A photochromic trinuclear dysprosium(iii) single-molecule magnet with two distinct relaxation processes

Multifunctional molecules responsive to light are highly desired as components for the construction of remotely controlled nanodevices. Here we present a DyIII single molecule magnet (SMM) comprising dithienylethene (dte) photochromic bridging ligands in the form of a pyridine (py) derivative: 1,2-bis((2-methyl-5-pyridyl)thie-3-yl)perfluorocyclo-pentene (dtepy). The title trinuclear compound {[DyIII(BHT)3]3(dtepy)2}·4C5H12 (1) was synthesized by combining the low-coordinate dysprosium complexes DyIII(BHT)3 (BHT = 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenolate) with dtepy bridging ligands in the 'open' form using n-pentane as a completely inert solvent. The trinuclear molecule comprises two different DyIII centers due to its quasi-linear geometry: a central trigonal bipyramidal DyIII ion and two peripheral ones with an approximate trigonal pyramidal geometry. Thanks to that, 1 shows two types of SMM behavior which is slightly affected by the photoisomerization of the photochromic dtepy bridges. The impact of the photoisomerization on the magnetization dynamics was studied by means of alternating current (AC) magnetic susceptibility measurements for the 'open' and 'closed' forms of the molecules. The changes between the 'open' and 'closed' isomers were further investigated by IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, suggesting the co-existence of the ligand-related photochromism and single-molecule magnet behavior in 1. However, the powder X-ray diffraction studies indicate loss of structural order in the first photoisomerization step preventing in-depth studies.

Modulating the Structures and Magnetic Properties of Dy(III) Single-Molecule Magnets through Acid-Base Regulation

Chemical modulation on the structures and physical properties of the coordination complexes is of great interest for the preparation of new functional materials. By changing the acidity or basicity of the reaction medium, the deprotonation degree of a multidentate ligand with multiple active protons, H₄daps (H₄daps = N',N'″-((1E,1'E)-pyridine-2,6-diylbis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene))bis(2-hydroxybenzohydrazide)), can be regulated on purpose. With this ligand of different deprotonation and charges, three new Dy^III complexes ([Dy(H₃daps)(CH₃COO)₂(EtOH)]·CH₃COOH (1Dy), [Dy₂(H₂daps)₂(EtOH)₂(H₂O)₂(MeOH)₂](CF₃SO₃)₂·(H₂O)₂ (2Dy), and [Dy₃(H₁daps)₂(H₂daps)(μ₃-OH)(EtOH)(H₂O)] (3Dy)) of different nuclearities (mono-, di-, and trinuclear for 1Dy to 3Dy, respectively) have been synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. Analyses on the related bond lengths and resulting hydrogen bond modes in the complexes provide the details of the deprotonation position and the charge of the ligands, which can be in the form of H₃daps^-, H₂daps^2-, and H₁daps^3-. Interestingly, the more deprotonated ligand can act as a bridging ligand between the Dy^III centers using the phenol and/or carbonyl oxygen atoms, which leads to the multinuclear structures. Magnetic studies on these complexes revealed that complex 1Dy is a field-induced single-molecule magnet (SMM), while complexes 2Dy and 3Dy show SMM behavior under a zero dc field.

Metal complexes bearing photochromic ligands: photocontrol of functions and processes

Metal complexes associated with photochromic molecules are attractive platforms to achieve smart light-switching materials with innovative and exciting properties due to specific optical, electronic, magnetic or catalytic features of metal complexes and by perturbing the excited-state properties of both components to generate new reactivity and photochemical properties. In this overview, we focus on selected achievements in key domains dealing with optical, redox, magnetic properties, as well as application in catalysis or supramolecular chemistry. We also try to point out scientific challenges that are still faced for future developments and applications.

Controlling dynamic magnetic properties of coordination clusters via switchable electronic configuration

Large-sized coordination clusters have emerged as a new class of molecular materials in which many metal atoms and organic ligands are integrated to synergize their properties. As dynamic magnetic materials, such a combination of multiple components functioning as responsive units has many advantages over monometallic systems due to the synergy between constituent components. Understanding the nature of dynamic magnetism at an atomic level is crucial for realizing the desired properties, designing responsive molecular nanomagnets, and ultimately unlocking the full potential of these nanomagnets for practical applications. Therefore, this review article highlights the recent development of large-sized coordination clusters with dynamic magnetic properties. These dynamic properties can be associated with spin transition, electron transfer, and valence fluctuation through their switchable electronic configurations. Subsequently, the article also highlights specialized characterization techniques with different timescales for supporting switching mechanisms, chemistry, and properties. Afterward, we present an overview of coordination clusters (such as cyanide-bridged and non-cyanide assemblies) with dynamic magnetic properties, namely, spin transition and electron transfer in magnetically bistable systems and mixed-valence complexes. In particular, the response mechanisms of coordination clusters are highlighted using representative examples with similar transition principles to gain insights into spin state and mixed-valence chemistry. In conclusion, we present possible solutions to challenges related to dynamic magnetic clusters and potential opportunities for a wide range of intelligent next-generation devices.

Hysteresis Photomodulation via Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Isomerization of a Photochromic Chain of Dysprosium Single-Molecule Magnets

A one-dimensional coordination solid 1_c is synthesized by reaction of a bispyridyl dithienylethene (DTE) photochromic unit with the highly anisotropic dysprosium-based single-molecule magnet [Dy(Tp^py)F(pyridine)₂]PF₆. Slow magnetic relaxation characteristics are retained in the chain compound 1_c, and photoisomerization of the bridging DTE ligand induces a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation that can be monitored using photocrystallography. Notably, the resulting chain compound 1_o exhibits faster low-temperature relaxation than that of 1_c, which is apparent in magnetic hysteresis data collected for both compounds as high as 4 K. Ab initio calculations suggest that this photomodulation of the magnetic relaxation behavior is due to crystal packing changes rather than changes to the crystal field splitting upon ligand isomerization.

Physical stimulus and chemical modulations of bistable molecular magnetic materials

In this Feature Article, we summarize the recent progress made in modulating the multifaceted magnetic behaviour of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) and spin-crossover (SCO) materials based on chemical modifications and external stimuli.

Switchable slow relaxation of magnetization in photochromic dysprosium(iii) complexes manipulated by a dithienylethene ligand

The admirable photochromic and magnetic properties of two dithienylethene-based complexes can be modulated with UV/Vis light irradiation.

Single Ion Magnets from 3d to 5f: Developments and Strategies

Single-ion magnets (SIMs), exhibiting slow magnetization relaxation in the absence of the magnetic field, originate from their single spin-carrier centre. In pursuit of high-performance magnetic properties, such as high spin-reversal barrier and high blocking temperature, various metal centres were investigated to establish SIMs, including 3d and 5d transition metal ions, 4f lanthanide ions, and 5f actinide ions, which possess unique zero-field splitting and magnetic properties. Therefore, proper ligand field is of great importance to different types of metals. In the given great breakthroughs since the first SIM, [Pc₂ Tb]^- (Pc=dianion of phthalocyanine), was reported, strategies of ligand field design have emerged. In this review, the developments of SIMs with different metal centres are summarized, as well as the possible strategies.

trans to cis photo-isomerization in merocyanine dysprosium and yttrium complexes

A unique light-switching behavior is revealed in Yttrium(iii) and Dysprosium(iii) merocyanine complexes through NMR and AC magnetometry experiments. Its impact on slow relaxation of magnetization is described.

A series of six-membered lanthanide rings based on 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2′,2″-nitrilotriethanol: synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties

A series of six-membered ring cyclic lanthanide(iii) clusters have been constructed by utilizing the pentol ligand.

Lanthanide dinuclear complexes constructed from mixed oxygen-donor ligands: the effect of substituent positions of the neutral ligand on the magnetic dynamics in Dy analogues

Two series of lanthanide dinuclear complexes with the general formulae, [Ln(n-PNO)(Bza)3(H2O)] {Bza = benzoic acid; n = 3, n-PNO = 3-picoline N-oxide, Dy(1) and Er(2); and n = 4, n-PNO = 4-picoline N-oxide, Nd(3), Eu(4), Gd(5), Tb(6), Dy(7), Er(8) and Y(9)} have been successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal method. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments illustrate that the two series of compounds possess similar carboxylic ligand-bridged dinuclear structure and coordination geometry around the lanthanide ions despite the different methyl-substituent positions on the neutral ligand. Comparative studies of the Dy analogues in the static-field measurements reveal only a little difference with a small butterfly-shaped opening for complex 1 and a close hysteresis loop for 7 at 2.0 K. However, systematic investigations of the alternating-current (ac) measurements indicate that the different substituent positions of the picoline N-oxide ligand have a significant effect on the magnetic relaxation dynamics. A more substantial suppression of the quantum tunnelling of magnetization (QTM) effect and pronounced slow magnetic relaxation were observed in complex 7 as compared to 1 under both zero and a 1 kOe static field.

Mechanical switching of magnetic interaction by tweezers-type complex

An original approach using a mechanical motion to control the magnetic interaction between the two spin centers of terpy(Cu–salphen)₂ complexes is presented.