Single-Molecule Magnet Properties in 3d4f Heterobimetallic Iron and Dysprosium Complexes Involving Hydrazone Ligand

The reaction between the ((E)-N'-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide) (H2opch) ligand and the metallo-precursor [Dy(hfac)3]·2H2O led to the formation of an homometallic coordination complex with the formula [Dy2(hfac)3(H2O)(Hopch)2][Dy(hfac)4] (1). In presence of both [Dy(hfac)3] 2H2O and the Fe(II) salt, the heterobimetallic tetranuclear [FeDy3(hfac)8(H2O)2(opch)2] (2) was isolated, while the addition of the co-ligand 1,2-Bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene) hydrazine (H2bmh) led to the formation of two heterobimetallic tetranuclear complexes with the formula [Fe3Dy(hfac)6(opch)2(H2bmh)] C6H14 (3) C6H14 and [Fe2Dy2(hfac)7(opch)2(H2bmh)] 0.5C7H16 (4) 0.5C7H16. Single crystal X-ray diffraction and dc magnetic investigation demonstrated that 3 and 4 involved the iron center in the +II and +III oxidation states. Dynamic magnetic measurements highlighted the single-molecule magnet behavior of 1 and 2 in a zero applied dc field primarily due to the ferromagnetic interactions taking place in these compounds.

Bulky anion effect on the architecture of chiral dysprosium single-molecule magnets

The interest for chiral tris(β-diketonato)lanthanide complexes in coordination chemistry is huge due to its Lewis acid character, optical activity, and the control of the final compound architecture. The reaction of equimolar quantities of [Dy((-)/(+)hfc)₃ (H₂ O)] (hfc^-  = 3-(heptafluoropropylhydroxymethylene)-(+/-)-camphorate) and L led to the formation of a pair of enantiomers for dinuclear complexes [Dy((-)/(+)hfc)₃ (L)]₂ ⋅C₇ H₁₆ ([(-)/(+)1]⋅C₇ H₁₆ ) (L = 4'-(4'''-pyridyl-N-oxide)-1,2':6'1''-bis-(pyrazolyl)pyridine]). Starting from the previous experimental protocol with the addition of bulky BArF anions, a partial dissociation of the chiral [Dy((-)/(+)hfc)₃ (H₂ O)] was observed leading to the isolation of a mono-dimensional cationic chiral polymer {[Dy((-)/(+)hfc)₂ (L)][BarF]}_n ⋅nCH₃ NO₂ ([(-)/(+)2]_n ⋅nCH₃ NO₂ ). Natural circular dichroism (NCD) highlighted an exciton CD couplet for [(-)/(+)2]_n but not for (-)/(+)1. The latter behaves as a single-molecule magnet (SMM) with a blocking temperature up to 4 K, whereas [(-)/(+)2]_n is a 1D assembly of field-induced SMMs with a magnetic relaxation occurring through a Raman process only.

Multifunctional Helicene-Based Ytterbium Coordination Polymer Displaying Circularly Polarized Luminescence, Slow Magnetic Relaxation and Room Temperature Magneto-Chiral Dichroism

The combination of physical properties sensitive to molecular chirality in a single system allows the observation of fascinating phenomena such as magneto-chiral dichroism (MChD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) having potential applications for optical data readout and display technology. Homochiral monodimensional coordination polymers of YbIII were designed from a 2,15-bis-ethynyl-hexahelicenic scaffold decorated with two terminal 4-pyridyl units. Thanks to the coordination of the chiral organic chromophore to Yb(hfac)3 units (hfac- =1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylaconate), efficient NIR-CPL activity is observed. Moreover, the specific crystal field around the YbIII induces a strong magnetic anisotropy which leads to a single-molecule magnet (SMM) behaviour and a remarkable room temperature MChD. The MChD-structural correlation is supported by computational investigations.

Terminal-fluoride-coordinated air-stable chiral dysprosium single-molecule magnets

Terminal fluoride ligands generate strong magnetic anisotropy in air-stable chiral dysprosium enantiomers supported by a bulky equatorial macrocycle, exhibiting a typical zero-field single-molecule magnet behaviour.

Modulating Two Pairs of Chiral DyIII Enantiomers by Distinct β-Diketone Ligands to Show Giant Differences in Single-Ion Magnet Performance and Nonlinear Optical Response

Using Dy(dbm)₃(H₂O) and Dy(btfa)₃(H₂O)₂ to react with enantiopure N-donors, (-)/(+)-4,5-pinenepyridyl-2-pyrazine (L_R/L_S), respectively, two pairs of chiral Dy^III enantiomers, Dy(dbm)₃L_R/Dy(dbm)₃L_S (R-1-Dy/S-1-Dy) and Dy(btfa)₃L_R/Dy(btfa)₃L_S (R-2-Dy/S-2-Dy) were obtained, wherein one of the benzene rings of dbm^- (dibenzoylmethanate) in R-1-Dy/S-1-Dy is displaced by the -CF₃ group of btfa^- (4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butanedionate) in R-2-Dy/S-2-Dy. Interestingly, this substitution results not only in giant differences in their single-ion magnetic (SIM) performances but also in their completely different nonlinear optical (NLO) responses. R-1-Dy presents a large effective energy barrier (U_eff = 265.47 K) under zero applied field, being more than 4 × R-2-Dy (61.40 K). The discrepancy on their magnetic performances has been further elucidated by ab initio calculations. Meanwhile, R-1-Dy/S-1-Dy display the strongest third-harmonic generation responses (35/33 × α-SiO₂) among the known lanthanide NLO-active coordination compounds (CCs). On the contrary, R-2-Dy/S-2-Dy exhibit moderate second-harmonic generation responses (0.65/0.70 × KDP). These results not only give the first example of the CCs with both SMM/SIM behavior and a THG response but also provide an efficient strategy for achieving the function regulation and switch in multifunctional CCs.

Structural determinations and magnetic properties of a "chiral at metal" complex and its resulting [Cu-Ln]2 compounds

A chiral trianionic ligand possessing one amide, one imine, two phenol functions and one asymmetric carbon atom into its diamino chain reacts with Cu^II ions to yield anionic [LCu]^- units that crystallize in a non-centrosymmetric space group as infinite 1D zig-zag chains in which a transmission of chirality to the Cu^II ion is effective. The distorted square planar environment of the Cu^II ion is large enough to induce the presence of a stereogenic Cu^II centre. Further reaction with Ln^III ions in presence of ancillary ligands does not preserve such an arrangement but yields a tetranuclear complex made of two [LCu-Ln] units in a head-to-tail position. The tetranuclear [LCu-Ln]₂ complexes made with the racemic and chiral LCu units crystallize in different space groups, so that racemization does not occur. The structural determinations confirm that a symmetry centre is present in the two structures, except for the methyl groups linked to the chiral carbon atoms, which appear as disordered in the (S-S) tetranuclear entity. Such an arrangement implies a conformation change of the diamino chain linked to the Cu^II ion in one [LCu-Ln] unit of the (S-S) entity, and cancels any chirality contribution of the Cu^II ions, as in the meso compound. Ferromagnetic Cu-Ln interactions, resulting from an alternate distribution of the Cu^II and Ln^III ions, are the only ones to be active. Eventually the micro-Squid studies confirm that the hysteresis loops of the corresponding racemate and chiral tetranuclear [LCu-Dy]₂ entities are slightly different.

Counterintuitive Single-Molecule Magnet Behaviour in Two Polymorphs of One-Dimensional Compounds Involving Chiral BINOL-Derived Bisphosphate Ligands

The coordination reaction of the [Dy(hfac)3(H2O)2] units (hfac− = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetonate) with the [8′-(Diphenoxylphosphinyl)[1,1′-binaphthalen]-8-yl]diphenoxylphosphine oxide ligand (L) followed by a crystallisation in a 1:3 CH2Cl2:n-hexane solvent mixture led to the isolation of a new polymorph of formula [(Dy(hfac)3((S)-L))3]n (1). The X-ray structure on single crystal of 1 revealed the formation of a mono-dimensional coordination polymer with three crystallographically independent DyIII centres, which crystallised in the polar chiral P21 space group. Ac magnetic measurements highlighted single-molecule magnet behaviour under both zero and 1000 Oe applied magnetic field with magnetic relaxation through quantum tunneling of the magnetisation (QTM, zero field only) and Raman processes. Despite the three crystallographically independent DyIII centres adopting a distorted D4d coordination environment, a single slow magnetic relaxation contribution was observed at a slower rate than its previously studied [(Dy(hfac)3((S)-L))]n (2) polymorph.

The Underexplored Field of Lanthanide Complexes with Helicene Ligands: Towards Chiral Lanthanide Single Molecule Magnets

The effective combination of chirality and magnetism in a single crystalline material can lead to fascinating cross-effects, such as magneto-chiral dichroism. Among a large variety of chiral ligands utilized in the design and synthesis of chiral magnetic materials, helicenes seem to be the most appealing ones, due to the exceptionally high specific rotation values that reach thousands of deg·cm3·g−1·dm−1, which is two orders of magnitude higher than for compounds with chiral carbon atoms. Despite the sizeable family of transition metal complexes with helicene-type ligands, there are only a few examples of such complexes with lanthanide ions. In this mini-review, we describe the most recent developments in the field of lanthanide-based complexes with helicene-type ligands and summarize insights regarding the further exploration of this family of compounds towards multifunctional chiral lanthanide single molecule magnets (Ln-SMMs).

Multifunctional DyIII Enantiomeric Pairs Showing Enhanced Photoluminescences and Third-Harmonic Generation Responses through the Coordination Role of Homochiral Tridentate N,N,N-Pincer Ligands

By utilizing Dy(hfac)₃(H₂O)₂ to react with enantiomerically pure tridentate N,N,N-pincer ligands, namely (-)/(+)-2,6-bis(4',5'-pinene-2'-pyridyl)pyridine (L_R and L_S), respectively, homochiral Dy^III enantiomeric pairs formulated as Dy(hfac)₃L_R/Dy(hfac)₃L_S (R-1/S-1) (hfac^- = hexafluoroacetylacetonate) were achieved and structurally characterized. Meanwhile, their magnetic, photoluminescent (PL), and chiroptical properties were probed. The PL test results indicate that the precursor Dy(hfac)₃(H₂O)₂ only shows very weak emission, while R-1 exhibits characteristic Dy^III f-f transition emission bands at room temperature. Furthermore, the nonlinear optical responses of Dy(hfac)₃(H₂O)₂, L_R/L_S, and R-1/S-1 were investigated in detail based on crystalline samples. The results reveal that L_R and L_S present the coexistence of second- and third-harmonic generation (SHG and THG) responses with more intense signals for SHG responses; and Dy(hfac)₃(H₂O)₂ merely displays weak THG responses, while R-1 and S-1 also only exhibit THG responses. However, the THG intensities of R-1 and S-1 are more than six times larger than that of Dy(hfac)₃(H₂O)₂ under the identical measurement conditions. These results demonstrate that introducing homochiral N,N,N-pincer ligands to replace two H₂O molecules of Dy(hfac)₃(H₂O)₂ results in significant improvements of both PL performances and THG responses of resultant R-1/S-1 enantiomers. R-1 and S-1 integrate PL, THG, and chiral optical activity in one molecule, suggesting their multifunctional merits. In particular, a convenient method is introduced to simultaneously test THG and SHG responses of molecular materials based on crystalline samples in this work.

Enantioenriched Ruthenium-Tris-Bipyridine Complexes Bearing One Helical Bipyridine Ligand: Access to Fused Multihelicenic Systems and Chiroptical Redox Switches

The synthesis and photophysical and chiroptical properties of novel aza[n]helicenes (6a-d, 10a,b, n = 4-7) substituted with one or two 2-pyridyl groups are described. The preparation was performed via an adapted Mallory reaction using aromatic imines as precursors. The obtained novel class of helical 2,2'-bipyridine ligands was then coordinated to Ru(bipy)₂²⁺ units, thus affording the first diastereomerically and enantiomerically pure [RuL(bipy)₂]²⁺ (11a,c, L = 6a,c) or [Ru₂L'(bipy)₄]⁴⁺ (12, L' = 10b) complexes. The topology and stereochemistry of these novel metal-based helical architectures were studied in detail, notably using X-ray crystallography. Interestingly, the coordination to ruthenium(II) enabled the preparation of fused multihelical systems incorporating aza- and ruthena-helicenes within the same scaffold. The photophysical, chiroptical, and redox properties of these complexes were examined in detail, and efficient redox-triggered chiroptical switching activity was evidenced.

Solid-state versus solution investigation of a luminescent chiral BINOL-derived bisphosphate single-molecule magnet

The enantiopure coordination polymer [Dy(hfac)₃((S/R)-L)]_n ([(S/R)-1]n) involving a BINOL-derived bisphosphate ligand (S/R)-L is investigated both in solution and solid-state.

Slow magnetic relaxation in a homo dinuclear Dy(iii) complex in a pentagonal bipyramidal geometry

We hereby report a dinuclear Dy(iii) complex, [Dy(LH₃)Cl₂]₂·2Et₂O (1) (LH₄ = 2,3-dihydroxybenzylidene)-2-(hydroxyimino)propanehydrazide where both the metal centres are in a pentagonal bipyramidal (PBP) geometry with the axial positions being occupied by negatively charged Cl^- ions. The complex as well as it's 10% diluted analogue (1₁₀) do not show zero-field SMM behaviour. However, in the presence of small optimum dc fields the slow relaxation of magnetization was displayed. The effective energy barrier for 1₁₀ at 800 Oe of applied field was extracted as 83(17) K with τ₀ = 2(4) × 10^-12 s. Through a combined experimental and ab initio electronic structure calculations studies we have thoroughly analysed the role of the ligand field around the Dy(iii), present in pentagonal bipyramidal geometry, in contributing to the slow relaxation of magnetization.

Radii-dependent self-assembly of chiral lanthanide complexes: synthesis, chirality, and single-molecule magnet behavior

A pair of 3-methoxysalicylhydrazone-based homochiral ligands constructed chiral trinuclear and pentanuclear complexes with La^III and Dy^III ions, respectively, which indicates that the radii controlled the self-assembled structures. Chiral transfer during the self-assembly processes was confirmed by crystal structure analysis and CD spectroscopy. Then, magnetic investigations demonstrated that the chiral Dy₅ complexes exhibited typical single-molecule magnet behavior.

Redox- and solvato-magnetic switching in a tetrathiafulvalene-based triad single-molecule magnet

Simultaneous redox and solvato-magnetic switching was achieved for a dinuclear dysprosium single-molecule magnet involving an extended tetrathiafulvalene fused semiquinone based triad.

Determination of the electronic structure of a dinuclear dysprosium single molecule magnet without symmetry idealization

We present the in-depth determination of the magnetic properties and electronic structure of the luminescent and volatile dysprosium-based single molecule magnet [Dy2(bpm)(fod)6] (Hfod = 6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedione, bpm = 2,2'-bipyrimidine). Ab initio calculations were used to obtain a global picture of the electronic structure and to predict possible single molecule magnet behaviour, confirmed by experiments. The orientation of the susceptibility tensor was determined by means of cantilever torque magnetometry. An experimental determination of the electronic structure of the lanthanide ion was obtained combining Luminescence, Far Infrared and Magnetic Circular Dichroism spectroscopies. Fitting these energies to the full single ion plus crystal field Hamiltonian allowed determination of the eigenstates and crystal field parameters of a lanthanide complex without symmetry idealization. We then discuss the impact of a stepwise symmetry idealization on the modelling of the experimental data. This result is particularly important in view of the misleading outcomes that are often obtained when the symmetry of lanthanide complexes is idealized.

Syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of a series of luminescent lanthanide complexes containing neutral tetradentate phenanthroline-amide ligands

Six lanthanide compounds have been prepared from a neutral tetra-dentate ligand. Their luminescent and magnetic properties were investigated in detail.

Tetrathiafulvalene-Based Helicene Ligand in the Design of a Dysprosium Field-Induced Single-Molecule Magnet

The design of a coordination complex that involves a ligand combining both a tetrathiafulvalene core and a helicene fragment was achieved thanks to the reaction between the new 2-{1-[2-methyl[6]helicene]-4,5-[4,5-bis(propylthio)tetrathiafulvalenyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl}pyridine ligand (L) and the Dy(hfac)₃·2H₂O metalloprecursor. Magnetic investigations showed field-induced single-molecule-magnet (SMM) behavior under an applied magnetic field of 1000 Oe for [Dy(hfac)₃(L)]·0.5CH₂Cl₂, while experimentally oriented single-crystal magnetic measurements allowed for determination of the magnetic anisotropy orientation. The magnetic behavior was rationalized through ab initio CASSCF/SI-SO calculations. This redox-active chiral-field-induced SMM paves the way for the design of switchable-multiproperty SMMs.

A redox-active chiral-field-induced single-molecule magnet was achieved through a coordination reaction of the [Dy(hfac)₃] precursor to a ligand that combines a redox-active tetrathiafulvalene core and a chiral carbo[6]helicene fragment. This multiproperty system was characterized using X-ray crystallography, magnetism, and ab initio calculations.

Field-Induced Dysprosium Single-Molecule Magnet Based on a Redox-Active Fused 1,10-Phenanthroline-Tetrathiafulvalene-1,10-Phenanthroline Bridging Triad

Tetrathiafulvalene and 1,10-phenanthroline moieties present, respectively remarkable redox-active and complexation activities. In this work, we investigated the coordination reaction between the bis(1,10-phenanthro[5,6-b])tetrathiafulvalene triad (L) and the Dy(hfac)₃·2H₂O metallo precursor. The resulting {[Dy₂(hfac)₆(L)]·CH₂Cl₂·C₆H₁₄}₃ (1) dinuclear complex showed a crystal structure in which the triad L bridged two terminal Dy(hfac)₃ units and the supramolecular co-planar arrangement of the triads is driven by donor-acceptor interactions. The frequency dependence of the out-of-phase component of the magnetic susceptibility highlights three distinct maxima under a 2000 Oe static applied magnetic field, a sign that 1 displays a Single-Molecule Magnet (SMM) behavior with multiple magnetic relaxations. Ab initio calculations rationalized the Ising character of the magnetic anisotropy of the Dy^III ions and showed that the main anisotropy axes are perpendicular to the co-planar arrangement of the triads. Single-crystal rotating magnetometry confirms the orientation of the main magnetic axis. Finally combining structural analysis and probability of magnetic relaxation pathways through Quantum Tunneling of the Magnetization (QTM) vs. excited states (Orbach), each Dy^III center has been attributed to one of the three observed magnetic relaxation times. Such coordination compound can be considered as an ideal candidate to perform redox-magnetic switching.

A Chiral Bipyrimidine-Bridged Dy2 SMM: A Comparative Experimental and Theoretical Study of the Correlation Between the Distortion of the DyO6N2 Coordination Sphere and the Anisotropy Barrier

Chiral bipyrimidine-bridged dinuclear Ln^III complexes of general formula [(μ-bipym){((+)-tfacam)₃Ln}₂] and [(μ-bipym){((-)-tfacam)₃Ln}₂], have been prepared from the assembly of Ln(AcO)₃·nH₂O (Ln^III = Dy, Gd), (+)/(−)-3-(trifluoroacetyl)camphor enantiopure ligands ((+)/(-)-Htfacam) and bipyrimidine (bipym). The structure and chirality of these complexes have been supported by single-crystal X-Ray diffraction and circular dichroism. The study of the magnetic properties of the Gd^III complexes revealed a very weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the Gd^III ions through the bipyrimidine bridging ligand. Ab initio CASSCF calculations indicated that the ground Kramers doublet (KD) of both Dy^III centers is almost purely axial with the anisotropy axis located close to the two tfacam⁻ligands at opposite sides of each Dy^IIIatom, which create an axial crystal field. In keeping with this, ac dynamic measurements indicated slow relaxation of the magnetization at zero field with U_eff = 55.1 K, a pre-exponential factor of τ_o = 2.17·10⁻⁶ s and τ_QTM = 8 μs. When an optimal dc field of 0.1 T is applied, QTM is quenched and U_eff increases to 75.9 K with τ_o = 6.16 × 10⁻⁷ s. The DyN₂O₈ coordination spheres and SMM properties of [(μ-bipym){((+)-tfacam)₃Ln}₂] and their achiral [(Dy(β-diketonate)₃)₂(μ-bpym)]analogous have been compared and a magneto-structural correlation has been established, which has been supported by theoretical calculations. In contrast to the Gd^III compounds, the magnetic exchange interaction between the Dy^III ions has been calculated to be very weak and, generally, ferromagnetic in nature. Relaxation mechanisms for [(μ-bipym){((+)-tfacam)₃Ln}₂] and previously reported analogous have been proposed from ab initio calculations. As the magnetic exchange interaction found to be very weak, the observed magnetization blockade in these systems are primarily dictated by the single ion anisotropy of Dy^III ions.

Tailored homo- and hetero- lanthanide porphyrin dimers: a synthetic strategy for integrating multiple spintronic functionalities into a single molecule

We present molecular magnetic systems that contain all elements necessary for spin-valve control in molecular spintronic devices in a single molecule.

We present the design, synthesis and magnetic properties of molecular magnetic systems that contain all elements necessary for spin-valve control in molecular spintronic devices in a single molecule. We investigate the static and dynamic magnetic properties and quantum spin properties of butadiyne-linked homo- and hetero-nuclear lanthanide-porphyrin dimers. A heterometallated porphyrin dimer containing both Tb^III and Dy^III centres is created rationally by the stepwise oxidative homocoupling of distinct lanthanide-porphyrin monomers. Tb^III and Dy^III mononuclear porphyrin complexes, homodimers and heterodimers all exhibit slow magnetic relaxation below 10 kelvin under a static magnetic field. The coherence times for Gd^III porphyrin monomers and dimers are found to be in excess of 3.0 μs at 2 K, allowing distinct magnetic manipulations in low temperature transport experiments.

Slow Relaxation of the Magnetization in Bis-Decorated Chiral Helicene-Based Coordination Complexes of Lanthanides

The complexes [Ln2(hfac)6(L)]·nC6H14 (Ln = Dy (1) n = 0, Yb (2) n = 1) with the L chiral 3,14-di-(2-pyridyl)-4,13-diaza[6]helicene ligand (hfac− = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetonate) have been synthesized in their racemic form and structurally and magnetically characterized. Both complexes behave as field-induced single molecule magnets in the crystalline phase. These magnetic properties were rationalized by ab initio calculations.

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.

"Switching on" the single-molecule magnet properties within a series of dinuclear cobalt(iii)-dysprosium(iii) 2-pyridyloximate complexes

The use of 2-pyridinealdoxime (paoH), methyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime (mepaoH), phenyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime (phpaoH) and pyridine-2-amidoxime (NH₂paoH) for the synthesis of dinuclear Co^III/Dy^III complexes is described in the absence or presence of an external base. Complexes [CoDy(pao)₃(NO₃)₃] (1), [CoDy(mepao)₃(NO₃)₃] (2), [CoDy(phpao)₃(NO₃)₃] (3) and [CoDy(NH₂pao)₃(NO₃)₃]·3MeOH (4·3MeOH) have been isolated and their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The complexes crystallize in non-centrosymmetric (2, 3) or centrosymmetric (1, 4·3MeOH) trigonal space groups and form a family of triply-oximate bridged dinuclear Co(iii)-Dy(iii) complexes. The crystals of 1, 3 and 4·3MeOH contain mixtures of Δ and Λ enantiomers, whereas complex 2 is enantiomerically pure (Λ). A 3-fold crystallographic axis (C₃) passes through two metal ions in all complexes. The low-spin Co^III and Dy^III ions are bridged by three oximate groups belonging to the η¹:η¹:η¹:μ 2-pyridyloximate ligands. The Co^III centre is octahedrally coordinated by the six nitrogen atoms of the deprotonated organic ligands in a facial arrangement. The Dy^III centre is bound to an O₉ set of donor atoms, its coordination sphere being completed by three bidentate chelating nitrato groups. The coordination polyhedron around Dy^III in 1 is best described as the Johnson tricapped trigonal prism, while the coordination geometries of the Dy^III centres in 2, 3 and 4·3MeOH are best described as consisting of spherical tricapped trigonal prismatic coordination polyhedra. The spectroscopic data of the complexes are also reported and discussed in the infra-red region in terms of the coordination modes of the ligands involved. The magnetic properties of these complexes were studied between 300 and 1.8 K revealing mainly the depopulation of the Dy^IIIm_j sublevels of the ground ⁶H_15/2 state. The intrinsic magnetic anisotropy of the Dy^III centers is clearly observed by the non-superimposed magnetization (M) versus H/T data, but single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties were detected only for the mepao^--containing complex 2. The origin of these properties in 2 is critically discussed and supported by computational studies.

Supramolecular Approach for Enhancing Single-Molecule Magnet Properties of Terbium(III)-Phthalocyaninato Double-Decker Complexes with Crown Moieties

A Tb^III -phthalocyaninato double-decker ([1]⁰ ) single-molecule magnet (SMM) having four 15-crown-5 moieties in one of the ligands was synthesized, and its dimerization and magnetic properties were studied in an attempt to utilize the supramolecular aggregation for enhancing the SMM properties. Aggregation of [1]⁰ to form [1₂ K₄ ]⁴⁺ in the presence of K⁺ ions was studied by using UV/Vis-NIR absorption and NMR spectroscopies. For the magnetic measurements, [1]⁰ and [1₂ K₄ ]⁴⁺ were dispersed in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). UV/Vis-NIR absorption measurements on the PMMA dispersed samples were used to track the formation of [1₂ K₄ ]⁴⁺ . Direct current (DC) magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that there were ferromagnetic Tb-Tb interactions in [1₂ K₄ ]⁴⁺ , whereas there was no indication of ferromagnetic interactions in [1]⁰ . Upon the formation of [1₂ K₄ ]⁴⁺ from [1]⁰ and K⁺ ions, the temperature at which the magnetic hysteresis occurred increased from 7 to 15 K. In addition, the area of magnetic hysteresis became larger for [1₂ K₄ ]⁴⁺ , meaning that SMM properties of [1₂ K₄ ]⁴⁺ are superior to those of [1]⁰ . Alternating current (AC) magnetic measurements were used to confirm this observation. Magnetic relaxation times at 2 K increased 1000-fold upon dimerization of [1]⁰ to [1₂ K₄ ]⁴⁺ , demonstrating the effectiveness of using K⁺ ions to induce dimer formation for the improvement of the SMM properties.

A pair of mononuclear Dy(iii) enantiomers showing single-ion magnetic and ferroelectric properties

A new pair of Dy(iii)-β-diketonate enantiomers with chiral N,N′-donor ligands display chiroptical activities and ferroelectric and single-ion magnetic properties, and act as potential multifunctional molecule-based materials.

An intense luminescent Dy(iii) single-ion magnet with the acylpyrazolonate ligand showing two slow magnetic relaxation processes

A new Dy(iii)-acylpyrazolonate complex displays both intense yellow-light emission and single-ion magnet behavior with two slow magnetic relaxation processes, acting as a potential bifunctional material.

Chiral and kryptoracemic Dy(iii) complexes with field-induced single molecule magnet behavior

Crystalline mode modulation and magnetic relaxation manipulation can be realized by the introduction of different anions into mononuclear Dy(iii) single molecule magnets (SMMs).

Axial Ligand Field in D4d Coordination Symmetry: Magnetic Relaxation of Dy SMMs Perturbed by Counteranions

A series of mononuclear Dy^III complexes with the general formula [DyLz₂(salicylaldehyde)₂]·X·solvent (Lz = 6-pyridin-2-yl[1,3,5]triazine-2,4-diamine; X = OH^- (1·OH), Cl^- (2·Cl), Br^- (3·Br)) have been synthesized using mixed salicylaldehyde/pyridinyl-triazine ligands and discriminative counteranions. The Dy^III ion in these three complexes resides in a similar D_4d coordination geometry with counteranions perturbing the coordination environment and bond lengths and angles in the lattice. Magnetostructural studies reveal that the asymmetric distribution of salicylaldehyde/pyridinyl-triazine ligands and the presence of discriminative counteranions result in the coexistence of large anisotropy and quantum tunneling of magnetization. The magnetic anisotropy is dominated by the axial ligand field with short Dy-O_sali distances and large ∠O_sali-Dy-O_sali angles, while the quantum tunneling relaxation is probably dictated by the π-π stacking of the Lz ligands, which induces an axial constriction of the coordinating plane. Ab initio calculations substantiate the diversity of the magnetic behaviors in these complexes and highlight the importance of axial ligand field with short Dy-O_sali distances, large ∠O_sali-Dy-O_sali angles and less ligand stacking in these pseudo-D_4d-symmetrical single-molecule magnets.

Fine-tuning the magnetocaloric effect and SMMs behaviors of coplanar RE4 complexes by β-diketonate coligands

By introducing different β-diketonate coligands, Gd₄ complexes show cryogenic magnetic refrigeration properties, whereas Dy₄ clusters exhibit different SMMs behaviors.

Phthalocyanine supported dinuclear LnIIIcomplexes: the solvent-induced change of magnetic properties in dysprosium(iii) analogues

Three phthalocyanine-supported dinuclear Ln^IIIcomplexes were obtained and characterized. The Dy^IIIanalogue exhibits reversible solvent dependent single-molecule magnetic properties between a single relaxation and a dual relaxation process.