The effect of magnetic coupling along the magnetic axis on slow magnetic relaxation in DyIII complexes with D5h configuration based on an aggregation-induced-emission-active ligand

The adjustment of crystal symmetry and intramolecular magnetic coupling is of great importance for the construction of high-performance single-molecule magnets. By using an aggregation-induced-emission-active pyridine-carbohydrazone-based Schiff base ligand and phosphine oxides, four dinuclear and one one-dimensional DyIII-based complexes, [Dy2(TPE-pc)2(Bu3PO)2Cl2]·2CH3CN·2H2O (1), [Dy2(TPE-pc)2(Cy3PO)2Cl2] (2), [Dy2(TPE-pc)2(MePA)2Cl2]·2CH3OH (3), [Dy2(TPE-pc)2(Ph3PO)2Cl2]2 (4) and [Dy2(TPE-pc)2(DPPO)Cl2]n (5) (H2TPE-pc = (E)-N'-(2-hydroxy-5-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)benzylidene)picolinohydrazide, MePA = N-phenyl-N',N''-bis(morpholinyl) phosphoric triamide, DPPO = piperazine-1,4-diylbis(diphenyl phosphine oxide)), were isolated. All complexes are made up of an enol oxygen-bridged Dy2 unit, where DyIII ions possess a pentagonal bipyramidal geometry with pseudo D5h symmetry. Magnetic measurements reveal that intramolecular DyIII-DyIII couplings are ferromagnetic and all complexes display a significant slow magnetic relaxation phenomenon below 30 K under a zero dc field. Ab initio calculations indicate that the anisotropic magnetic axes of all DyIII ions are approximately perpendicular to the higher-order symmetric axes in all complexes, and that DyIII-DyIII magnetic couplings along the magnetic axes effectively suppress the ground state quantum tunneling effect of magnetization and promote the occurrence of slow magnetic relaxation. Raman relaxation prevails in all complexes. In addition, the H2TPE-pc ligand shows an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect; however, all complexes exhibit an aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) phenomenon.

Single molecule magnet features in luminescent lanthanide coordination polymers with heptacoordinate Dy/Yb(III) ions as nodes

Two sets of 1D/2D lanthanide coordination polymers with formulas of Ln(oqa)3·2H2O [Hoqa = 2-(4-oxoquinolin-1(4H)-yl) acetic acid, Ln = Dy (1), Yb (2)] and Ln(oaa)2(HCOO)(H2O) [Hoaa = 2-(9-oxoacridin-10(9H)-yl) acetic acid, Ln = Dy (3), Yb (4)] have been synthesized and their physical properties were investigated. All four complexes are constructed from seven-coordinate lanthanide ions and corresponding organic linkers. The lanthanide ions in 1 and 2 adopt a pentagonal bipyramid coordination geometry, whereas the coordination geometry of lanthanide ions in 3 and 4 can be described as a capped octahedron. Slow magnetic relaxation behaviors were observed in these four products at a zero/non-zero static magnetic field. Complexes 1, 2 and 4 exhibit the characteristic emission of Ln(III) ions, whereas complex 3 shows ligand-based emission. Bright yellow light emission was also observed when a voltage was applied, demonstrating the potential of 1 for application in light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Compounds 3 and 4 are the first examples of lanthanide complexes based on Hoaa ligands.

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.

Magnetic anisotropy of transition metal and lanthanide ions in pentagonal bipyramidal geometry

The magnetic anisotropy associated with a pentagonal bipyramidal (PBP) coordination sphere is examined on the basis of experimental and theoretical investigations. The origin and the characteristics of this anisotropy are discussed in relation to the electronic configuration of the metal ions. The effects of crystal field, structural distortion, and a second-coordination sphere on the observed anisotropies for transition meal and lanthanide ions are outlined. For the Ln derivatives, we focus on compounds showing SMM-like behavior (i.e. slow relaxation of their magnetization) in order to highlight the essential chemical and structural parameters for achieving strong axial anisotropy. The use of PBP complexes to impart controlled magnetic anisotropy in polynuclear species such as SMMs or SCMs is also addressed. This review of the magnetic anisotropies associated with a pentagonal bipyramidal coordination sphere for transition metal and lanthanide ions is intended to highlight some general trends that can guide chemists towards designing a compound with specific properties.

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.

An experimental and theoretical study of the magnetic relaxation in heterometallic coordination polymers based on 6-methyl-2-oxonicotinate and lanthanide(iii) ions with square antriprismatic environment

Two isostructural lanthanide(iii)-based coordination polymers with square antiprismatic environment are described. Magnetic properties are studied from experimental and theoretical viewpoints to analyze their SIM behavior.

Significantly Enhancing the Single-Molecule-Magnet Performance of a Dinuclear Dy(III) Complex by Utilizing an Asymmetric Auxiliary Organic Ligand

In this work, we employed an asymmetric auxiliary organic ligand (1,1,1-trifluoroacetylacetone, Htfac) to further regulate the magnetic relaxation behavior of series of Dy₂ single-molecule magnets (SMMs) with a N1,N3-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)diethylenetriamine (H₂L) ligand. Fortunately, an air-stable Dy₂ complex, [Dy₂(L)₂(tfac)₂] (1; Htfac = 1,1,1-trifluoroacetylacetone) was obtained at room temperature. A structural analysis indicated that some Dy-O or Dy-N bond lengths for 1 are not in the range of those for the complexes [Dy^III₂(L)₂(acac)₂]·2CH₂Cl₂ (Dy₂-acac; Hacac = acetylacetone) and [Dy^III₂(L)₂(hfac)₂] (Dy₂-hfac; Hhfac = hexafluoroacetylacetone), although the electron-withdrawing ability of tfac^- is stronger than that of acac^- but weaker than that of hfac^-. Additionally, the Dy-O3/O3a (the two O atoms bridged to Dy^III ions) bond lengths are also affected by the asymmetrical Htfc ligand. This indicated that the charge distribution of the coordination atoms around Dy^III has been modified in 1, which leads to the fine-tuning of the magnetic relaxation behavior of 1. Magnetic studies indicated that the values of effective energy barrier (U_eff) for 1 and its diluted sample (2) are 234.8(3) and 188.0(6) K, respectively, which are both higher than the reported value of 110 K for the complex Dy₂-hfac. More interestingly, 1 exhibits a magnetic hysteresis opening when T < 2.5 K at zero field, while the hysteresis loops of 2 are closed at a zero dc field. This discrepancy is due to the weak intramolecular exchange coupling in 2, which cannot overcome the QTM of the single Dy^III ion. Ab initio calculations for 1 revealed that the charge distributions of the coordination atoms around Dy^III ions were regulated and the intramolecular exchange coupling was indeed improved when the asymmetrical Htfc was employed as a ligand for the synthesis of this kind of Dy₂ SMM.

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.

Homochiral Dysprosium Phosphonate Nanowires: Morphology Control and Magnetic Dynamics

Controllable synthesis of uniformly distributed nanowires of coordination polymers with inherent physical functions is highly desirable but challenging. In particular, the combination of chirality and magnetism into nanowires has potential applications in multifunctional materials and spintronic devices. Herein, we report four pairs of enantiopure coordination polymers with formulae S-, R-Dy(cyampH)₃  ⋅ CH₃ COOH ⋅ 2H₂ O (S-1, R-1), S-, R-Dy(cyampH)₃  ⋅ 3H₂ O (S-2, R-2), S-, R-Dy(cyampH)₂ (C₂ H₅ COO) ⋅ 3H₂ O (S-3, R-3) and S-, R-Dy(cyampH)₃  ⋅ 0.5C₂ H₅ COOH ⋅ 2H₂ O (S-4, R-4) [cyampH₂ =S-, R-(1-cyclohexylethyl)aminomethylphosphonic acids], which were obtained depending on the pH of the reaction mixtures and the specific carboxylic acid used as pH regulator. Interestingly, compounds 3 were obtained as superlong nanowires, showing 1D neutral chain structure which contains both phosphonate and propionate anion ligands. While compounds 1, 2 and 4 appeared as block-like crystals, superhelices and nanorods, respectively, and exhibited similar neutral chain structures containing only phosphonate ligand. Slow magnetization relaxation characteristic of single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior was observed for compounds S-1 and S-3. Theoretical calculations were performed to rationalize the magneto-structural relationships.

Ligand field and anion-driven structures and magnetic properties of dysprosium complexes

Based on the organic ligand H₂L, three Dy-based complexes were synthesized, and structurally and magnetically characterized. Theoretical calculations are performed to analyze the performance of single molecule magnets.

The influence of organic bases and substituted groups on coordination structures affording two mononuclear Dy(iii) single-molecule magnets (SMMs) and a novel Dy(iii)–K(i) compound with unusually coordinated fluorine atoms

The different organic bases and substituted groups of auxiliary ligands play an important role in synthetic processes, finally affording distinct structures and magnetic properties.

The comparative studies on the magnetic relaxation behaviour of the axially-elongated pentagonal-bipyramidal dysprosium and erbium ions in similar one-dimensional chain structures

A family of cyano-bridged 3d-4f 1D chain compounds, {RE[TM(CN)6(2-PNO)5]}·(H2O)4 {RE = YIII, TM = [FeIII]LS (1); RE = DyIII, TM = CoIII (3); RE = ErIII, TM = [FeIII]LS (4), CoIII (5); 2-PNO = 2-picoline-N-oxide} and {RE[TM(CN)6(2-PNO)5]} {RE = DyIII, TM = [FeIII]LS (2)}, were synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that compounds 1 and 3-5 are isostructural, while compound 2 has a similar 1D chain structure with a different chain to chain arrangement. An axially-elongated pentagonal bipyramidal (D5h) coordination geometry is formed with five 2-PNO ligands in the equatorial plane and two [TM(CN)6]3- on the apical sites around the rare earth ions in these compounds. A comparison of the magnetic relaxation behaviour in detail reveals that it is more favorable for the Er (4 and 5) than the Dy analogues (2 and 3) to exhibit SIM properties in this axially-elongated D5h coordination environment. Under zero dc field, ac susceptibility measurements show that the Dy analogues have no magnetic relaxation behaviour, while the Er analogues exhibit frequency dependence despite the strong QTM effect. Under a 1 kOe dc field, the Er analogues generally show 1-2 orders of magnitude longer relaxation time at each selected temperature and a higher relaxation energy barrier than the Dy analogues. And the RECo compounds (3 and 5) show a more suppressed QTM effect than the corresponding REFe (2 and 4) compounds, which may be ascribed to the elimination of the fluctuation field from the neighbouring [FeIII]LS ions. The ab initio calculations indicate the misplacement between the orientation of the main magnetic axis and the structural axis in the Dy analogues, and the relative consistency in the Er analogues, which should be the source of the Er analogues showing better SIM properties than the Dy analogues.

Ten-Coordinate Lanthanide [Ln(HL)(L)] Complexes (Ln = Dy, Ho, Er, Tb) with Pentadentate N3O2-Type Schiff-Base Ligands: Synthesis, Structure and Magnetism

A series of five neutral mononuclear lanthanide complexes [Ln(HL)(L)] (Ln = Dy3+, Ho3+ Er3+ and Tb3+) with rigid pentadentate N3O2-type Schiff base ligands, H2LH (1-Dy, 3-Ho, 4-Er and 6-Tb complexes) or H2LOCH3, (2-Dy complex) has been synthesized by reaction of two equivalents of 1,1′-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene))dibenzohydrazine (H2LH, [H2DAPBH]) or 1,1′-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene))di-4-methoxybenzohydrazine (H2LOCH3, [H2DAPMBH]) with common lanthanide salts. The terbium complex [Tb(LH)(NO3)(H2O)2](DME)2 (5-Tb) with one ligand H2LH was also obtained and characterized. Single crystal X-ray analysis shows that complexes 1–4 have the composition {[Ln3+(HL)−(L)2−] solv} and similar molecular structures. In all the compounds, the central Ln3+ ion is chelated by two interlocked pentadentate ligands resulting in the coordination number of ten. Each lanthanide ion is coordinated by six nitrogen atoms and four oxygen atoms of the two N3O2 chelating groups forming together a distorted bicapped square antiprismatic polyhedron N6O4 with two capping pyridyl N atoms in the apical positions. The ac magnetic measurements reveal field-induced single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior of the two dysprosium complexes (with barriers of Ueff = 29 K at 800 Oe in 1-Dy and Ueff = 70 K at 300 Oe in 2-Dy) and erbium complex (Ueff = 87 K at 1500 Oe in 4-Er); complex 3-Ho with a non-Kramers Ho3+ ion is SMM-silent. Although 2-Dy differs from 1-Dy only by a distant methoxy-group in the phenyl ring of the ligand, their dynamic magnetic properties are markedly different. This feature can be due to the difference in long-range contributions (beyond the first coordination sphere) to the crystal-field (CF) potential of 4f electrons of Dy3+ ion that affects magnetic characteristics of the ground and excited CF states. Magnetic behavior and the electronic structure of Ln3+ ions of 1–4 complexes are analyzed in terms of CF calculations.

Luminescent Ir(iii)–Ln(iii) coordination polymers showing slow magnetization relaxation

Two structural types of iridium(iii)–lanthanide(iii) coordination polymers, single-chain Ir2Ln and double-chain Ir4Ln2 (Ln = Gd, Dy, Er, and Yb), have been prepared. SMM behaviour and NIR luminescence were observed for the Ir–Er and Ir–Yb systems.

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.

Regulating the single-molecule magnetic properties of phenol oxygen-bridged binuclear lanthanide complexes through the electronic and spatial effect of the substituents

Series of Dy₂ SMMs displayed the nearly maximum tenfold increase in energy barrier and the hysteresis temperature increased from zero to 2.5 K using the electronic and spatial effect on substituent of the bridging ligand and co-ligands.

Field induced slow magnetic relaxation in a zig-zag chain-like Dy(iii) complex with the ligand o-phenylenedioxydiacetato

Three relaxation channels in field-induced SMM [Dy(PDOA)(NO₃)(H₂O)₂]_n·nH₂O with DyO₉ chromophore.

Coordination microenvironment perturbed single-ion magnet behavior in a β-diketone Dy(iii) complex

Employing mixed β-diketonate and bpy ligands leads to a mononuclear Dy(iii) SIM, of which the magneto-structural correlation is elucidated by the magnetic and theoretical studies, as well as a comparative study of reported analogues.

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.

Variation of nuclearity in NiII complexes of a Schiff base ligand: crystal structures and magnetic studies

Four Ni^II complexes have been synthesized by changing the reaction conditions and stoichiometry of the reactants. The magnetic coupling in the NiII4 complex is ferromagnetic whereas that in the NiII6 complex is antiferromagnetic.

High local coordination symmetry around the spin center and the alignment between magnetic and symmetric axes together play a crucial role in single-molecule magnet performance

A tetradentate 8-hydroxyquinoline-based acyl hydrazine ligand was used to construct a series of mono/di-nuclear dysprosium single-molecule magnets (SMMs) with nearly ideal pentagonal bipyramid coordination geometry (D_5h).

Enriching lanthanide single-ion magnetism through symmetry and axiality

Rapidly growing modern information technology demands energy and cost efficient tools that can efficiently store and process a large amount of data. However, the miniaturization technology that was being used to boost the performance of the electronic devices, keeping up with the pace as estimated by Moore's law, is reaching its limit. To overcome these challenges, several alternative routes that can eventually mimic the modern electronics fabrication using silicon have been proposed. Single molecule magnets (SMMs), being considered as one of the potential alternatives, have gone through significant progress and the focus has shifted from the use of polynuclear clusters to mononuclear complexes in the last few years. The recent frenzy in the field of SMMs is driven by a better understanding of the effects of crystal field (CF) and molecular symmetry on the magnetic properties, especially in the case of mononuclear paramagnetic complexes, apart from other controlling factors. This has led to the advent of highly anisotropic single-ion magnets (SIMs) with magnetic blocking temperatures as high as 60 K and anisotropic energy barriers over 1800 K. This article overviews our recent research in the light of the emergence of the importance of CF and symmetry in 4f ion based single-ion magnets (SIMs), especially in the context of SIMs with D5h symmetry, apart from commenting on the synthetic efforts adopted to place these metal ions in unusual coordination geometries.

Field-Induced Slow Relaxation in a Dinuclear Dysprosium(III) Complex Based on 3-Methoxycinnamic Acid

We report the synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of a new dinuclear dysprosium(III) complex based on a 3-methoxycinnamate ligand. The centrosymmetric complex exhibits a field-induced SMM behavior. In contrast to the previously reported lanthanide-based systems with cinnamate derivatives that relax through a combination of Raman and direct processes, an Orbach process is also involved in highlighting the role of the structural organization over the spin-lattice relaxations.

Single-ion magnets with D4d symmetry based on electron-donating β-diketonate Dy(iii) complexes

Four single-ion magnets based on electron-donating β-diketonate Dy(iii) complexes have been designed and isolated to explore the magnetism–structure relationship.

Magnetic relaxation in [Ln(hfac)4]− anions with [Cu(hfac)-radical]nn+ cation chains as counterions

Two novel 3d–4f compounds involving [Ln(hfac)₄]⁻ anions and {[Cu-radical]⁺}_n cation chains are presented. The Dy derivative exhibits slow magnetization relaxation.

The slow magnetic relaxation regulated by the coordination, configuration and intermolecular dipolar field in two mononuclear DyIII single-molecule magnets (SMMs)

Tuning the magnetic dynamics of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) is a crucial challenge for chemists.

Experimental and theoretical interpretation of the magnetic behavior of two Dy(iii) single-ion magnets constructed through β-diketonate ligands with different substituent groups (–Cl/–OCH3)

Two Dy(iii) single-ion magnets, formulated as [Dy(Phen)(Cl-tcpb)₃] (Cl-1) and [Dy(Phen)(CH₃O-tmpd)₃] (CH₃O-2) were obtained through β-diketonate ligands (Cl-tcpb = 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4,4-trifluoro-1,3-butanedione and CH₃O-tmpd = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-butanedione) with different substituent groups (–Cl/–OCH₃) and auxiliary ligand, 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen). The Dy(iii) ions in Cl-1 and CH₃O-2 are eight-coordinate, with an approximately square antiprismatic (SAP, D_4d) and trigonal dodecahedron (D_2d) N₂O₆ coordination environment, respectively, in the first coordination sphere. Under zero direct-current (dc) field, magnetic investigations demonstrate that both Cl-1 and CH₃O-2 display dynamic magnetic relaxation of single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior with different effective barriers (U_eff) of 105.4 cm⁻¹ (151.1 K) for Cl-1 and 132.5 cm⁻¹ (190.7 K) for CH₃O-2, respectively. As noted, compound CH₃O-2 possesses a higher effective barrier than Cl-1. From ab initio calculations, the energies of the first excited state (KD₁) are indeed close to the experimental U_eff as 126.7 cm⁻¹vs. 105.4 cm⁻¹ for Cl-1 and 152.8 cm⁻¹vs. 132.5 cm⁻¹ for CH₃O-2. The order of the calculated energies of KD₁ is same as that of the experimental U_eff. The superior SIM properties of CH₃O-2 could have originated from the larger axial electrostatic potential (ESP_(ax)) felt by the central Dy(iii) ion when compared with Cl-1. The larger ESP_(ax) of CH₃O-2 arises from synergic effects of the more negative charge and shorter Dy–O distances of the axial O atoms of the first sphere. These charges and distances could be influenced by functional groups outside the first sphere, e.g., –Cl and –OCH₃.

Further studies from the viewpoint of electrostatic potential demonstrate that the larger axial electrostatic potential (ESP) felt by the central Dy (iii) ion of CH₃O-2 is responsible for its better SIM property when compared with Cl-1.

Dy(iii)-Carboxylate chain containing quasi-D5h sites exhibits enhanced energy barrier for magnetization reversal

A slight modification of the solvent induced a change in the local symmetry of one-third of the metal sites for a 1D Dy(iii) complex from quasi-D_5h to C_2v and resulted in a significant change in U_eff from 403.6 to about 7.5 K.

Cinnamic acid derivative rare-earth dinuclear complexes and one-dimensional architectures: synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties

Discrete and extended architectures based on two derivatives of cinnamic acid show slow relaxation of the magnetisation.

Thermal expansion and magnetic properties of benzoquinone-bridged dinuclear rare-earth complexes

The complexes [BQ(MCl₂·THF₃)₂] (M = Y or Dy) possessing pentagonal bipyramidal environment around metal centers undergo significant thermal expansion as revealed by single-crystal X-ray and powder diffraction experiments.

Two-dimensional frameworks formed by pentagonal bipyramidal cobalt(ii) ions and hexacyanometallates: antiferromagnetic ordering, metamagnetism and slow magnetic relaxation

Two-dimensional frameworks constructed by pentagonal bipyramidal Co^II and [M(CN)₆]³⁻ units have been synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically.

Dysprosium(iii) complexes with a square-antiprism configuration featuring mononuclear single-molecule magnetic behaviours based on different β-diketonate ligands and auxiliary ligands

Three mononuclear SMMs derived from three β-diketonate ligands and auxiliary ligands have been synthesized.

A series of dinuclear lanthanide complexes with slow magnetic relaxation for Dy2 and Ho2

Seven dinuclear complexes [Ln₂L₂(C₂H₅OH)₂(NO₃)₂]·0.5py were prepared and characterized; complex 4 exhibits SMM behavior with a U_eff value of 66.7 K.