Unravelling the role of spin-vibrational coupling in designing high-performance pentagonal bipyramidal Dy(iii) single ion magnets

At the cutting edge of high-performance single-molecule magnets (SMMs) lie lanthanide-based complexes, renowned for their potent magnetic anisotropy. SMMs containing one metal centre are defined as single-ion magnets (SIMs). The performance of SMMs is measured generally via the barrier height for magnetisation reversal (Ueff) and blocking temperature (TB), below which the magnetisation is fully frozen. To enhance the Ueff and TB values in lanthanide-based SMMs, the static crystal field splitting of mJ levels has been effectively adjusted through ligand design, leveraging the oblate/prolate ground state 4f electron density shape. However, the maximum fine-tuning achievable through ligand design, known as the axial limit, has already been reached in this class of compounds. This necessitates new design principles to enhance SMM characteristics to better suit end-user applications. Among other avenues that can be explored to improve SMM characteristics, a deeper understanding of spin-phonon coupling is critical to advancing TB values. However, there are only a handful of examples where this has been deciphered. In this work, using a combination of DFT and ab initio CASSCF calculations, we have performed spin-phonon calculations on five classes of pentagonal bipyramidal Dy(iii) SIMs exhibiting TB values in the range of 4.5 K to 36 K ([Dy(bbpen)Br] (1, H2bbpen = N,N'-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N,N'-bis(2-methylpyridyl)ethylenediamine), [Dy(OCMe3)Br(THF)5][BPh4] (2) [Dy(OSiMe3)Br(THF)5] [BPh4] (3), [Dy(LN5)(Ph3SiO)2](BPh4)·CH2Cl2 (4) and [L2Dy(H2O)5][I]3·L2·H2O (5, L = tBuPO(NHiPr)2)). Unlike the method employed elsewhere for the calculation of spin-phonon coupling, in this work, we have employed a set of criteria and intuitively selected vibrational modes to perform the spin-phonon coupling analysis. The approach provided here not only reduces the computational cost significantly but also suggests chemical intuition to improve the performance of this class of compounds. Our calculations reveal that low-energy vibrational modes govern the magnetisation relaxation in these SIMs. A flexible first coordination sphere found on some of the complexes was found to be responsible for low-energy vibrations that flip the magnetisation, reducing the TB values drastically (complexes 2 and 3). On the other hand, a rigid first coordination sphere and a stiff ligand framework move the spin-vibrational coupling that causes the relaxation to lie beyond the secondary coordination sphere, resulting in an increase in TB values. Our calculations also reveal that not only the atoms in the first coordination sphere but also those in the secondary coordination sphere affect the performance of the SMMs. Learning from this exercise, we have undertaken several in silico models based on these vibrations to improve the TB values. Some of these predictions were correlated with literature precedents, offering confidence in the methodology employed. To this end, our comprehensive investigation, involving twenty-three molecules/models and five sets of geometries for pentagonal bipyramidal Dy(iii) single-ion magnets (SIMs), unveils a treasure trove of chemically sound design clues, poised to enhance the TB values in this fascinating molecular realm.

Selective fluoride sensing by a novel series of lanthanide-based one-dimensional coordination polymers through intramolecular proton transfer

A novel series of one-dimensional coordination polymers (CPs) is achieved via a facile one-pot synthesis strategy employing the nitrate salts of trivalent lanthanides, a pentadentate chelating ligand, and triphenylphosphine oxide at a controlled stoichiometry under ambient conditions. All the CPs are characterized comprehensively using spectroscopic, X-ray crystallographic and magnetometric studies. The CPs are found to be thermally stable up to a significantly high temperature and resistant to water for an indefinite time. They are photoactive and exhibit selective fluoride ion (F-) sensing with excellent efficiency both colorimetrically and fluorimetrically in the solid-state as well as in solution. The presence of F- concomitantly sensitizes the photoluminescence enhancement and visual decolourization of the CPs in solution owing to the ground-state intra-molecular proton transfer. The photophysical response of the CPs to F- in solution was found to be instantaneous (<30 s). The sensitivity of detection is observed to be significantly high over a wide range of F- concentrations, covering the beneficial and detrimental domains of F- concentrations in drinking water. The limit of detection (LoD) under ambient conditions was found to be in the micromolar (μM) range-the best being 0.22 μM found using UV-vis spectrometry and 7.5 μM using fluorimetry. In comparison, the USEPA standard cut-off for the upper limit of F- concentration in drinking water is 211 μM, and the LoD of measuring F- concentration using the USEPA standard method using a fluoride-selective electrode is 26.3 μM. The CPs display markedly high selectivity toward F- with negligible-to-no interference from the commonly abundant ions (Cl-, Br-, I-, CH3CO2-, CO32-, SO42-, HPO42-, NH4+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+) in terms of UV-vis spectral change. Moreover, they also exhibit solid-state IR-spectrometric sensitivity towards F- under ambient conditions.

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.

Variable Luminescence and Chromaticity of Homoleptic Frameworks of the Lanthanides together with Pyridylpyrazolates

Homoleptic, 3D coordination polymers of the formula ³³ _∞ [Ln(3-PyPz)₃ ] and ³ _∞ [Ln(4-PyPz)₃ ], (3-PyPz)^- =3-(3-pyridyl)pyrazolate anion, (4-PyPz)^- =3-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolate anion, both C₈ H₆ N₃ ^- , Ln=Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, were obtained as highly luminescent frameworks by reaction of the lanthanide metals (Ln) with the aromatic heterocyclic amine ligands 3-PyPzH and 4-PyPzH. The compounds form two isotypic series of 3D coordination polymers and exhibit fair thermal stability up to 360 °C. The luminescence properties of all ten compounds were determined in the solid state, with an antenna effect through ligand-metal energy transfer leading to high efficiency of the luminescence displayed by good quantum yields of up to 74 %. The emission is mainly based on ion-specific lanthanide-dependent intra 4 f-4 f transitions for Tb³⁺ : green, Dy³⁺ : yellow, Sm³⁺ : orange-red, Eu³⁺ : red. For the Gd³⁺ -containing compounds, the yellow emission of ligand triplet-based phosphorescence is observed at room temperature and 77 K. Co doping of the Gd-containing frameworks with Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ allow further shifting of the chromaticity towards white light emission.

Enhancing the Magnetic Anisotropy in Low-Symmetry Dy-Based Complexes by Tuning the Bond Length

One mononuclear complex [Dy(Htpy)(NO₃)₂(acac)] (1) and a tpy^--extended 1D chain {[Dy(CH₃OH)(NO₃)₂(tpy)]·CH₃OH}_n (2) (Htpy = 4'-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine, Hacac = acetylacetone) were successfully designed to investigate the effect of bond length tuning around the Dy^III cation on the magnetic dynamics of single-molecule magnets (SMMs). Interestingly, two magnetic entities possess the same local coordination sphere (N₃O₆-donor) as well as the configuration (Muffin, C_s) of dysprosium centers. Only a slight difference in structure results from purposefully substituting the acetylacetone ligand in 1 with hydroxyl oxygen from tpy^- linkage and one methanol molecule in 2. However, the remarkable differences in dynamics behavior were clearly found between them. Compound 1 possesses a thermal-activated effective energy barrier (U_eff/k_B) of 22.7 K under a 0 kOe direct current (dc) field and negligible hysteresis loop at 2.0 K, while complex 2 shows high-performance SMM behavior with the largest energy barrier of 354.36 K among the reported nine-coordinated Dy^III-based systems and the magnetic hysteresis up to 4.0 K at a sweep rate of 200 Oe s^-1. These experimental results combined with the previous reported data reveal that the shortest bond and the bond length difference around the Dy^III center synergistically determine the dynamics of SMMs. The uniaxial anisotropy increases with the decrease of the shortest bond and the increase of the bond length difference, which is confirmed by the theoretical calculations.

A trapped hexaaqua CoII complex between the polyanionic sheets of decavanadate reveals high axial anisotropy and field induced SIM behaviour

In this work, we report an inorganic compound [{Co(H₂O)₆}²⁺{Na₄V₁₀O₂₈}^2-] (1) in which the polyanionic sheets of decavanadate play the role of a diamagnetic matrix that reduces the dipolar-dipolar and spin-spin interactions between [Co(H₂O)₆]⁺² units to suppress the fast tunnelling of magnetization. Structural analysis reveals that each [Co(H₂O)₆]⁺² complex is surrounded by four decavanadates and separated by a large internuclear distance (9 Å). It was also found that the adjacent decavanadates are connected via sodium ions and form a 2D sheet of the inorganic layer in which the [Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺ ions are present in between two layers. Detailed dc (direct current) and ac (alternating current) magnetic measurements disclose the presence of large easy-axis anisotropy (D = -102 cm^-1) and field induced slow magnetic relaxation behaviour with a spin reversal barrier of U_eff = 50 K. Additionally, the temperature dependence of the relaxation time reveals that the Raman and QTM processes mainly play an important role rather than the thermally activated Orbach process in the overall relaxation dynamics of the studied compound. To analyse the electronic structure and magnetic properties of compound 1, ab initio calculations were performed which further support the experimental observations. Notably, the U_eff value of 1 represents the highest energy barrier reported for POM based SMMs with transition metal ions to date.

A new family of Fe4Ln4 (Ln = DyIII, GdIII, YIII) wheel type complexes with ferromagnetic interaction, magnetocaloric effect and zero-field SMM behavior

Observation of ferromagnetic interactions and single molecule toroic (SMT) behavior in Fe4Ln4 wheel complexes.

Alignment of Axial Anisotropy in a 1D Coordination Polymer shows Improved Field Induced Single Molecule Magnet Behavior over a Mononuclear Seven Coordinated FeII Complex

Herein, we report a CN-bridged alternating Fe^II -Ni^II 1D chain to ensure the alignment of axial anisotropy and improve the single molecule magnet (SMM) behavior in seven coordinated Fe^II compound. The chain was constructed from hepta coordinated Fe(II) complex as an anisotropic building unit and diamagnetic nickel tetra cyanate as a bridging ligand. The magnetic measurements show the easy-axis anisotropy of the seven coordinated Fe(II) complex and field induced SMM behavior with spin reversal energy barrier U_eff =61(2) K (42 cm^-1 ) and pre-exponential relaxation time τ₀ =1.9×10^-8  s. The detailed analysis of the relaxation dynamics discloses that the Orbach process plays an important role in slow relaxation of magnetization for this compound. Notably, this example represents a remarkable energy barrier observed in hepta coordinated Fe(II) SMMs. The ab initio calculations estimate the magnitude of axial anisotropy and show the parallel orientation of the anisotropic axis throughout the 1D polymeric chain. In addition, it is also reported that the presence of weak π accepter ligands in the distorted axial position enhance the easy-axis anisotropy.

Investigation of the role of terminal ligands in magnetic relaxation in a series of dinuclear dysprosium complexes

Three dinuclear dysprosium complexes have been studied to establish the role of terminal ligands in the magnetic properties of the complexes.

One-dimensional lanthanide coordination polymers supported by pentadentate Schiff-base and diphenyl phosphate ligands: single molecule magnet behavior and photoluminescence

Four one-dimensional lanthanide coordination polymers constructed from Ln₂ dimers showing single molecule magnet behavior and photoluminescence are reported.

End-to-End Azido-Bridged Lanthanide Chain Complexes (Dy, Er, Gd, and Y) with a Pentadentate Schiff-Base [N3O2] Ligand: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetism

The syntheses, structure and magnetic properties are reported for five novel 1D polymeric azido-bridged lanthanide complexes with the general formula {[Ln(DAPMBH)(N₃)C₂H₅OH]C₂H₅OH}_n where H₂DAPMBH = 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(4-methoxybenzoylhydrazone)-a new pentadentate pyridine-base [N₃O₂] ligand and Ln = Dy (1), Y_0.930Dy_0.070 (2), Er (3), Y_0.923Er_0.077 (4), and Gd (5). X-ray diffraction analysis of 1-5 show that the central lanthanide atoms are eight-coordinated with the N₅O₃ donor set originating from the ligand DAPMBH, one coordinated ethanol molecule and two end-to-end type N₃^- bridges connecting the metal centers into infinite chain. The [LnN₅O₃] coordination polyhedron can be regarded as a distorted dodecahedron (D_2d). AC magnetic measurements revealed that compounds 1-4 show field-induced single-molecule magnet behavior, with estimated energy barriers U_eff ≈ 47-17 K. The experimental study of magnetic properties was complemented by theoretical analysis based on crystal-field calculations. Direct current magnetic susceptibility studies revealed marginally weak intrachain exchange interaction between Ln³⁺ ions mediated by the end-to-end azide bridging groups (J ≈ -0.015 cm^-1 for 5). Comparative analysis of static and dynamic magnetic properties of magnetically concentrated (1, 3) and diluted (2, 4) Dy and Er compounds showed that, despite fascinating 1D azido-bridged chain structure, compounds 1 and 3 are not single-chain magnets; their magnetic behavior is largely due to single-ion magnetic anisotropy of individual Ln³⁺ ions.

Slow Magnetic Relaxation, Antiferromagnetic Ordering, and Metamagnetism in MnII (H2 dapsc)-FeIII (CN)6 Chain Complex with Highly Anisotropic Fe-CN-Mn Spin Coupling

Reactions of [Mn(H₂ dapsc)Cl₂ ]⋅H₂ O (dapsc=2,6- diacetylpyridine bis(semicarbazone)) with K₃ [Fe(CN)₆ ] and (PPh₄ )₃ [Fe(CN)₆ ] lead to the formation of the chain polymeric complex {[Mn(H₂ dapsc)][Fe(CN)₆ ][K(H₂ O)_3.5 ]}_n ⋅1.5n H₂ O (1) and the discrete pentanuclear complex {[Mn(H₂ dapsc)]₃ [Fe(CN)₆ ]₂ (H₂ O)₂ }⋅4 CH₃ OH⋅3.4 H₂ O (2), respectively. In the crystal structure of 1 the high-spin [Mn^II (H₂ dapsc)]²⁺ cations and low-spin hexacyanoferrate(III) anions are assembled into alternating heterometallic cyano-bridged chains. The K⁺ ions are located between the chains and are coordinated by oxygen atoms of the H₂ dapsc ligand and water molecules. The magnetic structure of 1 is built from ferrimagnetic chains, which are antiferromagnetically coupled. The complex exhibits metamagnetism and frequency-dependent ac magnetic susceptibility, indicating single-chain magnetic behavior with a Mydosh-parameter φ=0.12 and an effective energy barrier (U_eff /k_B ) of 36.0 K with τ₀ =2.34×10^-11  s for the spin relaxation. Detailed theoretical analysis showed highly anisotropic intra-chain spin coupling between [Fe^III (CN)₆ ]^3- and [Mn^II (H₂ dapsc)]²⁺ units resulting from orbital degeneracy and unquenched orbital momentum of [Fe^III (CN)₆ ]^3- complexes. The origin of the metamagnetic transition is discussed in terms of strong magnetic anisotropy and weak AF interchain spin coupling.

Fine-tuning the type of equatorial donor atom in pentagonal bipyramidal Dy(iii) complexes to enhance single-molecule magnet properties

Upon fine-tuning an equatorial donor, the electronic effect is implemented to significantly enhance magnetic anisotropy in pentagonal bipyramidal Dy^III complexes.

The effect of the orientation of the Jahn–Teller distortion on the magnetic interactions of trinuclear mixed-valence Mn(ii)/Mn(iii) complexes

The effect of the orientation of the Jahn–Teller distortion on the magnetic interactions in two new mixed-valence trinuclear Mn(iii)–Mn(ii)–Mn(iii) complexes has been investigated.

Field Induced Slow Magnetic Relaxation in a Non Kramers Tb(III) Based Single Chain Magnet

Herein, we report a novel Tb(III) single chain magnet with the chemical formulae [Tb(μ-OH2)(phen)(μ-OH)(nb)2]n by using 4-nitrobenzoic acid (Hnb) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) as ligand system. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that 4-nitrobenzoic acid acts as a monodentate ligand, water and hydroxyl ions are the bridging ligand and the phen serves as a bidentate chelating ligand. The static magnetic susceptibility measurement (from 2 K to 300 K) shows ferromagnetic interaction at very low temperature (below 6 K). The alternating current (AC) susceptibility data of the complex show temperature and frequency dependence under an applied 2000 Oe DC (direct current) field. The phen moiety behaves as an antenna and enables the complex to show the green light fluorescence emission by absorption-energy transfer-emission mechanism. To calculate the exchange interaction, broken symmetry density functional theory (BS-DFT) calculations have been performed on a model compound which also reveals weak ferromagnetic interaction. Ab initio calculations reveals the anisotropic nature (gz = 15.8, gy, gy = 0) of the metal centre and the quasi doublet nature of ground state with small energy gap and that is well separated from the next excited energy state.

Single-ion magnetic anisotropy in a vacant octahedral Co(ii) complex

The first example of a pentacoordinate CoII single-ion magnet based on a P-donor ligand with vacant octahedral coordination geometry is reported here. Thorough magnetic measurements reveal the presence of field induced slow relaxation behavior with an easy-plane magnetic anisotropy. The combined theoretical and experimental studies disclose that direct and quantum tunneling processes become dominant at low temperature to relax the magnetization; however, from the thermal dependence of relaxation time it can be observed that the optical or acoustic Raman processes become important to the overall relaxation process.

Slow magnetic relaxation and luminescence properties in lanthanide(iii)/anil complexes

The initial use of anils, i.e. bidentate Schiff bases derived from the condensation of anilines with salicylaldehyde or its derivatives, in 4f-metal chemistry is described. The 1 : 1 reactions between Ln(NO3)3·xH2O (Ln = lanthanide) or Y(NO3)3·6H2O and N-(5-bromosalicylidene)aniline (5BrsalanH) in MeCN has provided access to complexes [Ln(NO3)3(5BrsalanH)2(H2O)]·MeCN (Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb) and [Y(NO3)3(5BrsalanH)2(H2O)]·MeCN, respectively, in good yields. The structures of the isomorphous complexes with Ln = Pr(1·MeCN), Sm(3·MeCN), Gd(5·MeCN), Dy(7·MeCN) and Er(9·MeCN) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The other complexes were proven to be isostructural with the fully structurally characterized compounds based on elemental analyses, IR spectra, unit cell determinations and powder X-ray patterns. The 9-coordinate LnIII centre in the [Ln(NO3)3(5BrsalanH)2(H2O)] molecules is bound to six oxygen atoms from the three bidentate chelating nitrato groups, two oxygen atoms that belong to the organic ligands and one oxygen atom from the aquo ligand. The 5BrsalanH molecules behave as monodentate O-donors; the acidic H atom is clearly located on the imino N atom and thus the formally neutral ligands adopt an extremely rare coordination mode participating in the zwitterionic form. The coordination polyhedra defined by the nine donor atoms around the LnIII centres are best described as spherical capped square antiprisms. Various intermolecular interactions build the crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analysis was applied to evaluate the magnitude of interactions between the molecules. Solid-state IR and UV/VIS data are discussed in terms of structural features. 1H NMR data prove that the diamagnetic [Y(NO3)3(5BrsalanH)2(H2O)] complex decomposes in DMSO. Combined dc and ac magnetic susceptibility, as well as magnetization data for 7 suggest that this complex shows field-induced slow magnetic relaxation. Two magnetization relaxation processes are evident. The fit to the Arrhenius law has been performed using the 6.5-8.5 K ac data, affording an effective barrier for the magnetization reversal of 27 cm-1. Cole-Cole plot analysis in the temperature range in which the Orbach relaxation process is assumed, reveals a narrow distribution of relaxation times. The solid Dy(iii) complex 7 emits green light at 338 nm, the emission being ligand-centered. The perspectives of the present, first results in the lanthanide(iii)-anil chemistry are critically discussed.

Field-induced slow magnetic relaxation of two 1-D compounds containing six-coordinated cobalt(ii) ions: influence of the coordination geometry

Two 1-D Co(ii) compounds with different coordination geometries of the same coordination sphere exhibited field-induced slow relaxation magnetization with different D values.

Effect of coordination geometry on the magnetic properties of a series of Ln2 and Ln4 hydroxo clusters

Tetra and di-nuclear Lanthanide hydroxo clusters have been synthesized and characterized magnetically.

A new series of tetrahedral Co(ii) complexes [CoLX2] (X = NCS, Cl, Br, I) manifesting single-ion magnet features

The influence of ligand field strength on the magnetic anisotropy of a series of isostructural tetrahedral Co^II complexes has been investigated by using a combined experimental and theoretical approach.

Slow magnetic relaxation in mononuclear complexes of Tb, Dy, Ho and Er with the pentadentate (N3O2) Schiff-base dapsc ligand

AC measurements revealed field-induced single-ion magnet behavior of Dy and Er Kramers ion complexes. The properties of complexes were rationalized by superposition CF model.

Probing the Effects of Ligand Field and Coordination Geometry on Magnetic Anisotropy of Pentacoordinate Cobalt(II) Single-Ion Magnets

In this work, the effects of ligand field strength as well as the metal coordination geometry on magnetic anisotropy of pentacoordinated Co^II complexes have been investigated using a combined experimental and theoretical approach. For that, a strategic design and synthesis of three pentacoordinate Co^II complexes [Co(bbp)Cl₂]·(MeOH) (1), [Co(bbp)Br₂]·(MeOH) (2), and [Co(bbp)(NCS)₂] (3) has been achieved by using the tridentate coordination environment of the ligand in conjunction with the accommodating terminal ligands (i.e., chloride, bromide, and thiocyanate). Detailed magnetic studies disclose the occurrence of slow magnetic relaxation behavior of Co^II centers with an easy-plane magnetic anisotropy. A quantitative estimation of ZFS parameters has been successfully performed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Both the sign and magnitude of ZFS parameters are prophesied well by this DFT method. The theoretical results also reveal that the α → β (SOMO-SOMO) excitation contributes almost entirely to the total ZFS values for all complexes. It is worth noting that the excitation pertaining to the most positive contribution to the ZFS parameter is the d_xy → d_x²-y² excitation for complexes 1 and 2, whereas for complex 3 it is the d_z² → d_x²-y² excitation.

Transitions of two magnetic interaction states in dinuclear Dy(iii) complexes via subtle structural variations

Herein we explored the transitions of two magnetic interaction states (antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic) upon structural variations in two dinuclear Dy(iii) complexes.

Two 2-D multifunctional cobalt(ii) compounds: field-induced single-ion magnetism and catalytic oxidation of benzylic C–H bonds

Two 2-D multifunctional cobalt(ii) compounds were reported with both field-induced single-ion magnetism and catalytic oxidation of benzylic C–H bonds.

Interchange between coordinated and lattice solvents generates the highest energy barrier within nine-coordinated DyIII single molecule magnets

It is crucial to promote axiality to enhance easy-axis magnetic anisotropy.

Half-sandwich lanthanide crown ether complexes with the slow relaxation of magnetization and photoluminescence behaviors

Four half-sandwich lanthanide crown ether complexes were successfully synthesized and structurally characterized. Dysprosium complexes show both the slow relaxation of magnetization and photoluminescence behaviors.

Investigation of easy-plane magnetic anisotropy in P-ligand square-pyramidal CoII single ion magnets

Field induced slow magnetic relaxation behavior has been studied for the first time for two P-donor ligand-based square-pyramidal Co^II complexes with an easy-plane magnetic anisotropy.

Synthesis, structure, magnetic and biological activity studies of bis-hydrazone derived Cu(ii) and Co(ii) coordination compounds

Four coordination compounds of formulae [Cu(II)2(H2L(1))(HL(1))](ClO4)3·H2O (1), [Cu(II)2(H2L(2))(CH3OH)2](ClO4)2·2CH3OH (2), [Co(II)2(H2L(1))2](ClO4)4 (3) and [Co(II)2(H2L(2))2]·2H2O (4) were synthesized via self-assembly of succinohydrazone derived ligands (H2L(1) = N',N'-4-bis(2-pyridyl)succinohydrazide, H4L(2) = N',N'-4-bis(2-hydroxybenzylidene)succinohydrazide) and Cu(2+) and Co(2+) ions, respectively. The compounds were characterized by crystal structure determination, magnetic measurements and biological activities. Compounds 1, 3 and 4 have discrete double helicate structures, whereas compound 2 is a one-dimensional chain. Magnetic studies show antiferromagnetic exchange interactions in 2 with a J value of -67.1 cm(-1) and antiferromagnetic spin-canting in compound 3 originates through supramolecular H-bonding. For compound 3, a clear bifurcation was observed in zero field cooled (ZFC) and field cooled (FC) measurement at a temperature of 3.5 K and field of 0.1 T, implying long range magnetic ordering below this temperature. Interestingly, all of compounds 1-4 show significant changes in their absorption (hypo- and hyperchromism) in the presence of SS-DNA, inferring interaction between the compounds and DNA. In addition, compounds 1-4 significantly exhibited nuclease activities on both RNA and pUC19 plasmid DNA. Moreover, the nuclease activity was further enhanced in the presence of oxidant (H2O2) and suggests the possible role of reactive oxygen species in DNA nicking ability of compounds 1-4. Furthermore, compounds 1, 2 and 4 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against mammalian cancer cell lines (HeLa, A549 and MDAMB-231). In addition, our results from Annexin/PI staining and DNA fragmentation assays revealed that these compounds are capable of inducing apoptosis and have potential to act as anticancer drugs.

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.

Tetrahedral MII based binuclear double-stranded helicates: single-ion-magnet and fluorescence behaviour

It has been demonstrated that the slow relaxation of magnetization can be achieved in high spin tetrahedral Co^II centres with an easy-plane magnetic anisotropy within the double-stranded helicates. The photoluminescence properties of the Zn analogues were studied in different solvents.

Connecting mononuclear dysprosium single-molecule magnets to form dinuclear complexes via in situ ligand oxidation

A Dy₂ complex, exhibiting SMM behaviour, and its Y analogue were prepared via in situ oxidation of Py₂TTA, a pincer type ligand, followed by dimerisation.

Nanoscopic molecular magnets

This review highlights fundamental concepts and synthetic strategies of SMMs and selected examples of 3d, 4f, 5f and mixed 3d–4f, 4d–5d and 3d–5f based SMMs are discussed.