Thermal hysteresis in dithiadiazolyl and dithiazolyl radicals induced by supercooling of paramagnetic liquids close to room temperature: a study of F3CCNSSN and an interpretation of the behaviour of F3CCSNSCCF3

Magnetic Bistability in an Organic Radical-Based Charge Transfer Cocrystal

We report herein an organic charge transfer cocrystal complex, consisting of a stable radical TPVr and an electron acceptor TCNQF4, as a rare sort of all-organic-based magnetic bistable materials with a thermally activated magnetic hysteresis loop over the temperature range from 170 to 260 K. Detailed X-ray crystallographic studies and theoretical calculations revealed that while a π-associated radical anion dimer was formed upon an integer charge transfer process from TPVr to the TCNQF4 molecules within the cocrystal lattice, the resulting TCNQF4·- π-dimers were found to exhibit varied intradimer π-stacking distances and singly occupied molecular orbital overlaps at different temperatures, thus yielding two different singlet states with distinct singlet-triplet gaps above and below the loop, which eventually contributed to the thermally excited molecular magnetic bistability.

Room-Temperature Magnetic Bistability in a Salt of Organic Radical Ions

Cocrystallization of 7,7',8,8'-tetracyanoquinodimethane radical anion (TCNQ^-•) and 3-methylpyridinium-1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolyl radical cation (3-MepyDTDA^+•) afforded isostructural acetonitrile (MeCN) or propionitrile (EtCN) solvates containing cofacial π dimers of homologous components. Loss of lattice solvent from the diamagnetic solvates above 366 K affords a high-temperature paramagnetic phase containing discrete TCNQ^-• and weakly bound π dimers of 3-MepyDTDA^+•, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction methods and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Below 268 K, a first-order phase transition occurs, leading to a low-temperature diamagnetic phase with TCNQ^-• σ dimer and π dimers of 3-MepyDTDA^+•. This study reveals the first example of cooperative interactions between two different organic radical ions leading to magnetic bistability, and these results are central to the future design of multicomponent functional molecular materials.

EPR studies of the dynamics and phase behaviour of dithiadiazolyl radicals derived from mesogenic precursors

A series of liquid-crystalline materials based on 4-substituted cyanobiphenyls, RC(6)H(4)C(6)H(4)CN (R = C(5)H(11), C(6)H(13), C(7)H(15), C(8)H(17) and C(12)H(25), commonly referred to as 5CB, 6CB, 7CB, 8CB and 12CB, respectively) were functionalised to give the corresponding dithiadiazolyl organic radicals RC(6)H(4)C(6)H(4)CNSSN(*) (compounds 1(*), 2(*), 3(*), 4(*) and 5(*), respectively). EPR spectra of n-C(12)H(25)C(6)H(4)C(6)H(4)CNSSN(*) (5(*)) reveal that it adopts a dimeric diamagnetic structure in the solid state with a small number of paramagnetic defect sites. Variable temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies reveal a thermally activated rotation about the molecular long axis at temperatures above 314 K. The energy barrier to rotation about the phenylene-dithiadiazolyl bond was estimated as 25 kJ mol(-1) using density functional theory (DFT). At elevated temperatures thermal annealing was also observed, quenching the sample's paramagnetism.

Tuning Intermolecular Magnetic Exchange Interactions in the Solids CxF2x(CNSSS)2(AsF6)2: Structural, EPR, and Magnetic Characterization of Dimeric (x = 2, 4) Diradicals

A series of diradical containing salts CxF2x(CNSSS)2(**2+0(AsF6-)2 {x = 2, 1[AsF6]2; x = 3, 3[AsF6]2; x = 4, 2[AsF6]2} have been prepared. 1[AsF6]2 and 2[AsF6]2 were fully characterized by X-ray, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility, and solid-state EPR measurements, further allowing us to extend the number of examples of the family of rare 7pi RCNSSS(*+) radical cations. 1[AsF6]2: a = 6.5314(7) A, b = 7.5658(9) A, c = 9.6048(11) A, alpha = 100.962(2) degrees , beta = 96.885(2) degrees , gamma = 107.436(2) degrees , triclinic, space group P, Z = 1, T = 173 K. 2[AsF6]2: a = 10.6398(16) A, b = 7.9680(11) A, c = 12.7468(19) A, beta = 99.758(2) degrees , monoclinic, space group P21/c, Z = 2, T = 173 K. In the solid-state, CxF2x(CNSSS)2(**2+) (x = 2, 4) formed one-dimensional polymeric chains of dications containing discrete centrosymmetric radical pairs in which radicals were linked by four centered two-electron pi*-pi* bonds [12+, d(S...S) = 3.455(1) A; 22+, d(S...S) = 3.306(2) A]. The exchange interactions in these bonds were determined to be -500 +/- 30 and -900 +/- 90 cm-1, by variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements, respectively, providing rare experimental data on the singlet-triplet gaps in the field of thiazyl radicals. For 2[AsF6]2, the thermally excited triplet state was unambiguously characterized by EPR techniques [/D/ = 0.0254(8) cm(-1), /E/ = 0.0013(8) cm(-1)]. These experimental data implied a weakly associated nature of the radical moieties contained in the solids 1[AsF6]2 and 2[AsF6]2. Computational analysis of the dimerization process is presented, and we show that the 2c 4 electron pi*-pi* bonds in 1[AsF6]2 and 2[AsF6]2 have ca. 50% and 40% diradical character, respectively. In contrast, 3[AsF6]2.SO2, containing diradical C3F6(CNSSS)2(**2+) with an odd number of CF2 spacers, showed magnetic behavior that was consistent with the presence of monomeric radical centers in the solid state.

Characterization of the Diradical •NSNSC−CNSSN• and [NSNSC−CNSSN][MF6]n (n = 1, 2). The First Observation of an Excited Triplet State in Dimers of 7π −CNSSN• Radicals

Preparation and full characterization of the main-group diradical *NSNSC-CNSSN*, 8, the MF6- salt (As, Sb) of radical cation +NSNSC-CNSSN*, 8*+, and the AsF6- salt of the dication +NSNSC-CNSSN+, 82+, are presented. 8, a=6.717 (4), b=11.701(2), c=8.269(3) A, alpha=gamma=90, beta=106.69(3) degrees, monoclinic, space group P21/n, Z=4, T=203 K; 8SbF6, a=6.523(2), b=7.780(2), c=12.012(4) A, alpha=91.994(4), beta=96.716(4), gamma=09.177(4) degrees, triclinic, space group P, Z=2, T=198 K; 8[AsF6]2, a=12.7919(14), b=9.5760(11), c=18.532(2) A, alpha=gamma=90, beta=104.034(2) degrees, monoclinic, space group Pn, Z=6, T=198 K. Preparation of 8MF6 was carried out via a reduction of [CNSNS]2[MF6]2 (M=As, Sb) with either ferrocene or a SbPh3-NBu4Cl mixture. In the solid state, diamagnetic 8SbF6 contains centrosymmetric dimers [8*+]2 linked via two-electron four-centered pi*-pi* interactions with a thermally excited triplet state as detected by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). This is the first observation of a triplet excited state for a 7pi 1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolyl radical dimer. The singlet-triplet gap of the [-CNSSN*]2 radical pair was -1800+/-100 cm(-1) (-22+/-1 kJ/mol) with the ZFS components |D|=0.0267(6) cm(-1) and |E|=0.0012(1) cm(-1), corresponding to an in situ dimerization energy of ca. -11 kJ/mol. Cyclic voltammetry measurements of 8[AsF6]2 showed two reversible waves associated with a stepwise reduction of the two isomeric rings [E1/2 (+2/+1)=1.03 V; E1/2 (+1/0)=0.47 V, respectively]. 8MF6 (M=As, Sb) was further reduced to afford the mixed main-group diradical 8, containing two isomeric radical rings. In solution, 8 is thermodynamically unstable with respect to *NSSNC-CNSSN*, but is isolable in the solid state because of its low solubility in SO2. Likewise, 8SbF6, 8 is dimeric, with pi*-pi* interactions between different isomeric rings, and consequently diamagnetic; however, a slight increase in paramagnetism was observed upon grinding [from C=6.5(3)x10(-4) emu.K/mol and temperature-independent paramagnetism (TIP)=1.3(1)x10(-4) emu/mol to C=3.2(1)x10(-3) emu.K/mol and TIP=9.0(1)x10(-4) emu/mol], accompanied by an increase in the lattice-defect S=1/2 sites [from 0.087(1) to 0.43(1)%]. Computational analysis using the multiconfigurational approach [CASSCF(6,6)/6-31G*] indicated that the two-electron multicentered pi*-pi* bonds in [8*+]2 and [8]2 have substantial diradical characters, implying that their ground states are diradicaloid in nature. Our results suggest that the electronic structure of organic-radical ion pairs, for example, [TTF*+]2, [TCNE*-]2, [TCNQ*-]2, [DDQ*-]2, and related pi dimers, can be described in a similar way.

Metal complexes of thiazyl radicals

A diverse variety of thiazyl radicals is known. Intense study of these heterocycles continues in the pursuit of molecule-based materials with novel, academically interesting, and technologically relevant properties. Coordination of these species to metal atoms and ions has focused primarily on the 1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolyl 2 and 1,3,2-dithiazolyl 6. The potential of these two heterocycles as ligand building-blocks has, by no means, been fully exploited. From the structural and electronic similarities between 2 and the verdazyl and nitronyl nitroxide radicals, it is apparent that similar radical ligand designs ought to be achievable. The sulfur atoms of 2 lend a unique feature to this radical that may yet be employed as a means of controlling intermolecular interactions or developing multi-metal species. The recent report of sulfur coordination to 6 demonstrates that there is yet more design flexibility available from this thiazyl as well. Coordination complexes of other radical thiazyls have begun appearing in the literature. This field is currently in its infancy and is starting to be recognized as an enormous source of untapped potential in the future development of molecule-based materials.

Toward a More General Synthetic Route to Paramagnetic Solids Containing RCNSSS•+ Radical Cations. A Structure−Property Correlation for RCNSSS•+ (R = F5C2, Cl3C)

Reaction of Cl3CN and F5C2CN with a 1:1 mixture of S4(AsF6)2 and S8(AsF6)2 affords the paramagnetic solids Cl3CNSSSAsF6 (1CCl3AsF6) and F5C2CNSSSAsF6 (1C2F5AsF6). Isotropic electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of 1CCl3AsF6 and 1C2F5AsF6 in SO2 consist of a single line with g = 2.01675 and 2.01580, respectively. The structure of 1CCl3AsF6 contains chains of radical cations with relatively close interchain interactions. In contrast, chains are isolated in 1C2F5AsF6. The magnetic behavior of both compounds was interpreted as that of 1D Heisenberg antiferromagnetic chains (1CCl3AsF6, J = -34 cm(-1), theta = -9 cm(-1), TIP = 0.00082, rho = 0.012; 1C2F5AsF6, J = -21 cm(-1), theta = -4.2 cm(-1), TIP = 0.00092, rho = 0.065). Density functional theory calculated and experimental magnetic coupling constants were in good agreement. The correlation between intermolecular S...S contacts and the strength of magnetic couplings was established.

Characterisation of the thermally accessible spin triplet state in dimers of the 7? ClCNSSS+? in the solid state

[ClCNSSS]2(2+) is the first example of a thiazyl radical dimer where population of a thermally excited spin triplet state has been detected, as is proved by VT-powder and single-crystal EPR spectroscopy.

Preparation and Solid-State Characterization of the Novel Mixed Biradical •NSNSC−CNSSN•

Reduction of the radical-cation [*NSSNC-CNSNS][AsF(6)] with ferrocene affords the novel biradical *NSNSC-CNSSN* containing both 1,2,3,5- and 1,3,2,4-isomeric dithiadiazolyl rings. Biradicals form centrosymmetric dimers with pi(*)-pi(*) interactions between different isomeric rings. Biradical *NSNSC-CNSSN* is diamagnetic in the solid state (C = 0.00035, TIP = 6.5 x 10(-)(5) emu/Oe.mol); however, an increase in paramagnetism was observed upon grinding (C = 0.003, TIP = 4.2 x 10(-)(4) emu/Oe.mol).

Bistabilities in 1,3,2-Dithiazolyl Radicals

New synthetic methods for heterocyclic 1,3,2-dithiazolyl (DTA) radicals have been developed, and trends in the molecular spin distributions and electrochemical properties of a series of DTA radicals are reported. The crystal structures of [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-f][1,3,2]benzodithiazol-2-yl (TBDTA) and [1,3,2]pyrazinodithiazol-2-yl (PDTA) have been determined. The structure of TBDTA (at 293 and 95 K) contains two molecules in the asymmetric unit, each of which generates pi-stacked arrays, one consisting of antiparallel chains of centrosymmetrically associated dimers, the other comprising parallel chains of unassociated radicals. The structure of PDTA (at 293 and 95 K) is simpler, consisting of slipped stacks of pi-dimers. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility (chi(P)) measurements on TBDTA indicate essentially paramagnetic behavior for the unassociated radical pi-stacks over the range 5-400 K. By contrast PDTA is diamagnetic at all temperatures below 300 K, but between 300 and 350 K the value of chi(P) follows a sharp and well-defined hysteresis loop, with T(C) downward arrow = 297 K and T(C) upward arrow = 343 K. These features are symptomatic of a regime of bistability involving the observed low temperature pi-dimer structure and a putative high-temperature radical pi-stack. A mechanism for the interconversion of the two phases of PDTA and related structures is proposed in which hysteretic behavior arises from cooperative effects associated with the breaking and making of a lattice-wide network of intermolecular S- - -N' and/or S- - -S' interactions.

Small molecule fixation by a dithiadiazolyl radical: X-ray crystal structures of (CF3C6H3FCNSSN)2and (CF3C6H3FCNSSN)2˙G (G = N2, Ar, CO2and SO2)

The title dithiadiazolyl radical, F3CC6H3FCNSSN (1) forms inclusion structures with small molecules (such as N2, CO2, Ar and SO2) when sublimed under partial atmospheres of the guest.