Field-induced slow relaxation of magnetization in a pentacoordinate Co(II) compound [Co(phen)(DMSO)Cl2]

Levamisole Based Co(II) Single-Ion Magnet

A new Co(II) complex, [Co(NCS)2(L)2] (1) has been synthesized based on levamisole (L) as a new ligand. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses confirm that the Co(II) ion is having a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry in the complex. Notably strong intramolecular S⋅⋅⋅S and S⋅⋅⋅N interactions has been confirmed by employing Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM). These intramolecular interactions occur among the sulfur and nitrogen atoms of the levamisole ligands and also the nitrogen atoms of the thiocyanate. Direct current (dc) magnetic analyses reveal presence of zero field splitting (ZFS) and large magnetic anisotropy on Co(II). Detailed ab initio ligand field theory calculations quantitatively predicted the magnitude of ZFS. Prominent field-induced single-ion magnet (SIM) behavior was observed for 1 from dynamic magnetization measurements. Slow magnetic relaxation follows an Orbach mechanism with the effective energy barrier Ueff=29.6 (7) K and relaxation time τo=1.4 (4)×10-9 s.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Graphical abstract

Influence of F-position and solvent on coordination geometry and single ion magnet behavior of Co(II) complexes

Three mononuclear Co(II) complexes with the compositions of [Co(L₁)₂] (1), [Co(L₂)₂(CH₃CN)] (2) and [Co(L₃)₂] (3) (HL₁ = 2-((E)-(2-fluorobenzylimino)methyl)-4,6-dibromophenol, HL₂ = 2-((E)-(3-fluorobenzylimino)methyl)-4,6-dibromophenol and HL₃ = 2-((E)-(4-fluorobenzylimino)methyl)-4,6-dibromophenol) were prepared and structurally determined. The changes in the F-positions in the ligands and solvents led to the formation of these products with various coordination geometries. Both complexes 1 and 3 are four-coordinated and their coordination geometries can be described as tetrahedron and seesaw, whereas complex 2 is five coordinated with a coordination configuration in between trigonal bipyramid and square pyramid. Static magnetic studies reveal that all these complexes exhibit considerable easy-axis magnetic anisotropy. The easy-axis magnetic anisotropy of 1 and 3 mainly derives from the first quartet excited state, whereas that of 2 primarily originates from the first, third and fourth quartet excited states established by theoretical calculations. All the resulting complexes display field-induced slow magnetic relaxation. Complex 3 represents the first Co(II) single ion magnet with a seesaw coordination geometry. Ab initio calculations predict that the magnetic anisotropy will enhance when the seesaw coordination geometry varies from distortion to regulation.

Rotaxane CoII Complexes as Field-Induced Single-Ion Magnets

Mechanically chelating ligands have untapped potential for the engineering of metal ion properties. Here we demonstrate this principle in the context of CoII -based single-ion magnets. Using multi-frequency EPR, susceptibility and magnetization measurements we found that these complexes show some of the highest zero field splittings reported for five-coordinate CoII complexes to date. The predictable coordination behaviour of the interlocked ligands allowed the magnetic properties of their CoII complexes to be evaluated computationally a priori and our combined experimental and theoretical approach enabled us to rationalize the observed trends. The predictable magnetic behaviour of the rotaxane CoII complexes demonstrates that interlocked ligands offer a new strategy to design metal complexes with interesting functionality.

Magnetic anisotropy in square pyramidal cobalt(II) complexes supported by a tetraazo macrocyclic ligand

Two five-coordinate mononuclear Co(ii) complexes [Co(12-TMC)X][B(C6H5)4] (L = 1,4,7,10-tetramethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (12-TMC), X = Cl- (1), Br- (2)) have been studied by X-ray single crystallography, magnetic measurements, high-frequency and -field EPR (HF-EPR) spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. Both complexes have a distorted square pyramidal geometry with the Co(ii) ion lying above the basal plane constrained by the rigid tetradentate macrocyclic ligand. In contrast to the reported five-coordinate Co(ii) complex [Co(12-TMC)(NCO)][B(C6H5)4] (3) exhibiting easy-axis anisotropy, an easy-plane magnetic anisotropy was found for 1 and 2via the analyses of the direct-current magnetic data and HF-EPR spectroscopy. Frequency- and temperature-dependent alternating-current magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrated that complexes 1 and 2 show slow magnetic relaxation at an applied dc field. Ab initio calculations were performed to reveal the impact of the terminal ligands on the nature of the magnetic anisotropies of this series of five-coordinate Co(ii) complexes.

Co(II)-Based single-ion magnets with 1,1'-ferrocenediyl-bis(diphenylphosphine) metalloligands

Herein, we report on investigations of magnetic and spectroscopic properties of three heterobimetallic Fe(ii)-Co(ii) coordination compounds based on the tetracoordinate {CoP2X2} core encapsulated by dppf metalloligand, where X = Cl (1), Br (2), I (3), dppf = 1,1'-ferrocenediyl -bis(diphenylphosphine). The analysis of static magnetic data has revealed the presence of axial magnetic anisotropy in compounds (1) and (2) and this was further confirmed by high-frequency electron spin resonance (HF-ESR) spectroscopy. Dynamic magnetic data confirmed that (1) and (2) behave as field-induced Single-Ion Magnets (SIMs). Together with bulk studies, we have also tested the possibility of depositing (2) as thick films on Au(111), glass, and polymeric acetate by drop-casting as well as thermal sublimation, a key aspect for the development of future devices embedding these magnetic objects.

Stereochemistry of coordination polyhedra vs. single ion magnetism in penta- and hexacoordinated Co(ii) complexes with tridentate rigid ligands

A tridentate ligand L (2,6-bis(1-(3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine) was synthesized and used for the preparation of three pentacoordinated Co(ii) complexes of formula [Co(L)X₂] (where X = NCS^- for 1, X = Cl^- for 2 and X = Br^- for 3) and one ionic compound 4 ([Co(L)₂]Br₂·2CH₃OH·H₂O) containing a hexacoordinated Co(ii) centre. Static magnetic data were analysed with respect to the spin (1-3) or the Griffith-Figgis (4) Hamiltonian. Ab initio calculations enable us to identify the positive axial magnetic anisotropy parameter D accompanied by a significant degree of rhombicity in the reported complexes. Also, magneto-structural correlation was outlined for this class of compounds. Moreover, all four compounds exhibit slow relaxation of magnetisation at an applied static magnetic field with either both low- and high-frequency relaxation channels (3) or a single high-frequency relaxation process (1, 2 and 4). The interplay between the stereochemistry of coordination polyhedra, magnetic anisotropy and the relaxation processes was investigated and discussed in detail.

Slow magnetic relaxation in penta-coordinate cobalt(ii) field-induced single-ion magnets (SIMs) with easy-axis magnetic anisotropy

Two penta-coordinate [Co(Lⁿ)(NCS)]ClO₄ with substituted pyridyl based bispyrazolyl ligands have been structurally characterized. The complexes show an easy-axis magnetic anisotropy, large rhombicity and slow relaxation of magnetization.

Field-Induced Single-Ion Magnetic Behavior in Two Mononuclear Cobalt(II) Complexes

The employment of a new rigid N-tridentate ligand, bis(1-chloroimidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)pyridine (bcpp), in the construction of cobalt(II) single-ion magnets is reported. Two cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(bcpp)Cl₂ ] (1) and [Co(bcpp)Br₂ ] (2), have been prepared and characterized. Single-crystal XRD analyses reveal that complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural. They are pentacoordinated mononuclear cobalt(II) compounds with expected trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Both analysis of the magnetic data and ab initio calculations reveal easy-plane magnetic anisotropy (D>0) for 1 and 2. Detailed alternating current magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the occurrence of slow magnetic relaxation behavior for the cobalt(II) centers of 1 and 2; thus indicating that both complexes are field-induced single-ion magnets.

In-depth investigation of large axial magnetic anisotropy in monometallic 3d complexes using frequency domain magnetic resonance and ab initio methods: a study of trigonal bipyramidal Co(ii)

The magnetic properties of 3d monometallic complexes can be tuned through geometric control, owing to their synthetic accessibility and relative structural simplicity. Monodentate ligands offer great potential for fine-tuning the coordination environment to engineer both the axial and rhombic zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameters. In [CoCl3(DABCO)(HDABCO)] (1), the trigonal bipyramidal Co(ii) centre has two bulky axial ligands and three equatorial chloride ligands. An in-depth experimental and theoretical study of 1 reveals a large easy-plane magnetic anisotropy (+ve D) with a negligible rhombic zero-field splitting (E) due to the strict axial symmetry imposed by the C 3 symmetric ligand and trigonal space group. The large easy-plane magnetic anisotropy (D = +44.5 cm-1) is directly deduced using high-field EPR and frequency-domain magnetic resonance (FDMR) studies. Ab initio calculations reveal a large positive contribution to the D term arising from ground state/excited state mixing of the 4E'' states at ∼4085 cm-1 and a minor contribution from the spin-flip transition as well. The nature of the slow relaxation in 1 is elucidated through analysis of the rates of relaxation of magnetisation, taking into account Raman and direct spin-lattice relaxation processes and Quantum Tunnelling of the Magnetisation (QTM). The terms relating to the direct process and QTM were found based on the fit of the field-dependence of τ at 2 K. Subsequently, these were used as fixed parameters in the fit of the temperature-dependence of τ to obtain the Raman terms. This experimental-theoretical investigation provides further insight into the power of FDMR and ab initio methods for the thorough investigation of magnetic anisotropy. Thus, these results contribute to design criteria for high magnetic anisotropy systems.

The effect of the second coordination sphere on the magnetism of [Ln(NO3)3(H2O)3]·(18-crown-6) (Ln = Dy and Er)

The objective of this work was the exploration of the effect of the second coordination sphere on the magnetic properties of [Ln(NO₃)₃(H₂O)₃]·(18C6) (Ln = Dy (1) and Er (2)) compounds comprising co-crystallized 18-crown-6 ethers. Both compounds were identified as field-induced single molecule magnets (SMMs) with estimated magnetization reversal barriers U_eff = 66–71 K for 1 and U_eff = 21–24 K for 2. Theoretical calculations with the B3LYP functional revealed substantial change and redistribution of the electrostatic potential upon accounting for the second coordination sphere represented by two 18C6 molecules, which resulted in the change of the crystal-field around metal atoms. As a result, the multireference CASSCF calculations exposed significant impact of the second coordination sphere on the energy splitting of the respective ⁶H_15/2 (Dy^III) and ⁴I_15/2 (Er^III) ground states, the magnetization reversal barrier and the magnetic anisotropy parameters. Moreover, the calculated magnetization reversal barriers, U_calc. = 57 K for 1 and U_calc. = 16 K for 2, are in good agreement with the experimental values accentuating the importance of the second coordination sphere on the magnetic properties of SMMs.

The impact of the second coordination sphere on the magnetic properties of [Ln(NO₃)₃(H₂O)₃]·(18C6) compounds comprising co-crystallized 18-crown-6 ethers was investigated.

Microwave-assisted synthesis: from a mononuclear {CoII} complex to {CoII9} solvomorphs

Microwave-assisted control over nuclearity and solvomorphism.

Field-induced slow magnetic relaxation in pseudooctahedral cobalt(ii) complexes with positive axial and large rhombic anisotropy

The preparation, X-ray crystal structure, spectroscopic and variable-temperature dc and ac magnetic properties of two six-coordinate cobalt(ii) complexes of formula [Co(bim)₄(tcm)₂] (1) and [Co(bmim)₄(tcm)₂] (2) are reported.

Slow Magnetic Relaxation in a Series of Mononuclear 8-Coordinate Fe(II) and Co(II) Complexes

A series of homoleptic mononuclear 8-coordinate Fe^II and Co^II compounds, [Fe^II(L²)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Fe^II(L³)₂](ClO₄)₂ (3), [Fe^II(L⁴)₂](ClO₄)₂ (4), [Co^II(L¹)₂](ClO₄)₂ (5), [Co^II(L²)₂](ClO₄)₂ (6), [Co^II(L³)₂](ClO₄)₂ (7), and [Co^II(L⁴)₂](ClO₄)₂ (8) (L¹ and L² are 2,9-dialkylcarboxylate-1,10-phenanthroline ligands; L³ and L⁴ are 6,6'-dialkylcarboxylate-2,2'-bipyridine ligands), have been obtained, and their crystal structures have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The metal center in all of these compounds has an oversaturated coordination number of 8, which is completed by two neutral homoleptic tetradentate ligands and is unconventional in 3d-metal compounds. These compounds are further characterized by electronic spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and magnetic measurements. CV measurements of these complexes in MeCN solution exhibit rich redox properties. Magnetic measurements on these compounds demonstrate that the observed single-ion magnetic (SIM) behavior in the previously reported [Fe^II(L¹)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1) is not a contingent case, since all of the 8-coordinate compounds 2-8 exhibit interesting slow magnetic relaxation under applied direct current fields.

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.

Magnetic relaxation in cobalt(ii)-based single-ion magnets influenced by distortion of the pseudotetrahedral [N2O2] coordination environment

Cobalt(ii) complexes with different dihedral angles between the bidentate ligands show a significant variation in their magnetic relaxation behavior.

Ultra-broadband EPR spectroscopy in field and frequency domains

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is a powerful technique to investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of a wide range of materials.

Syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of two mixed-valence Co(iii)Co(ii) compounds derived from Schiff base ligands: field-supported single-ion-magnet behavior with easy-plane anisotropy

Two μ-phenoxo-μ_1,1-azide dinuclear Co^IIICo^II complexes [Co^III(N₃)₂L¹(μ_1,1-N₃)Co^II(N₃)]·MeOH (1) and [Co^III(N₃)₂L²(μ_1,1-N₃)Co^II(N₃)]·MeOH (2) (HL¹ and HL² are two Schiff base ligands having N₂O-N₂O compartments) both possess one hexacoordinate Co(iii) and one pentacoordinate Co(ii) center. DC magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements show an appreciable amount of positive magnetic anisotropy (D/hc∼ 40 cm^-1) that is also confirmed by ab initio CASSCF calculations. AC susceptibility measurements of 1 reveal that it exhibits a slow magnetic relaxation with two relaxation channels. The external magnetic field supports the low-frequency (LF) channel that escapes on heating more progressively than the high-frequency (HF) branch. The relaxation time is as slow as τ = 255 ms at T = 1.9 K and B_DC = 0.6 T, where the LF mole fraction is 69%. The complex 2 also displays similar field-supported slow magnetic relaxation with two relaxation channels.

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.

Impact of Halogenido Coligands on Magnetic Anisotropy in Seven-Coordinate Co(II) Complexes

The structural and magnetic features of a series of mononuclear seven-coordinate Co^II complexes with the general formula [Co(L)X₂], where L is a 15-membered pyridine-based macrocyclic ligand (3,12,18-triaza-6,9-dioxabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca-1(18),14,16-triene) and X = Cl^- (1), Br^- (2), or I^- (3), were investigated experimentally and theoretically in order to reveal how the corresponding halogenido coligands in the apical positions of a distorted pentagonal-bipyramidal coordination polyhedron may affect the magnetic properties of the prepared compounds. The thorough analyses of the magnetic data revealed a large easy-plane type of the magnetic anisotropy (D > 0) for all three compounds, with the D-values increasing in the order 35 cm^-1 for 3 (I^-), 38 cm^-1 for 1 (Cl^-), and 41 cm^-1 for 2 (Br^-). Various theoretical methods like the Angular Overlap Model, density functional theory, CASSCF/CASPT2, CASSCF/NEVPT2 were utilized in order to understand the observed trend in magnetic anisotropy. The D-values correlated well with the Mayer bond order (decreasing in order Co-I > Co-Cl > Co-Br), which could be a consequence of two competing factors: (a) the ligand field splitting and (b) the covalence of the Co-X bond. All the complexes also behave as field-induced single-molecule magnets with the spin reversal barrier U_eff increasing in order 1 (Cl^-) < 2 (Br^-) < 3 (I^-); however, taking into account the easy-plane type of the magnetic anisotropy, the Raman relaxation process is most likely responsible for slow relaxation of the magnetization. The results of the work revealed that the previously suggested and fully accepted strategy employing heavier halogenido ligands in order to increase the magnetic anisotropy has some limitations in the case of pentagonal-bipyramidal Co^II complexes.

Pseudo-Contact NMR Shifts over the Paramagnetic Metalloprotein CoMMP-12 from First Principles

Long-range pseudo-contact NMR shifts (PCSs) provide important restraints for the structure refinement of proteins when a paramagnetic metal center is present, either naturally or introduced artificially. Here we show that ab initio quantum-chemical methods and a modern version of the Kurland-McGarvey approach for paramagnetic NMR (pNMR) shifts in the presence of zero-field splitting (ZFS) together provide accurate predictions of all PCSs in a metalloprotein (high-spin cobalt-substituted MMP-12 as a test case). Computations of 314 ¹³ C PCSs using g- and ZFS tensors based on multi-reference methods provide a reliable bridge between EPR-parameter- and susceptibility-based pNMR formalisms. Due to the high sensitivity of PCSs to even small structural differences, local structures based either on X-ray diffraction or on various DFT optimizations could be evaluated critically by comparing computed and experimental PCSs. Many DFT functionals provide insufficiently accurate structures. We also found the available 1RMZ PDB X-ray structure to exhibit deficiencies related to binding of a hydroxamate inhibitor. This has led to a newly refined PDB structure for MMP-12 (5LAB) that provides a more accurate coordination arrangement and PCSs.

The rise of 3-d single-ion magnets in molecular magnetism: towards materials from molecules?

Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) that contain one spin centre (so-called single-ion magnets) theoretically represent the smallest possible unit for spin-based electronic devices. The realisation of this and related technologies, depends on first being able to design systems with sufficiently large energy barriers to magnetisation reversal, Ueff, and secondly, on being able to organise these molecules into addressable arrays. In recent years, significant progress has been made towards the former goal - principally as a result of efforts which have been directed towards studying complexes based on highly anisotropic lanthanide ions, such as Tb(iii) and Dy(iii). Since 2013 however, and the remarkable report by Long and co-workers of a linear Fe(i) system exhibiting Ueff = 325 K, single-ion systems of transition metals have undergone something of a renaissance in the literature. Not only do they have important lessons to teach us about anisotropy and relaxation dynamics in the quest to enhance Ueff, the ability to create strongly coupled spin systems potentially offers access to a whole of host of 1, 2 and 3-dimensional materials with interesting structural and physical properties. This perspective summarises recent progress in this rapidly expanding sub-genre of molecular magnetism from the viewpoint of the synthetic chemist, with a particular focus on the lessons that have so far been learned from single-ion magnets of the d-block, and, the future research directions which we feel are likely to emerge in the coming years.

Tetracoordinate Co(ii) complexes containing bathocuproine and single molecule magnetism

Chlorido complex [Co(bcp)Cl₂] exhibits a field-induced SMM behaviour, while in the bromide and iodido analogues only weak antiferromagnetic interactions are present.