupled spin systems, discuss the hierarchical couplings (from intra-atomic to inter-molecular) and their distinctive impacts on the magnetic behaviours.

A Ferroelectric Metallomesogen Exhibiting Field-Induced Slow Magnetic Relaxation

Magnetoelectric (ME) materials exhibiting coupled electric and magnetic properties are of significant interest because of their potential use in memory storage devices, new sensors, or low-consumption devices. Herein, we report a new category of ME material that shows liquid crystal (LC), ferroelectric (FE), and field-induced single molecule magnet (SMM) behaviors. Co(II) complex incorporating alkyl chains of type [Co(3C₁₆ -bzimpy)₂ ](BF₄ )₂ (1; 3C₁₆ -bzimpy=2,2'-(4-hexadecyloxy-2,6-diyl)bis(1-hexadecyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole)) displayed a chiral smectic C mesophase in the temperature range 321 K-458 K, in which distinct FE behavior was observed, with a remnant polarization (88.3 nC cm^-2 ). Complex 1 also exhibited field-induced slow magnetic relaxation behavior that reflects the large magnetic anisotropy of the Co(II) center. Furthermore, the dielectric property of 1 was able to be tuned by an external magnetic field occurring from both spin-lattice coupling and molecular orientational variation. Clearly, this multifunctional compound, combining LC, FE, and SMM properties, represents an entry to the development of a range of next-generation ME materials.

Imidosulfonate scorpionate ligands in lanthanide single-molecule magnet design: slow magnetic relaxation and butterfly hysteresis in [ClDy{Ph2PCH2S(NtBu)3}2]

Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) harbour vast opportunities for potential pioneering applications upon optimization like big data storage and quantum computing. Lanthanides were found to be highly suitable candidates in the design of such molecules, as they intrinsically hold a large unquenched orbital momentum and a strong spin-orbit coupling, warranting a high magnetic anisotropy. An indispensable element in successfully tailoring SMMs is the ligand design. Polyimido sulfur ligands offer a promising choice because the polar S⁺-N^--bond facilitates both electronic and geometric adaptability to various f-metals. In particular, the acute N-Ln-N bite angle generates advantageous magnetic properties. The [Ph₂PCH₂S(NtBu)₃]^- anion, introduced from [(thf)₃K{Ph₂PCH₂S(NtBu)₃}] (2) to a series of complexes [ClLn{Ph₂PCH₂S(NtBu)₃}₂] with Ln = Tb (3a), Dy (3b), Er (3c), Ho (3d), and Lu (3e), provides tripodal shielding of the metal's hemisphere as well as a side-arm donation of a soft phosphorus atom. For the Tb and Er complexes 3a and 3d, slow magnetic relaxation (U_eff = 235 and 34.5 cm^-1, respectively) was only observed under an applied dc field. The dysprosium congener 3b, however, is a true SMM with relaxation at zero field (U_eff = 66 cm^-1) and showing a butterfly hysteresis close to 3.5 K. Upon magnetic dilution with the diamagnetic and isostructural lutetium complex 3e or application of a magnetic field, the energy barrier to spin reversal is increased to 74 cm^-1.

A cyanide-bridged Fe-Co pearl-chain-like single-chain magnet containing 4-coordinate cobalt(II) ions

Treatment of CoCl₂·6H₂O and tris(pyrazolyl-1-yl)borate tricyanoiron(III) anions at an elevated temperature (55 °C) afforded two less-common pearl-chain-like compounds, {[(Tp^R)Fe(CN)₃CoCl₂]₂Co(DMF)₄}·nDMF (1, Tp^R = Tp^4-Me = hydridotris(4-methylpyrazol-1-yl)borate, n = 1 and 2, Tp^R = Tp*^Me = hydridotris(3,4,5-trimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate, n = 4.5), in which the 4-coordinate Co(II) ions and [(Tp^R)Fe^III(CN)₃]^- units are alternately bridged by cyanide groups into squares, which are further linked with the 6-coordinate Co(II) ions into an infinite chain. Interestingly, the magnetic study revealed that 1 exhibits a typical single-chain magnet behaviour with an effective energy barrier of 28.0 K, while surprisingly no Glauber dynamics was observed for 2 despite their very similar structures. The variations of the local coordination environments of the cobalt ions and the cyanide linkages were evidenced, and they may account for the significant difference in their magnetic properties related to the global magnetic anisotropy and magnetic exchange of the chain.

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.

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.

Design of modern magnetic materials with giant coercivity

The review is devoted to compounds and materials demonstrating extremely high magnetic hardness. The recent advances in the synthesis of modern materials for permanent magnets are considered, and a range of exotic compounds interesting for fundamental research is described. The key details of chemical composition, crystal structure and magnetic microstructure responsible for the appearance of high magnetic anisotropy and giant coercivity are analyzed. The challenges of developing the title materials are noted and strategies for their solution are discussed.

The bibliography includes 389 references.