Coupling Strategies to Enhance Single-Molecule Magnet Properties of Erbium–Cyclooctatetraenyl Complexes

η6-Benzene Tetra-Anion Complexes of Early and Late Rare-Earth Metals

A novel synthetic route to the triple-decker benzene tetra-anion complexes [(η5-C5iPr5)M(μ:η6:η6-C6H6)M(η5-C5iPr5)] is reported for a range of early and late rare-earth elements, i.e., M = Y, La, Sm, Gd, and Dy (1M). The lanthanum complex 1La is the first benzene tetra-anion complex of the largest rare-earth element. Aromaticity in the 10π-electron benzene ligands is confirmed through crystallographic studies of all compounds and nucleus-independent chemical shift calculations on 1Y and 1La. Analysis of the bonding in 1Y and 1La using density functional theory revealed strong covalency in the metal-benzene interactions, with very similar contributions from the metal 4d/5d orbitals, respectively, and the benzene π* orbitals. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on 1Sm, 1Gd, and 1Dy are also consistent with the presence of a benzene tetra-anion ligand. The origins of the appreciable exchange coupling constant of Jexch = -3.35 cm-1 (-2J formalism) in 1Gd are established through a computational study of the interacting magnetic orbitals. The dynamic magnetic properties of 1Dy are also described. The clear absence of SMM behavior in the dysprosium complex is explained using multireference calculations and an ab initio ligand-field theory description of the 4f orbitals, which clearly show that the benzene tetra-anion ligand provides a dominant equatorial contribution.

Single-molecule Magnet Properties of Silole- and Stannole-ligated Erbium Cyclo-octatetraenyl Sandwich Complexes

The synthesis, structures and magnetic properties of an η5-silole complex and an η5-stannole complex of erbium are reported. The sandwich complex anions [(η5-CpSi)Er(η8-COT)]- and [(η5-CpSn)Er(η8-COT)]-, where CpSi is [SiC4-2,5-(SiMe3)2-3,4-Ph2]2- (1Si), CpSn is [SnC4-2,5-(SiMe3)2-3,4-Me2]2- (1Sn) and COT=cyclo-octatetraenyl, were obtained as their [K(2.2.2-cryptand)]+ salts and found to be isostructural, with remarkably similar bond lengths and angles, differing only in the lengths of the Er-E interactions (E=Si, Sn). The parallels in the molecular structures of 1Si and 1Sn are reflected in their dynamic magnetic properties, which show single-molecule magnet behaviour in zero applied field, with effective energy barriers of 115±7 and 125±3 cm-1, respectively, along with comparable magnetic relaxation times. Analysis of the two complexes using ab initio calculations reveals differences at a quantitative level, but overall similar electronic structures, with the thermally activated relaxation likely to proceed via the first-excited Kramers doublet. Comparing 1Si and 1Sn with the previously reported germanium analogue 1Ge reveals that swapping one heavier group 14 element for another in complexes of the type [(η5-CpE)Er(η8-COT)]- has a minimal impact on the SMM behaviour.

Rare earth benzene tetraanion-bridged amidinate complexes

The benzene tetraanion-bridged rare earth inverse arene amidinate complexes [{Ln(κ1:η6-Piso)}2(μ-η6:η6-C6H6)] (2-Ln, Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy, Y; Piso = {(NDipp)2C t Bu}, Dipp = C6H3 iPr2-2,6) were prepared by the reduction of parent Ln(iii) bis-amidinate halide precursors [Ln(Piso)2X] (Ln = Tb, Dy; X = Cl, I) or [Ln(Piso)2I] (Ln = Gd, Y) with 3 eq. KC8 in benzene, or by the reaction of the homoleptic Ln(ii) complexes [Ln(Piso)2] (Ln = Tb, Dy) with 2 eq. KC8 in benzene. The arene exchange reaction of 2-Tb with toluene gave crystals of [{Tb(κ1:η6-Piso)}2(μ-η6:η6-C7H8)] (3-Tb), while no reactions were observed when C6D6 solutions of 2-Y were separately treated with biphenyl, naphthalene or anthracene. The reactivity study shows that 2-Y can behave as a four-electron reductant to reduce 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene (COT). Complexes 2-Ln were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, SQUID magnetometry, UV-vis-NIR, ATR-IR, NMR, density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio calculations. These data consistently show that 2-Ln formally contain Ln(iii) centres with arene-capped inverse-sandwich Dipp-Ln(iii)-(C6H6)4--Ln(iii)-Dipp configurations, and DFT calculations on a model of 2-Y revealed strong Y-(C6H6)4- δ-bonding interactions between the filled π-orbitals of the benzene tetraanion and vacant 4d orbitals of the Y(iii) ions. A strong intermolecular coupling interaction between the two Tb(iii) centres in 2-Tb (J tot = -6.84 cm-1) was evidenced by a step in a magnetization vs. field plot of 2-Tb at ca. 3.4 T at 2 K, which we attribute to an anti-ferromagnetic transition of the magnetic moment; we also determined an exchange coupling constant J ex = -0.25(1) cm-1 for 2-Gd.

Enhancement of Single-Molecule Magnet Properties by Manipulating Intramolecular Dipolar Interactions

A new single-molecule magnet (SMM) complex [K(18-crown-6)][(COT)Er(µ-Cl)3Er(COT)] (Er2Cl3, COT = cyclooctatetraenide dianion) is obtained by the reaction of [(COT)Er(µ-Cl)(THF)]2 (Er2Cl2, THF = tetrahydrofuran) with an equivalent of KCl in the presence of 18-crown-6. The two COT-Er units in the newly formed complex are triply bridged by µ-Cl ligands, leading to the "head-to-tail" alignment of the magnetic easy axes distinctly different from the "staggered" arrangement in the precursor complex. This structural transformation has led to significantly enhanced intramolecular dipolar interactions and a reduced transverse component of the crystal fields, increasing the energy barrier from 150(8) K for Er2Cl2 to 264(4) K for Er2Cl3 and extending its magnetic relaxation time at 2 K by 2500 times with respect to Er2Cl2. More importantly, the blocking temperature increased from lower than 2 K for Er2Cl2 to 8 K for Er2Cl3, and the magnetic hysteresis loops at 2 K changed from butterfly-shaped for Er2Cl2 to open hysteresis loop with coercive force of 7 kOe for Er2Cl3. These results suggest that the properties of SMMs can be effectively tuned and improved by rationally arranging magnetic spins via molecular engineering.

Designing Quantum Spaces of Higher Dimensionality from a Tetranuclear Erbium-Based Single-Molecule Magnet

The spin relaxation of an Er3+ tetranuclear single-molecule magnet, [Er(hdcCOT)I]4, (hdcCOT = hexahydrodicyclopentacyclooctatetraenide dianion), is modeled as a near-tetrahedral arrangement of Ising-type spins. Combining evidence from single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetometry, and computational techniques, the slow spin relaxation is interpreted as a consequence of symmetry restrictions imposed on quantum tunneling within the cluster core. The union of spin and spatial symmetries describe a ground state spin-spin coupled manifold wherein 16 eigenvectors generate the 3D quantum spin-space described by the vertices of a rhombic dodecahedron. Analysis of the experimental findings in this context reveals a correlation between the magnetic transitions and edges connecting cubic and octahedral subsets of the eigenspace convex hull. Additionally, the model is shown to map to a theoretically proposed quantum Cayley network, indicating an underexplored synergy between mathematical descriptions of molecular spin interactions and quantum computing configuration spaces.

Magnetic resonance imaging: an innovative approach to observe rare metal extraction using ionic liquid

In the present work, a novel approach has been made to evaluate the extraction mechanism of neodymium (Nd) using trihexyl-tetradecyl-phosphonium benzoate (TTPB) ionic liquid through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. A detailed study on the interactions between the extractant (Nd) and the ionic liquid (IL) is presented. The 1H NMR spectral analysis confirmed that Nd extraction took place through the benzoate anion. Furthermore, the NMR relaxation time of the anion is greatly affected affirming that Nd extraction indeed took place through the benzoate anion. This change in the relaxation time caused by the Nd ion on the protons in the anion and cation in TTPB has been used to visualize the extraction mechanism using 1H MRI. A strong change in the image intensity with respect to the time observed in the IL phase validates the extraction of Nd from the aqueous phase into the IL phase. Also, combining the 1H NMR, diffusion coefficient, Karl-Fischer and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopic (UV-Vis) results, we have elucidated the co-ordination structure around Nd during the extraction process.

Short Didysprosium Covalent Bond Enables High Magnetization Blocking Temperature of a Direct 4f-4f Coupled Dinuclear Single-Molecule Magnet

Coupling two magnetic anisotropic lanthanide ions via a direct covalent bond is an effective way to realize high magnetization blocking temperature of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) by suppressing quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM), whereas so far only single-electron lanthanide-lanthanide bonds with relatively large bond distances are stabilized in which coupling between lanthanide and the single electron dominates over weak direct 4f-4f coupling. Herein, we report for the first time synthesis of short Dy(II)-Dy(II) single bond (3.61 Å) confined inside a carbon cage in the form of an endohedral metallofullerene Dy2@C82. Such a direct Dy(II)-Dy(II) covalent bond renders a strong Dy-Dy antiferromagnetic coupling that effectively quenches QTM at zero magnetic field, thus opening up magnetic hysteresis up to 25 K using a field sweep rate of 25 Oe/s, concomitant with a high 100 s magnetization blocking temperature (TB,100s) of 27.2 K.

Linear, Electron-Rich Erbium Single-Molecule Magnet with Dibenzocyclooctatetraene Ligands

Judicious design of ligand scaffolds to highly anisotropic lanthanide ions led to substantial advances in molecular spintronics and single-molecule magnetism. Erbium-based single-molecule magnets (SMMs) are rare, which is attributed to the prolate-shaped ErIII ion requiring an equatorial ligand field for enhancing its single-ion magnetic anisotropy. Here, we present an electron-rich mononuclear Er SMM, [K(crypt-222)][Er(dbCOT)2], 1 (where dbCOT = dibenzocyclooctatetraene), that was obtained from a salt metathesis reaction of ErCl3 and K2dbCOT. The dipotassium salt, K2dbCOT, was generated through a two-electron reduction of the bare dbCOT0 ligand employing potassium graphite and was crystallized from DME to give the new solvated complex, [K(DME)]2[dbCOT]n, 2. 1 was analyzed through crystallography, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, magnetometry, and CASSCF calculations. The structure of 1 consists of an anionic metallocene complex featuring a linear (180.0°) geometry with an ErIII ion sandwiched between dianionic dbCOT ligands and an outer-sphere K+ ion encapsulated in 2.2.2-cryptand. Two pronounced redox events at negative potentials allude to the formation of a trianionic erbocene complex, [Er(dbCOT)2]3-, on the electrochemical time scale. 1 shows slow magnetic relaxation with an effective spin-reversal barrier of Ueff = 114(2) cm-1, which is close in magnitude to the calculated energies of the first and second excited states of 96.9 and 109.13 cm-1, respectively. 1 exhibits waist-constricted hysteresis loops below 4 K and constitutes the first example of an erbocene-SMM bearing fused aromatic rings to the central COT ligand. Notably, 1 comprises the largest COT scaffold implemented in erbocene SMMs, yielding the most electron-rich homoleptic erbium metallocene SMM.

Substituent Positioning Effects on the Magnetic Properties of Sandwich-Type Erbium(III) Complexes with Bis(trimethylsilyl)-Substituted Cyclooctatetraenyl Ligands

Lanthanide complexes with judiciously designed ligands have been extensively studied for their potential applications as single-molecule magnets. With the influence of ligands on their magnetic properties generally established, recent research has unearthed certain effects inherent to site differentiation due to the different types and varying numbers of substituents on the same ligand platform. Using two new sandwich-type Er(III) complexes with cyclooctatetraenyl (COT) ligands featuring two differently positioned trimethylsilyl (TMS) substituents, namely, [Li(DME)Er(COT1,5-TMS2)2]n (Er1) and [Na(DME)3][Er(COT1,3-TMS2)2] (Er2) [COT1,3-TMS2 and COT1,5-TMS2 donate 1,3- and 1,5-bis(trimethylsilyl)-substituted cyclooctatetraenyl ligands, respectively; DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane], and with reference to previously reported [Li(DME)3][Er(COT1,4-TMS2)2] (A) and [K(DME)2][Er(COT1,4-TMS2)2] (B), any possible substituent position effects have been explored for the first time. The rearrangement of the TMS substituents from the starting COT1,4-TMS2 to COT1,3-TMS2 and COT1,5-TMS2, by way of formal migration of the TMS group, was thermally induced in the case of Er1, while for the formation of Er2, the use of Na+ in the placement of its Li+ and K+ congeners is essential. Both Er1 and Er2 display single-molecule magnetic behaviors with energy barriers of 170(3) and 172(6) K, respectively. Magnetic hysteresis loops, butterfly-shaped for Er1 and wide open for Er2, were observed up to 12 K for Er1 and 13 K for Er2. Studies of magnetic dynamics reveal the different pathways for relaxation of magnetization below 10 K, mainly by the Raman process for Er1 and by quantum tunneling of magnetization for Er2, leading to the order of magnitude difference in magnetic relaxation times and sharply different magnetic hysteresis loops.

Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Magnetic Properties of Lanthanide Arsolyl Sandwich Complexes

A series of trivalent lanthanide sandwich complexes [(η5-C4R4As)Ln(η8-C8H8)] using three different arsolyl ligands are reported. The complexes were obtained via salt elimination reactions between potassium arsolyl salts and lanthanide precursors [LnI(COT)(THF)2] (Ln = Sm, Dy, Er; COT = η8-C8H8). The resulting compounds exhibit classical sandwich complex structures with one notable exception. Characterization was conducted in both the solid state using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and in solution for the Sm compounds using NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of an Er complex were investigated, revealing distinctive single-molecule-magnet behavior characterized by an energy barrier of Ueff = 323.3 K. Theoretical calculations were employed to support and interpret the experimental findings, with a comparative analysis performed against previously reported complexes.

Homoleptic Rare-Earth-Metal Sandwiches with Dibenzo[a,e]cyclooctatetraene Dianions

A family of rare-earth complexes [RE(III) = Y, La, Gd, Tb, Dy, and Er] with doubly reduced dibenzo[a,e]cyclooctatetraene (DBCOT) has been synthesized and structurally characterized. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that all products of the [RE(DBCOT)(THF)4][RE(DBCOT)2] composition consist of the anionic sandwich [RE(DBCOT)2]- and the cationic counterpart [RE(DBCOT)(THF)4]+. Within the sandwich, two elongated π decks are slightly bent toward the metal center (avg. 7.3°) with a rotation angle of 35.9-37.6°. The RE(III) ion is entrapped between the central eight-membered rings of DBCOT2- in a η8 fashion. The trends in the RE-COT bond lengths are consistent with the variations of the ionic radii of RE(III) centers. The 1H NMR spectra of the diamagnetic Y(III) and La(III) analogues illustrate the distinct solution behavior for the cationic and anionic parts in this series. Magnetic measurements for the Dy analogue reveal single-molecule magnetism, which was rationalized by considering the effect of crystal-field splitting for both building units analyzed by electronic structure calculations.

Cycloheptatrienyl-Bridged Triple-Decker Complexes

The first structurally characterized organometallic multidecker sandwich complexes featuring a cycloheptatrienyl ring (Cht, C7H73-) in the coordination sphere are presented. The synthesis of inverse sandwich complexes of the rare earth elements YIII and ErIII with a bridging cycloheptatrienyl ligand of the type [(thf)(BH4)2LnIII(μ-η7:η7-Cht)LnIII(BH4)(thf)2] is described first. The subsequent introduction of the CotTIPS ligand (CotTIPS = 1,4-(iPr3Si)2C8H62-) into the coordination sphere of the rare earth cations resulted in the isolation of unprecedented triple-decker compounds with the formula [(thf)3K{(η8-CotTIPS)LnIII}2(μ-η7:η7-Cht)], bearing a seven-membered aromatic carbon ring as a middle deck. These compounds are also the first examples of rare earth triple-decker complexes not bridged by a Cot derivative, based on purely carbon-based ligands. The magnetic properties of the respective ErIII congeners were investigated in detail, leading to the observation of antiferromagnetic coupling of the ErIII cations and a blocking temperature of 13.5 K. The conversion of the YIII compound [(thf)3K{(η8-CotTIPS)YIII}2(μ-η7:η7-Cht)] with [YIII(Cot)I(thf)2] resulted in ligand rearrangement and the selective formation of the first triple-decker complex ([(η8-CotTIPSYIII)2(μ-η8:η8-Cot)]) featuring two Cot ligands with different substituents in its coordination sphere.

Magnetic anisotropy in octahedral Dy(III) and Yb(III) complexes

New organophosphate complexes [Ln(dippH)3(dippH2)3]·(H2O)6, (Ln = Dy, Yb and Y; dippH2 = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl phosphate), displaying octahedral coordination geometry around the metal ion, exhibit unusual slow relaxation of magnetisation, which is investigated through experimental studies and ab initio CASSCF calculations.

Confining single Er3+ ions in sub-3 nm NaYF4 nanoparticles to induce slow relaxation of the magnetisation

Molecular systems known as single-molecule magnets (SMMs) exhibit magnet-like behaviour of slow relaxation of the magnetisation and magnetic hysteresis and have potential application in high-density memory storage or quantum computing. Often, their intrinsic magnetic properties are plagued by low-energy molecular vibrations that lead to phonon-induced relaxation processes, however, there is no straightforward synthetic approach for molecular systems that would lead to a small amount of low-energy vibrations and low phonon density of states at the spin-resonance energies. In this work, we apply knowledge accumulated over the last decade in molecular magnetism to nanoparticles, incorporating Er3+ ions in an ultrasmall sub-3 nm diamagnetic NaYF4 nanoparticle (NP) and probing the slow relaxation dynamics intrinsic to the Er3+ ion. Furthermore, by increasing the doping concentration, we also investigate the role of intraparticle interactions within the NP. The knowledge gained from this study is anticipated to enable better design of magnetically high-performance molecular and bulk magnets for a wide variety of applications, such as molecular electronics.

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).

Unique Double and Triple Decker Arrangements of Rare-Earth 9,10-Diborataanthracene Complexes Featuring Single-Molecule Magnet Characteristics

Herein, we present the first report on the synthesis of rare-earth complexes featuring a 9,10-diborataanthracene ligand. This 14-π-electron ligand is highly reductive and was previously used in small-molecule activation. Salt elimination reactions between dipotassium 9,10-diethyl-9,10-diborataanthracene [K2(DEDBA)] and [LnIII(η8-CotTIPS)(BH4)(thf)x] (CotTIPS=1,4-(iPr3Si)2C8H6) in a 1 : 1 ratio yielded heteroleptic sandwich complexes [K(η8-CotTIPS)LnIII(η6-DEDBA)] (Ln=Y, Dy, Er). These compounds form Lewis-base-free one-dimensional coordination polymers when crystallised from toluene. In contrast, reaction of [K2(DEDBA)] and [LnIII(η8-CotTIPS)(BH4)(thf)x] in a 1 : 2 ratio led to the formation of heteroleptic triple-decker complexes [(η8-CotTIPS)LnIII(μ-η6:η6-DEDBA)LnIII(η8-CotTIPS)] (Ln=Y, Dy, Er). Notably, these are not only the first lanthanide triple-decker compounds featuring a six-membered ring as a deck but also the first trivalent lanthanide triple-decker featuring a heterocycle in the coordination sphere. Magnetic investigations reveal that [K(η8-CotTIPS)LnIII(η6-DEDBA)] (Ln=Dy, Er) and [(η8-CotTIPS)ErIII(μ-η6:η6-DEDBA)ErIII(η8-CotTIPS)] exhibit Single-Molecule Magnet (SMM) behaviour. In the case of [(η8-CotTIPS)LnIII(μ-η6:η6-DEDBA)LnIII(η8-CotTIPS)] (Ln=Dy, Er), the introduction of a second near lanthanide ion results in strong antiferromagnetic interactions, allowing the enhancement of the magnetic characteristic of the system, compared to the quasi isolated counterpart. This research renews the overlooked coordination chemistry of the DBA ligand and expands it to encompass rare-earth elements.

Luminescent Er3+ based single molecule magnets with fluorinated alkoxide or aryloxide ligands

We report the synthesis, structures, and magnetic and luminescence properties of a series of new mono- and dinuclear Er3+ complexes derived from sterically demanding aryloxide and fluorinated alkoxide ligands: [4-tBu-2,6-(Ph2CH)2C6H2O]3Er(THF) (1), [(C6F5)3CO]3Er(Me3SiOH) (2), [(C6F5)3CO]3Er[(Me3Si)2NH] (3), [(C6F5)3CO]3Er(C6H5CH3) (4), [(C6F5)3CO]3Er(o-Me2NC6H4CH3) (5) and {[Ph(CF3)2CO]2Er(μ2-OC(CF3)2Ph)}2 (6). In compounds 1, 2, and 4, the Er3+ ion is four-coordinated and adopts a distorted trigonal pyramidal geometry, while in 3, 5, and 6, the coordination geometry of Er3+ is impacted by the presence of several relatively short Er⋯F distances, making them rather 6-coordinated. All compounds behave as field-induced Single Molecule Magnets (SMMs) and exhibit an Er3+ characteristic near infrared (NIR) emission associated with the 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition with a remarkably long lifetime going up to 73 μs, which makes them multifunctional luminescent SMMs. The deconvolution of the NIR emission spectra allowed us to provide a direct probe of the crystal field splitting in these compounds, which was correlated with magnetic data.

Bimetallic Synergy Enables Silole Insertion into THF and the Synthesis of Erbium Single-Molecule Magnets

The potassium silole K2 [SiC4 -2,5-(SiMe3 )2 -3,4-Ph2 ] reacts with [M(η8 -COT)(THF)4 ][BPh4 ] (M=Er, Y; COT=cyclo-octatetraenyl) in THF to give products that feature unprecedented insertion of the nucleophilic silicon centre into a carbon-oxygen bond of THF. The structure of the major product, [(μ-η8  : η8 -COT)M(μ-L1 )K]∞ (1M ), consists of polymeric chains of sandwich complexes, where the spiro-bicyclic silapyran ligand [C4 H8 OSiC4 (SiMe3 )2 Ph2 ]2- (L1 ) coordinates to potassium via the oxygen. The minor product [(μ-η8  : η8 -COT)M(μ-L1 )K(THF)]2 (2M ) features coordination of the silapyran to the rare-earth metal. In forming 1M and 2M , silole insertion into THF only occurs in the presence of potassium and the rare-earth metal, highlighting the importance of bimetallic synergy. The lower nucleophilicity of germanium(II) leads to contrasting reactivity of the potassium germole K2 [GeC4 -2,5-(SiMe3 )2 -3,4-Me2 ] towards [M(η8 -COT)(THF)4 ][BPh4 ], with intact transfer of the germole occurring to give the coordination polymers [{η5 -GeC4 (SiMe3 )2 Me2 }M(η8 -COT)K]∞ (3M ). Despite the differences in reactivity induced by the group 14 heteroatom, the single-molecule magnet properties of 1Er , 2Er and 3Er are similar, with thermally activated relaxation occurring via the first-excited Kramers doublet, subject to effective energy barriers of 122, 80 and 91 cm-1 , respectively. Compound 1Er is also analysed by high-frequency dynamic magnetic susceptibility measurements up to 106  Hz.

Dipolar Coupling as a Mechanism for Fine Control of Magnetic States in ErCOT-Alkyl Molecular Magnets

The design of molecular magnets has progressed greatly by taking advantage of the ability to impart successive perturbations and control vibronic transitions in 4fn systems through the careful manipulation of the crystal field. Herein, we control the orientation and rigidity of two dinuclear ErCOT-based molecular magnets: the inversion-symmetric bridged [ErCOT(μ-Me)(THF)]2 (2) and the nearly linear Li[(ErCOT)2(μ-Me)3] (3). The conserved anisotropy of the ErCOT synthetic unit facilitates the direction of the arrangement of its magnetic anisotropy for the purposes of generating controlled internal magnetic fields, improving control of the energetics and transition probabilities of the electronic angular momentum states with exchange biasing via dipolar coupling. This control is evidenced through the introduction of a second thermal barrier to relaxation operant at low temperatures that is twice as large in 3 as in 2. This barrier acts to suppress through-barrier relaxation by protecting the ground state from interacting with stray local fields while operating at an energy scale an order of magnitude smaller than the crystal field term. These properties are highlighted when contrasted against the mononuclear structure ErCOT(Bn)(THF)2 (1), in which quantum tunneling of the magnetization processes dominate, as demonstrated by magnetometry and ab initio computational methods. Furthermore, far-infrared magnetospectroscopy measurements reveal that the increased rigidity imparted by successive removal of solvent ligands when adding bridging methyl groups, along with the increased excited state purity, severely limits local spin-vibrational interactions that facilitate magnetic relaxation, manifesting as longer relaxation times in 3 relative to those in 2 as temperature is increased.

A hard molecular nanomagnet from confined paramagnetic 3d-4f spins inside a fullerene cage

Reducing inter-spin distance can enhance magnetic interactions and allow for the realization of outstanding magnetic properties. However, achieving reduced distances is technically challenging. Here, we construct a 3d-4f metal cluster (Dy2VN) inside a C80 cage, affording a heretofore unseen metallofullerene containing both paramagnetic 3d and 4f metal ions. The significantly suppressed 3d-4f (Dy-V) distances, due to the unique cage confinement effect, were observed by crystallographic and theoretical analysis of Dy2VN@Ih(7)-C80. These reduced distances result in an enhanced magnetic coupling (Jtotal, Dy-V = 53.30 cm-1; Jtotal, Dy-Dy = -6.25 cm-1), leading to a high magnetic blocking temperature compared to reported 3d-4f single-molecule magnets and strong coercive field of 2.73 Tesla. Our work presents a new class of single-molecule magnets with both paramagnetic 3d and 4f metals confined in a fullerene cage, offering superior and tunable magnetic properties due to the unique cage confinement effect and the diverse composition of the entrapped magnetic core.

The influence of light on the field-induced magnetization dynamics of two Er(III) coordination polymers with different halogen substituents

Photocontrolled magnetic properties are fundamental for the applications of molecular magnets, which have the features of high time and space resolution; however, such magnetic properties are highly challenging to be achieved owing to the weak light-matter interactions. Herein, the influence of in situ light irradiation on the field-induced magnetization dynamics of two Er(III) coordination polymers 1 and 2 with the same coordination skeletons but different halogen substituents was studied. 1 and 2, and their in situ photoexcited products 1a and 2a, display field-induced magnetization dynamics based on Orbach and/or Raman processes. The magnetization dynamics are fine-modulated by the synergetic effect of light irradiation and a ligand substituent, due to the charge re-distribution of the excited states of the ligand.

Zero-Field SMM Behavior Triggered by Magnetic Exchange Interactions and a Collinear Arrangement of Local Anisotropy Axes in a Linear Co3II Complex

A new linear trinuclear Co(II)3 complex with a formula of [{Co(μ-L)}2Co] has been prepared by self-assembly of Co(II) ions and the N3O3-tripodal Schiff base ligand H3L, which is obtained from the condensation of 1,1,1-tris(aminomethyl)ethane and salicylaldehyde. Single X-ray diffraction shows that this compound is centrosymmetric with triple-phenolate bridging groups connecting neighboring Co(II) ions, leading to a paddle-wheel-like structure with a pseudo-C3 axis lying in the Co-Co-Co direction. The Co(II) ions at both ends of the Co(II)3 molecule exhibit distorted trigonal prismatic CoN3O3 geometry, whereas the Co(II) at the middle presents an elongated trigonal antiprismatic CoO6 geometry. The combined analysis of the magnetic data and theoretical calculations reveal strong easy-axis magnetic anisotropy for both types of Co(II) ions (|D| values higher than 115 cm-1) with the local anisotropic axes lying on the pseudo-C3 axis of the molecule. The magnetic exchange interaction between the middle and ends Co(II) ions, extracted by using either a Hamiltonian accounting for the isotropic magnetic coupling and ZFS or the Lines' model, was found to be medium to strong and antiferromagnetic in nature, whereas the interaction between the external Co(II) ions is weak antiferromagnetic. Interestingly, the compound exhibits slow relaxation of magnetization and open hysteresis at zero field and therefore SMM behavior. The significant magnetic exchange coupling found for [{Co(μ-L)}2Co] is mainly responsible for the quenching of QTM, which combined with the easy-axis local anisotropy of the CoII ions and the collinearity of their local anisotropy axes with the pseudo-C3 axis favors the observation of SMM behavior at zero field.

Molecular Network Approach to Anisotropic Ising Lattices: Parsing Magnetization Dynamics in Er3+ Systems with 0-3-Dimensional Spin Interactivity

We present a wide-ranging interrogation of the border between single-molecule and solid-state magnetism through a study of erbium-based Ising-type magnetic compounds with a fixed magnetic unit, using three different charge-balancing cations as the means to modulate the crystal packing environment. Properties rooted in the isolated spin Hamiltonian remain fixed, yet careful observation of the dynamics reveals the breakdown of this approximation in a number of interesting ways. First, differences in crystal packing lead to a striking 3 orders of magnitude suppression in magnetic relaxation rates, indicating a rich interplay between intermolecular interactions governed by the anisotropic Ising lattice stabilization and localized slow magnetic relaxation driven by the spin-forbidden nature of quantum tunneling of the f-electron-based magnetization. By means of diverse and rigorous physical methods, including temperature-dependent X-ray crystallography, field, temperature, and time-dependent magnetometry, and the application of a new magnetization fitting technique to quantify the magnetic susceptibility peakshape, we are able to construct a more nuanced view of the role nonzero-dimensional interactions can play in what are predominantly considered zero-dimensional magnetic materials. Specifically, we use low field susceptibility and virgin-curve analysis to isolate metamagnetic spin-flip transitions in each system with a field strength corresponding to the expected strength of the internal dipole-dipole lattice. This behavior is vital to a complete interpretation of the dynamics and is likely common for systems with such high anisotropy. This collective interactivity opens a new realm of possibility for molecular magnetic materials, where their unprecedented localized anisotropy is the determining factor in building higher dimensionality.

Modulation of magnetization dynamics of an Er(III) coordination polymer by the conversion of a ligand to a radical using UV light

Light-induced substance conversion is highly promising for creating new radical-based compounds. Herein, we report an Er(III) coordination polymer [Er(CA)(ACA)(DMF)(H₂O)]_n (1) and its Y(III)-diluted analogue 1@Y (H₂CA = 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-p-quinone, HACA = 9-anthracene carboxylic acid) with the light-induced transformation of the ligand to a radical. The χ_MT values of light-transformed products 1a and 1a@Y are higher than those of 1 and 1@Y, respectively, due to the formation of radicals by ultraviolet light irradiation, confirmed by EPR measurement as well. The effective energy barriers for magnetization reversal (U_eff) decrease from 72 K for 1 to 67 K for 1a, and from 117 K for 1@Y to 94 K for 1a@Y. This work not only provides a new light-conversion system but also reveals the nature of photo-induced variation of magnetic properties.

Dynamic Magnetic Properties of Germole-ligated Lanthanide Sandwich Complexes

The first germole-ligated single-molecule magnets are reported, with contrasting properties found for the near-linear sandwich complexes [(η8 -COT)Ln(η5 -CpGe ]- , where Ln=Dy (1Dy ) or Er (1Er ), COT is cyclo-octatetraenyl and CpGe is [GeC4 -2,5-(SiMe3 )2 -3,4-Me2 ]2- . Whereas 1Er has an energy barrier of 120(1) cm-1 in zero applied field and open hysteresis loops up to 10 K, the relaxation in 1Dy is characterized by quantum tunneling within the ground state.

Structural and Magnetization Dynamics of Borohydride-Bridged Rare-Earth Metallocenium Cations

The structure and magnetic properties of the bimetallic borohydride-bridged dysprosocenium compound [{(η⁵-Cp^ttt)(η⁵-Cp^Me4t)Dy}₂(μ:κ²:κ²-BH₄)]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]^- ([3_Dy][B(C₆F₅)₄]) are reported along with the solution-phase dynamics of the isostructural yttrium and lutetium analogues (Cp^ttt is 1,2,4-tri(tert-butyl)cyclopentadienyl, Cp^Me4t is tetramethyl(tert-butyl)cyclopentadienyl). The synthesis of [3_M][B(C₆F₅)₄] was accomplished in the 2:1 stoichiometric reactions of [(η⁵-Cp^ttt)(η⁵-Cp^Me4t)Dy(BH₄)] (2_M) with [CPh₃][B(C₆F₅)₄], with the metallocenes 2_M obtained from reactions of the half-sandwich complexes [(η⁵-Cp^ttt)M(BH₄)₂(THF)] (1_M) (M = Y, Dy, Lu) with NaCp^Me4t. Crystallographic studies show significant lengthening of the M···B distance on moving through the series 1_M, 2_M, and 3_M, with essentially linear {M···B···M} bridges in 3_M. Multinuclear NMR spectroscopy indicates restricted rotation of the Cp^ttt ligands in 3_Y and 3_Lu in solution. The single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties of [3_M][B(C₆F₅)₄] are characterized by Raman and Orbach processes, with an effective barrier of 533(18) cm^-1 and relaxation via the second-excited Kramers doublet. Although quantum tunneling of the magnetization (QTM) was not observed for [3_M][B(C₆F₅)₄], it was, surprisingly, found in its magnetically dilute version, which has a very similar barrier of U_eff = 499(21) cm^-1. Consistent with this observation, slightly wider openings of the magnetic hysteresis loop at 2 K are found for [3_M][B(C₆F₅)₄] but not for the diluted analogue. The dynamic magnetic properties of the dysprosium SMMs and the role of exchange interactions in 3_Dy are interpreted with the aid of multireference ab initio calculations.

Lanthanide metal-organic network featuring strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

The coordination of lanthanides atoms in two-dimensional surface-confined metal-organic networks is a promising path to achieve an ordered array of single atom magnets. These networks are highly versatile with plenty of combinations of molecular linkers and metallic atoms. Notably, with an appropriate choice of molecules and lanthanide atoms it should be feasible to tailor the orientation and intensity of the magnetic anisotropy. However, up to now only tilted and almost in-plane easy axis of magnetizations were reported in lanthanide-based architectures. Here we introduce an Er-directed two-dimensional metallosupramolecular network on Cu(111) featuring strong out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy. Our results will contribute to pave avenues for the use of lanthanides in potential applications in nanomagnetism and spintronics.

Strategies to quench quantum tunneling of magnetization in lanthanide single molecule magnets

Enhancing blocking temperature (T_B) is one of the holy grails in Single Molecule Magnets(SMMs), as any future potential application in this class of molecules is directly correlated to this parameter. Among many factors contributing to a reduction of T_B value, Quantum Tunnelling of Magnetisation (QTM), a phenomenon that is a curse or a blessing based on the application sought after, tops the list. Theoretical tools based on density functional and ab initio CASSCF/RASSI-SO methods have played a prominent role in estimating various spin Hamiltonian parameters and establishing the mechanism of magnetization relaxation in this class of molecules. Particularly, various strategies to quench QTM effects go hand-in-hand with experiments, and different methods proposed to quell QTM effects are scattered in the literature. In this perspective, we have explored various approaches that are proposed in the literature to quench QTM effects, and these include the role of (i) local symmetry of lanthanides, (ii) super-exchange interaction in {3d-4f} complexes, (iii) direct-exchange interaction in {radical-4f} and metal-metal bonded complexes to suppress the QTM, (iv) utilizing external stimuli such as an electric field or pressure to modulate the QTM and (v) avoiding QTM effects by stabilising toroidal states in 4f and {3d-4f} clusters. We believe the strategies summarized here will help to design new-generation SMMs.

Slow magnetic relaxation in a homoaxially phosphine oxide coordinated pentagonal bipyramidal Dy(III) complex

We report the synthesis of [(L)Dy^III(Cy₃PO)₂]·[BPh₄] (1-Dy) (where H₂L = 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis-benzoylhydrazone and Cy = cyclohexyl) which crystallized in the triclinic, P1̄ space group. The local geometry around Dy(III) in 1-Dy was found to be pentagonal bipyramidal (pseudo-D_5h). The AC magnetic susceptibility measurements performed on 1-Dy and on its diluted 1-Y(Dy) samples showed a typical single-molecule magnet signature revealed by the appearance of AC-frequency dependent out-of-phase susceptibility signals in the absence of a static magnetic field. The out-of-phase AC susceptibility signals were well resolved on the application of a small magnetic field (H_DC = 500 Oe) and yielded an energy barrier for magnetization flipping of U_eff/k_B = 50 K for the diluted derivative. The magnetic studies on 1-Dy and 1-Y(Dy) and data analysis further confirm that Raman and QTM under-barrier magnetic relaxations play a crucial role in lowering U_eff despite the almost axial nature of the Dy(III) ion in 1-Dy. We have rationalized these observations through detailed ab initio calculations performed on the X-ray crystal structure of 1-Dy.

Lanthanide Single-molecule Magnets: Synthetic Strategy, Structures, Properties and Recent Advances

Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) show wide potential applications in the field of ultrahigh-density storage materials, quantum computing, spintronics, and so on. Lanthanide (Ln) SMMs, as an important category of SMMs, open up a promising prospect due to their large magnetic moments and huge magnetic anisotropy. However, the construction of high performance for Ln SMMs remains an enormous challenge. Although remarkable advances are focused on the topic of Ln SMMs, the research on Ln SMMs with different nuclear numbers is still deficient. Therefore, this review summarizes the design strategies for the construction of Ln SMMs, as well as the metal skeleton types. Furthermore, we collect reported Ln SMMs with mononuclearity, dinuclearity, and multinuclearity (three or more Ln spin centers) and the SMM properties including energy barrier (U_eff ) and pre-exponential factor (τ₀ ) are described. Finally, Ln SMMs with low-nuclearity SMMs, especially for single-ion magnets (SIMs), are highlighted to understand the correlations between structures and magnetic behavior of the detail SMM properties are described. We expect the review can shed light on the future developments of high-performance Ln SMMs.

Linear, Electron-Rich, Homoleptic Rare Earth Metallocene and Its Redox Activity

The first homoleptic sandwich complex of dibenzocyclooctatetraene (dbCOT), representing a large cyclooctatetraene (COT) ligand with two fused benzene moieties, for any metal was accessed through salt metathesis of YCl₃ with K₂dbCOT in the presence of 2.2.2-cryptand. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis on red-brown [K(crypt-222)][Y(dbCOT)₂], 1, revealed a remarkably linear anionic yttrocene complex featuring a centroid-yttrium-centroid angle of 180.0°. The anionic moiety adopts a pseudo D_2d geometry, where the carbon atoms of the central COT ring exhibit a staggered geometry. In total, 36 π-electrons are stored on both dbCOT anions, rendering it the largest isolated sandwich complex containing only fused aromatic rings. The solution-state structure of 1 was probed through a series of techniques involving cyclic voltammetry, UV-vis, and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, including ⁸⁹Y NMR. The density functional theory (DFT) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis uncovered an ionic bonding interaction between the (dbCOT)^2- ligands and Y^III ion. NICS calculations support the experimentally observed aromatic character of 1, despite the deviation from planarity found in the dbCOT moieties. The cyclic voltammograms allude to the accessibility of a radical oxidation state, dbCOT^3-•, based on a quasi-reversible feature. Excitingly, the chemical one-electron reduction of 1 through exposure to potassium graphite yielded a paramagnetic molecule, which was detected by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques. Notably, this EPR spectrum is the first one for any sandwich complex containing a COT radical. Remarkably, 1 is thermally stable, and its isolation may provide access to mono- and multinuclear complexes comprising heavier metals with applications in small-molecule activation, single-molecule magnetism, and molecular nanowires.

Theoretical Investigation of Single-Molecule-Magnet Behavior in Mononuclear Dysprosium and Californium Complexes

Early-actinide-based (U, Np, and Pu) single-molecule magnets (SMMs) have yet to show magnetic properties similar to those of highly anisotropic lanthanide-based ones. However, there are not many studies exploring the late-actinides (more than half-filled f shells) as potential candidates for SMM applications. We computationally explored the electronic structure and magnetic properties of a hypothetical Cf(III) complex isostructural to the experimentally synthesized Dy(dbm)₃(bpy) complex (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; dbm = dibenzoylmethanoate) via multireference methods and compared them to those of the Dy(III) analogue. This study shows that the Cf(III) complex can behave as a SMM and has a greater magnetic susceptibility compared to other experimentally and computationally studied early-actinide-based (U, Np, and Pu) magnetic complexes. However, Cf spontaneously undergoes α-decay and converts to Cm. Thus, we also explored the isostructural Cm(III)-based complex. The computed magnetic susceptibility and g-tensor values show that the Cm(III) complex has poor SMM behavior in comparison to both the Dy(III) and Cf(III) complexes, suggesting that the performance of Cf(III)-based magnets may be affected by α-decay and can explain the poor performance of experimentally studied Cf(III)-based molecular magnets in the literature. Further, this study suggests that the ligand field is dominant in Cf(III), which helps to increase the magnetization blocking barrier by nearly 3 times that of its 4f congener.

Synthesis, structures and magnetic properties of four dysprosium-based complexes with a multidentate ligand with steric constraint

Four dysprosium-based complexes with a multidentate ligand with steric constraint were constructed. Their structures and magnetic properties were studied.

Experimental and theoretical investigations on three DyIII4 single molecule magnets: structural and magneto-structural correlations

The work in this report describes the syntheses, crystal structures, dc/ac magnetic behaviour, and theoretical calculations (both ab initio CASSCF and DFT) of three defect dicubane/planar butterfly type tetradysprosium(III) compounds of compositions [Dy^III₄L₄(μ₃-OH)₂(carboxylate)₂(dmf)₂] (carboxylate = formate (1), acetate (2), propionate (3)), where H₂L = 2-(2-hydroxy-3-ethoxybenzylideneamino)phenol. In the butterfly type structures, two Dy^III centres (Dy_b) occupy the body positions while two other (Dy_w) units occupy the wing positions. SHAPE analyses reveal that the coordination geometries of the Dy_b and Dy_w centres, both octacoordinated, are triangular dodecahedron (TDD) and square antiprism (SAPR), respectively. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements give an indication of weak antiferromagnetic interactions and variable-field magnetization measurements reveal strong anisotropy in all the three compounds. The variable-temperature/frequency in-phase/out-of-phase AC susceptibility data reveal that all these three compounds are SMMs with two relaxation channels under zero dc field; slow relaxation (SR) and fast relaxation (FR) processes could be assigned to the SAPR (Dy_w) and TDD (Dy_b) metal centres, respectively. The simulated U_eff and τ₀ values are: 49.0 cm^-1 and 1.76 × 10^-7 s for 1, 30.3 cm^-1 and 1.51 × 10^-8 s for 2 and 23.4 cm^-1 and 9.64 × 10^-7 s for 3. Furthermore, ab initio CASSCF/RASSI-SO/SINGLE_ANISO calculations reveal that the ground state of Dy^III centres are axial in nature with a dominating contribution from m_J = |±15/2>. The magnetization relaxation occurs via the first excited KD resulting in the large computed blocking barrier of Dy_w (SAPR) centres compared to that of the Dy_b (TDD) centres which corroborates the experimental measurements. The exchange parameters obtained from DFT calculations are generally in line with those obtained from the fitting of χ_MT vs. T in POLY_ANISO calculations. Interesting structural and magneto-structural correlations have been found, which are the major outcomes of this investigation.

Intuitive Control of Low-Energy Magnetic Excitations via Directed Dipolar Interactions in a Series of Er(III)-Based Complexes

Dipolar coupling is rarely invoked as a driving force for slow relaxation dynamics in lanthanide-based single-molecule magnets, though it is often the strongest mechanism available for mediating inter-ion magnetic interactions in such species. Indeed, for multinuclear lanthanide complexes, the magnitude and anisotropy of the dipolar interaction can be considerable given their ability to form highly directional, high-moment ground states. Herein, we present a mono-, di-, and trinuclear erbium-based single-molecule magnet sequence, ([Er-TiPS₂COT]⁺)_n (n = 1-3), wherein a drastic reduction in the allowedness of magnetic relaxation pathways is rationalized within the framework of the dipole-dipole interactions between angular momentum quanta. The resulting design principles for multinuclear molecular magnetism arising from intramolecular dipolar coupling interactions between highly anisotropic magnetic states present a nuanced justification of the relaxation dynamics in complex manifolds of individual quantized transitions. Experimental evidence for the validity of this model is provided by coupling the relaxation dynamics to an AC magnetic field across an unprecedented frequency range for molecular magnetism (10³-10^-5 Hz). The combination of slow dynamics and multiple, low-energy transitions leads to a number of noteworthy phenomena, including a lanthanide single-molecule magnet with three well-defined relaxation processes observable at a single temperature.

An intermetallic molecular nanomagnet with the lanthanide coordinated only by transition metals

Magnetic molecules known as molecular nanomagnets (MNMs) may be the key to ultra-high density data storage. Thus, novel strategies on how to design MNMs are desirable. Here, inspired by the hexagonal structure of the hardest intermetallic magnet SmCo₅, we have synthesized a nanomagnetic molecule where the central lanthanide (Ln) Er^III is coordinated solely by three transition metal ions (TM) in a perfectly trigonal planar fashion. This intermetallic molecule [Er^III(Re^ICp₂)₃] (ErRe₃) starts a family of molecular nanomagnets (MNM) with unsupported Ln-TM bonds and paves the way towards molecular intermetallics with strong direct magnetic exchange interactions-a promising route towards high-performance single-molecule magnets.

Lanthanide-mediated tuning of electronic and magnetic properties in heterotrimetallic cyclooctatetraenyl multidecker self-assemblies

The synthesis of a novel family of homoleptic COT-based heterotrimetallic self-assemblies bearing the formula [LnKCa(COT)3(THF)3] (Ln(iii) = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb) is reported followed by their X-ray crystallographic and magnetic characterization. All crystals conform to the monoclinic P21/c space group with a slight compression of the unit cell from 3396.4(2) Å3 to 3373.2(4) Å3 along the series. All complexes exhibit a triple-decker structure having the Ln(iii) and K(i) ions sandwiched by three COT2- ligands with an end-bound {Ca2+(THF)3} moiety to form a non-linear (153.5°) arrangement of three different metals. The COT2- ligands act in a η8-mode with respect to all metal centers. A detailed structural comparison of this unique set of heterotrimetallic complexes has revealed consistent trends along the series. From Gd to Yb, the Ln to ring-centroid distance decreases from 1.961(3) Å to 1.827(2) Å. In contrast, the separation of K(i) and Ca(ii) ions from the COT-centroid (2.443(3) and 1.914(3) Å, respectively) is not affected by the change of Ln(iii) ions. The magnetic property investigation of the [LnKCa(COT)3(THF)3] series (Ln(iii) = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm) reveals that the Dy, Er, and Tm complexes display slow relaxation of their magnetization, in other words, single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties. This behaviour is dominated by thermally activated (Orbach-like) and quantum tunneling processes for [DyKCa(COT)3(THF)3] in contrast to [ErKCa(COT)3(THF)3], in which the thermally activated and Raman processes appear to be relevant. Details of the electronic structures and magnetic properties of these complexes are further clarified with the help of DFT and ab initio theoretical calculations.

Introduction of plumbole to f-element chemistry

Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization of heteroleptic lanthanide complexes bearing a dianionic η5-plumbole ligand in their coordination sphere. The reaction proceeds via a salt elimination reaction between the dilithioplumbole ([Li(thf)]2[1,4-bis-tert-butyl-dimethylsilyl-2,3-bis-phenyl-plumbolyl] = [Li2(thf)2(η5-LPb)]) and specifically designed [Ln(η8-COTTIPS)BH4] precursors (Ln = lanthanide, La, Ce, Sm, Er; COTTIPS = 1,4-bis-triisopropylsilyl-cyclooctatetraenyl), that are capable of stabilizing a planar plumbole moiety in the coordination sphere of different trivalent lanthanide ions. In-depth ab initio calculations show that the aromaticity of the dianionic plumbole is retained upon coordination. Electron delocalization occurs from the plumbole HOMO to an orbital of mainly d-character at the lanthanide ion. The magnetic properties of the erbium congener were investigated in detail, leading to the observation of magnetic hysteresis up to 5 K (200 Oe s-1), an unequivocal proof for single molecule magnet behavior in this system. The magnetic behavior of the erbium species can be modulated by manipulating the position of the lithium cation in the complex, which directly influences the bonding metrics in the central [(η5-LPb)Er(η8-COTTIPS)]- fragment. This allowed us to assess a fundamental magneto-structural correlation in an otherwise identical inner coordination sphere.

Heteroleptic Rare-Earth Tris(metallocenes) Containing a Dibenzocyclooctatetraene Dianion

Isolable heteroleptic tris(metallocenes) containing five-membered and larger rings remain extremely scarce. The utilization of tripositive rare-earth-metal ions with ionic radii >1 Å allowed access to unprecedented and sterically congested dibenzocyclooctatetraenyl (dbCOT) metallocenes, [K(crypt-222)][Cp^tet₂RE(η²-dbCOT)] (RE = Y (1), Dy (2); Cp^tet = tetramethylcyclopentadienyl), through a salt metathesis reaction involving Cp^tet₂RE(BPh₄) and the potassium salt of the dbCOT dianion. The solid-state structures were investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetometry, and IR spectroscopy and provided evidence for the first crystallographically characterized (dbCOT)^2- anion in a complex containing d- or f-block metals. Remarkably, the (Cp^tet)^- ligands force a distortion from planarity within the (dbCOT)^2- moiety, engendering a rare η²-bonding motif, as opposed to the classical η⁸ conformation observed in complexes bearing a (COT)^2- ion. The η² coordination mode was proven crystallographically between 100 and 298 K and computationally (DFT and NBO). Furthermore, nucleus independent chemical shift (NICS) calculations uncovered significant ring current within the dbCOT ligand. The solution-state properties of 1 and 2 were analyzed via cyclic voltammetry, NMR, and UV-vis spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammograms of 1 and 2 exhibit a quasi-reversible feature indicating the accessibility of complexes with dbCOT in two oxidation states (dbCOT^2-/3-•). Importantly, the dysprosium congener, 2, is a zero-field single-molecule magnet (SMM).

Metal–metal bond in lanthanide single-molecule magnets

This review surveys recent critical advances in lanthanide SMMs, highlighting the influences of metal–metal bonds on the magnetization dynamics.

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.

Effect of the Transition Metal Ions on the Single-Molecule Magnet Properties in a Family of Air-Stable 3d-4f Ion-Pair Compounds with Pentagonal Bipyramidal Ln(III) Ions

Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) are expected to be promising candidates for the applications of high-density information storage materials and quantum information processing. Lanthanide SMMs have attracted considerable interest in recent years due to their excellent performance. It has always been interesting but not straightforward to study the relaxation and blocking mechanisms by embedding 3d ions into 4f SMMs. Here we report a family of air-stable 3d-4f ion-pair compounds, YFe (1), DyCr (2), DyFe (3), DyCo (4), and Dy_0.04Y_0.96Fe (5), composed of pentagonal bipyramidal (D_5h) Ln^III cations and transition metallocyanate anions. The ion-pair nature makes the dipole-dipole interactions almost the only component of the magnetic interactions that can be clarified and analytically resolved under proper approximation. Therefore, this family provides an intuitive opportunity to investigate the effects of 3d-4f and 4f-4f magnetic interactions on the behavior of site-resolved 4f SMMs. Dynamic magnetic measurements of 1 under a 4 kOe external field reveal slow magnetic relaxation originating from the isolated [Fe^III]_LS (S = ¹/₂) ions. Under zero dc field, compounds 2-5 show similar magnetic relaxation processes coming from the separated pentagonal bipyramidal (D_5h) Dy^III ions with high Orbach barriers of 592(5), 596(4), 595(3), and 606(4) K, respectively. Comparatively, both compounds 3 and 5 exhibit two distinct relaxation processes, respectively from the [Fe^III]_LS and Dy^III [U_eff = 596(4) K for 3 and 610(7) K for 5] ions, under a 4 kOe dc field. The dipolar interactions between the neighboring TM^III (TM = transition metal, Cr^III or [Fe^III]_LS) and Dy^III ions were revealed to have little effect on the thermal relaxation in compounds 2, 3, and 5, or the coexistence of the two separate relaxation processes in compounds 3 and 5 under a 4 kOe dc field, but they significantly affect the quantum tunneling of magnetization and the magnetic hysteresis behavior of 2 and 3 at low temperatures compared to those of 4.

Recent advances in lanthanide coordination polymers and clusters with magnetocaloric effect or single-molecule magnet behavior

Molecular magnetorefrigerant materials for low-temperature magnetic refrigeration and single-molecule magnets for high-density information storage and quantum computing have received extensive attention from chemists and magnetic experts. Lanthanide ions with unique magnetic properties have always been considered as ideal candidates for the construction of such materials. This frontier article focuses on Gd^III-based molecular magnetorefrigerants and lanthanide-based single-molecule magnets and highlights the most significant advances.

The Archetypal Homoleptic Lanthanide Quadruple-Decker-Synthesis, Mechanistic Studies, and Quantum Chemical Investigations

Reduction of [SmIII (COT1,4-SiiPr3 )(BH4 )(thf)] (COT1,4-SiiPr3 =1,4-(i Pr3 Si)3 C8 H6 ) with KC8 resulted in [SmIII/II/III (COT1,4-SiiPr3 )4 ], the first example of a homoleptic lanthanide quadruple-decker. As indicated by an analysis of the bond metrics in the solid-state, the inner Sm ion is present in the divalent oxidation state, while the outer ones are trivalent. This observation could be confirmed by quantum chemical calculations. Mechanistic studies revealed not only insight into possible formation pathways of [SmIII/II/III (COT1,4-SiiPr3 )4 ] but also resulted in the transformation to other mixed metal sandwich complexes with unique structural properties. These are the 1D-polymeric chain structured [KSmIII (COT1,4-SiiPr3 )]n and the hexametallic species [(tol)K(COT1,4-SiiPr3 )SmII (COT1,4-SiiPr3 )K]2 which were initially envisioned as possible building blocks as part of different retrosynthetically guided pathways that we developed.

Coordination anion effects on the geometry and magnetic interaction of binuclear Dy2 single-molecule magnets

Two new dimeric dysprosium(III) complexes, [Dy₂(HL)₂(SCN)₂]·2CH₃CN (1) and [Dy₂(HL)₂(NO₃)₂]·2CH₃CN·2H₂O (2), have been assembled using the H₃L multidentate ligand (H₃L = 2,2'-((((2-hydroxy-5-methyl-1,3-phenylene)bis(methylene))bis((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)azanediyl))bis(methylene))diphenol). The use of different coordination anions for the two complexes results in distinct coordination geometries of the metal sites. The Dy centers in complexes 1 and 2 display capped octahedron and triangular dodecahedron coordination geometries, respectively. Consequently, the two compounds exhibit distinct dc and ac magnetic properties. Complex 1 behaves as a single molecule magnet (SMM) while no SMM behavior is observed for complex 2. Although complexes 1 and 2 possess a similar core of Dy₂O₂, their different coordination anions lead to two distinct magnetic interactions, namely ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic, respectively. Ab initio calculations reveal that these interactions may result from strong intramolecular dipolar couplings that are ferromagnetic for 1 but antiferromagnetic for 2, while exchange couplings are antiferromagnetic in both cases.

Slow Magnetic Relaxation in Mono- and Bimetallic Lanthanide Tetraimido-Sulfate S(NtBu)4 2- Complexes

Lanthanide ions are particularly well-suited for the design of single-molecule magnets owing to their large unquenched orbital angular momentum and strong spin-orbit coupling that gives rise to high magnetic anisotropy. Such nanoscopic bar magnets can potentially revolutionize high-density information storage and processing technologies, if blocking temperatures can be increased substantially. Exploring non-classical ligand scaffolds with the aim to boost the barriers to spin-relaxation are prerequisite. Here, the synthesis, crystallographic and magnetic characterization of a series of each isomorphous mono- and dinuclear lanthanide (Ln=Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er) complexes comprising tetraimido sulfate ligands are presented. The dinuclear Dy complex [{(thf)2 Li(NtBu)2 S(tBuN)2 DyCl2 }2  ⋅ ClLi(thf)2 ] (1c) shows true signatures of single-molecule magnet behavior in the absence of a dc field. In addition, the mononuclear Dy and Tb complexes [{(thf)2 Li(NtBu)2 S(tBuN)2 LnCl2 (thf)2 ] (2b,c) show slow magnetic relaxation under applied dc fields.