Spin Crossover Quenching by "Racemization" in a Family of trans-1,2-Di(tetrazol-1-yl)cyclopentane-Based Fe(II) 1D Coordination Polymers

Optically pure (RR)- and racemic (RR/SS)-trans-1,2-di(tetrazol-1-yl)cyclopentane were synthesized and used to prepare homo- and heterochiral Fe(II) coordination compounds. [Fe((RR/SS)-C7H10N8)2(CH3CN)2](BF4)2 (1A), [Fe((RR/SS)-C7H10N8)2(C2H5CN)2](BF4)2 (2A), [Fe((RR)-C7H10N8)2(CH3CN)2](BF4)2·2CH3CN (1B·solv), and [Fe((RR)-C7H10N8)2(C2H5CN)2](BF4)2 (2B) form a family of one-dimensional coordination polymers. Fe(II) cations in these complexes are characterized by a heteroleptic coordination environment: the neighboring metal centers are bridged by two 1,2-di(tetrazol-1-yl)cyclopentane molecules, while the nitrile molecules (acetonitrile or propionitrile, respectively) occupy the axial positions. Independently of the kind of nitrile coligands, an ability to thermally induce spin crossover (SCO) is governed by chirality. 1B·solv and 2B exhibit abrupt and complete SCO occurring at T1/2 = 144 K and T1/2 = 228 K, respectively. Desolvated form, 1B (of the same stoichiometry as 2B), also exhibits SCO (T1/2 = 215 K). In contrast, an exchange within the polymeric chain of half of the RR molecules with the SS enantiomeric form results in formation of 1A and 2A, which remain in stable high-spin (HS) form down to 10 K. It has been shown that moving from a homochiral to a heterochiral system changes the structure of the polymeric unit (while maintaining the same polymer dimensionality and bridging fashion) that leads to the deep reorganization of the further coordination spheres, including the anion network.

Spin crossover iron complexes with spin transition near room temperature based on nitrogen ligands containing aromatic rings: from molecular design to functional devices

During last decades, significant advances have been made in iron-based spin crossover (SCO) complexes, with a particular emphasis on achieving reversible and reproducible thermal hysteresis at room temperature (RT). This pursuit represents a pivotal goal within the field of molecular magnetism, aiming to create molecular devices capable of operating in ambient conditions. Here, we summarize the recent progress of iron complexes with spin transition near RT based on nitrogen ligands containing aromatic rings from molecular design to functional devices. Specifically, we discuss the various factors, including supramolecular interactions, crystal packing, guest molecules and pressure effects, that could influence its cooperativity and the spin transition temperature. Furthermore, the most recent advances in their implementation as mechanical actuators, switching/memories, sensors, and other devices, have been introduced as well. Finally, we give a perspective on current challenges and future directions in SCO community.

Chiral spin-crossover complexes based on an enantiopure Schiff base ligand with three chiral carbon centers

The preparation of Fe(II) complexes combining monodentate NCX- (X = S or Se) and the tetradentate Schiff base chiral ligands RR-L1 and SS-L1 = (RR- or SS-L1 = 1R,2R or 1S,2S)-N1,N2-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylen)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine in acetone results in an unexpected reaction. Thus, four enantiomerically pure compounds of formulas [Fe(RR-S-L2)(NCX)2] and [Fe(SS-R-L2)(NCX)2] (X = S or Se) are formed by the new asymmetrical ligand L2. In L2, one acetone solvent molecule is incorporated into the ligand forming a bond with the C atom of one of the two CN imine groups of L1, which is transformed into an amine (Mannich reaction). This reaction is diastereoselective as the incorporation of acetone leads to an asymmetric C adjacent to the NH group with opposite chirality S- or R- to that of the cyclohexane carbons (RR- or SS-, respectively). Therefore, L2 contains three C chiral centers. Structural and magnetic characterization of these compounds demonstrates that they show in the bulk a gradual spin-crossover behavior and LIESST effect. Interestingly, the presence of an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the integrated acetone molecule and the NH group can trigger a secondary stimuli-responsive behavior in the system. Therefore, by changing the solvent polarity, the color of the complex in solution can be easily tuned.

Spontaneous Chiral Resolution of a MnIII Spin-Crossover Complex with High Temperature 80 K Hysteresis

Non-centrosymmetric spin-switchable systems are of interest for their prospective applications as magnetically active non-linear optical materials and in multiferroic devices. Chiral resolution of simple spin-crossover chelate complexes into the Δ and Λ forms offers a facile route to homochiral magnetic switches, which could be easily enantiomerically enriched. Here, we report the spontaneous resolution of a new hysteretic spin-crossover complex, [MnIII (sal2 323)]SCN ⋅ EtOH (1), into Δ and Λ forms, without the use of chiral reagents, where sal2 323 is a Schiff base resulting from condensation of 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane with 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde. The enantiopurity of the Δ and Λ isomers was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction and circular dichroism. Quantum chemistry calculations were used to investigate the electronic structure. The opening of a wide 80 K thermal hysteresis window at high temperature highlights the potential for good magneto-optical function at ambient temperature for materials of this type.

Homochiral Mn3+ Spin-Crossover Complexes: A Structural and Spectroscopic Study

Structural, magnetic, and spectroscopic data on a Mn³⁺ spin-crossover complex with Schiff base ligand 4-OMe-Sal₂323, isolated in crystal lattices with five different counteranions, are reported. Complexes of [Mn(4-OMe-Sal₂323)]X where X = ClO₄^– (1), BF₄^– (2), NO₃^– (3), Br^– (4), and I^– (5) crystallize isotypically in the chiral orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2 with a range of spin state preferences for the [Mn(4-OMe-Sal₂323)]⁺ complex cation over the temperature range 5–300 K. Complexes 1 and 2 are high-spin, complex 4 undergoes a gradual and complete thermal spin crossover, while complexes 3 and 5 show stepped crossovers with different ratios of spin triplet and quintet forms in the intermediate temperature range. High-field electron paramagnetic resonance was used to measure the zero-field splitting parameters associated with the spin triplet and quintet states at temperatures below 10 K for complexes 4 and 2 with respective values: D_S=1 = +23.38(1) cm^–1, E_S=1 = +2.79(1) cm^–1, and D_S=2 = +6.9(3) cm^–1, with a distribution of E parameters for the S = 2 state. Solid-state circular dichroism (CD) spectra on high-spin complex 1 at room temperature reveal a 2:1 ratio of enantiomers in the chiral conglomerate, and solution CD measurements on the same sample in methanol show that it is stable toward racemization. Solid-state UV–vis absorption spectra on high-spin complex 1 and mixed S = 1/S = 2 sample 5 reveal different intensities at higher energies, in line with the different electronic composition. The statistical prevalence of homochiral crystallization of [Mn(4-OMe-Sal₂323)]⁺ in five lattices with different achiral counterions suggests that the chirality may be directed by the 4-OMe-Sal₂323 ligand.

Zero-field splitting parameters of the spin triplet and quintet forms of a spin-crossover Mn³⁺ complex stabilized in lattices with different counterions are measured by high-field electron paramagnetic resonance at different frequencies. The homochiral crystallization of the enantiopure Δ or Λ forms of the chelate complex, despite the use of achiral anions, is attributed to the steric influence of the ligand substituent.

Heteroleptic iron(ii) complexes of chiral 2,6-bis(oxazolin-2-yl)-pyridine (PyBox) and 2,6-bis(thiazolin-2-yl)pyridine ligands – the interplay of two different ligands on the metal ion spin sate

The spin-crossover properties of [Fe(LR)L][ClO4]2 (LR = a chiral PyBox {L1R} or ThioPyBox {L2R} derivative) show subtle differences depending on the tridentate ‘L’ co-ligand.

Spin-States of Diastereomeric Iron(II) Complexes of 2,6-Bis(thiazolin-2-yl)pyridine (ThioPyBox) Ligands and a Comparison with the Corresponding PyBox Derivatives

This report investigates homoleptic iron(II) complexes of thiazolinyl analogues of chiral PyBox tridentate ligands: 2,6-bis(4-phenyl-4,5-dihydrothiazol-2-yl)pyridine (L¹Ph), 2,6-bis(4-isopropyl-4,5-dihydrothiazol-2-yl)pyridine (L¹iPr), and 2,6-bis(4-tert-butyl-4,5-dihydrothiazol-2-yl)pyridine (L¹t-Bu). Crystallographic data imply the larger and more flexible thiazolinyl rings reduce steric clashes between the R substituents in homochiral [Fe((R)-L¹R)₂]²⁺ or [Fe((S)-L¹R)₂]²⁺ (R = Ph, iPr, or t-Bu), compared to their PyBox (L²R) analogues. Conversely, the larger heterocyclic S atoms are in close contact with the R substituents in heterochiral [Fe((R)-L¹Ph)((S)-L¹Ph)]²⁺, giving it a more sterically hindered ligand environment than that in [Fe((R)-L²Ph)((S)-L²Ph)]²⁺ (L²Ph = 2,6-bis(4-phenyl-4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)pyridine). Preformed [Fe((R)-L¹Ph)((S)-L¹Ph)]²⁺ and [Fe((R)-L¹iPr)((S)-L¹iPr)]²⁺ do not racemize by ligand redistribution in CD₃CN solution, but homochiral [Fe(L¹iPr)₂]²⁺ and [Fe(L¹t-Bu)₂]²⁺ both undergo partial ligand displacement in that solvent. Homochiral [Fe(L¹Ph)₂]²⁺ and [Fe(L¹iPr)₂]²⁺ exhibit spin-crossover equilibria in CD₃CN, centered at 344 ± 6 K and 277 ± 1 K respectively, while their heterochiral congeners are essentially low-spin within the liquid range of the solvent. These data imply that the diastereomers of [Fe(L¹Ph)₂]²⁺ and [Fe(L¹iPr)₂]²⁺ show a greater difference in their spin-state behaviors than was previous found for [Fe(L²Ph)₂]²⁺. Gas-phase DFT calculations (B86PW91/def2-SVP) of the [Fe(L¹R)₂]²⁺ and [Fe(L²R)₂]²⁺ complexes reproduce most of the observed trends, but they overstabilize the high-spin state of SCO-active [Fe(L¹iPr)₂]²⁺ by ca. 1.5 kcal mol^-1. This might reflect the influence of intramolecular dispersion interactions on the spin states of these compounds. Attempts to model this with the dispersion-corrected functionals B97-D2 or PBE-D3 were less successful than our original protocol, confirming that the spin states of sterically hindered molecules are a challenging computational problem.

Ligand symmetry significantly affects spin crossover behaviour in isomeric [Fe(pybox)2]2+ complexes

The understanding of the correlation between the spin-state behaviour and the structural features in transition-metal complexes is of pronounced importance to the design of spin crossover compounds with high performance. However, the study of the influence of ligand symmetry on the spin crossover properties is still limited due to the shortage of suitable structural systems. Herein we report the magneto-structural correlations of three mononuclear Fe(ii) isomers with respect to their ligand symmetry. In this work, two phenyl-substituted meso and optically pure pybox ligands were employed to construct meso (1), optically pure (2), and racemic (3) ligand types of [Fe(pybox)₂]²⁺ complexes. Their magnetic susceptibilities were measured via temperature-dependent paramagnetic ¹H NMR spectroscopy. We fitted the midpoint temperatures of the transition (T_1/2) of 260 K for 1(ClO₄), 247 K for 2(ClO₄), and 281 K for 3(ClO₄). The influence of structural symmetry on spin crossover was rationalized through density functional theory calculations. The optimized structures of [Fe(pybox)₂]²⁺ complex cations show that the geometric distortion of the central FeN₆ coordination sphere is mainly caused by the steric congestions between adjacent phenyl substituents. In these compounds, there is a distinct correlation that more steric congestions produce larger coordination distortion and favor the electron configuration in the high-spin state, which reflects in the increase of T_1/2. Additionally, the influence of the counter anion and lattice solvent on the meso series compounds was inspected. It is revealed that multiple factors dominate the spin-state behaviour in the solid state. This work provides deep insight into the effect of ligand symmetry on the spin transition behaviour in spin crossover compounds. It demonstrates that molecular symmetry should be considered in the design of spin crossover compounds.

Homochiral versus racemic polymorphs of spin-crossover iron(ii) complexes with reversible LIESST effect

Homochiral and racemic polymorphs show different spin-crossover behaviours due to different intermolecular interactions, and reversible LIESST effects can be realized on homochiral complexes.

Manipulating metal spin states for biomimetic, catalytic and molecular materials chemistry

The relationship between ligand design and spin state in base metal compounds is surveyed. Implications and applications of these principles for light-harvesting dyes, catalysis and materials chemistry are summarised.

Chiral superstructures from homochiral Zn2+ , Co2+ , Fe2+ -2,6-bis (aryl ethylimine)pyridine complexes

We report the hierarchical supramolecular organization of metallosupramolecular homochiral complexes 1-Λ-(S,S,S,S)-M²⁺ /1-∆-(R,R,R,R)-M²⁺ and 2- Λ-(S,S,S,S)-M²⁺ /2-∆- (R,R,R,R)-M²⁺ of M²⁺ = Co²⁺ , Fe²⁺ , Zn²⁺ metal ions with chiral pseudo-terpyridine-type ligands: 1-(S,S) or 1-(R,R) = 2,6-bis (naphthyl ethylimine)pyridine and 2-(S,S) or 2-(R,R) = 2,6-bis (phenyl-ethylimine)pyridine. Circular dichroism measurements in solution were used to confirm the enantiomeric nature of all twelve complexes. For crystal structures of 1- Λ- (S,S,S,S)-M²⁺ or 1-∆- (R,R,R,R)-M²⁺ complexes, absolute configurations {∆ (or P), Λ (or M)} were confirmed by refinement of the Flack parameter x: -0.007 ≤ x ≤ 0.11 for the single crystals of 1-Λ-(S,S,S,S)-M²⁺ /1-∆- (R,R,R,R)-M²⁺ , 2- Λ- (S,S,S,S)-Fe²⁺ , and 2-∆- (R,R,R,R)-Co²⁺ .

Solvent Dependent Spin-Crossover and Photomagnetic Properties in an Imidazolylimine FeII Complex

The synthesis and physico-chemical characterization of an Fe^II complex [Fe(L1)₃ ](ClO₄ )₂ ⋅CH₃ CN⋅0.5H₂ O, 1, incorporating a bidentate imidazolylimine-based ligand are reported. Complex 1 crystallises as the mer-isomer and the crystal lattice is replete with hydrogen bonding interactions between ClO₄ ^- anions, solvent molecules and imidazole N-H groups. Variable-temperature structural, magnetic, photomagnetic and optical reflectivity techniques have been deployed to fully characterise the spin-crossover (SCO) behaviour in 1 along with its desolvated phase, 1⋅desolv. Variable-temperature (1.8-300 K) magnetic-susceptibility measurements reveal a broad two-step full SCO for 1 (T_1/2 =158 and 184 K) and photomagnetic experiments at 10 K under white-light irradiation revealed complete photo-induced SCO. 1⋅desolv displays considerably different magnetic behaviour with sharp single-step SCO accompanied by a thermal hysteresis (T_1/2↑ =105 K, T_1/2↓ =95 K) in addition to full photo-induced SCO at lower temperatures.

Room temperature hysteretic spin crossover in a new cyanoheterometallic framework

A new iron(ii)-based spin-crossover compound with thermal hysteresis operating under ambient conditions is reported.

Spin crossover and structural phase transition in homochiral and heterochiral Fe[(pybox)2]2+ complexes

Spin crossover and structural phase transition were discovered in three pairs of homochiral and heterochiral [Fe(pybox)₂]²⁺ diastereomers.

Spin-crossover in iron(ii)-Schiff base complexes

A collective overview of iron(ii)-Schiff base complexes, showing abrupt and hysteretic SCO suitable for device applications, and the structure–property relationships governing the SCO of the complexes in the solid-state is presented.

Spin States of Homochiral and Heterochiral Isomers of [Fe(PyBox)2 ]2+ Derivatives

The following iron(II) complexes of 2,6-bis(oxazolinyl)pyridine (PyBox; L^H ) derivatives are reported: [Fe(L^H )₂ ][ClO₄ ]₂ (1); [Fe((R)-L^Me )₂ ][ClO₄ ]₂ ((R)-2; L^Me =2,6-bis{4-methyloxazolinyl}pyridine); [Fe((R)-L^Ph )₂ ][ClO₄ ]₂ ((R)-3) and [Fe((R)-L^Ph )((S)-L^Ph )][ClO₄ ]₂ ((RS)-3; L^Ph =2,6-bis{4-phenyloxazolinyl}pyridine); and [Fe((R)-L^iPr )₂ ][ClO₄ ]₂ ((R)-4) and [Fe((R)-L^iPr )((S)-L^iPr )][ClO₄ ]₂ ((RS)-4; L^iPr =2,6-bis{4-isopropyloxazolinyl}pyridine). Solid (R)-3⋅MeNO₂ exhibits an unusual very gradual, but discontinuous thermal spin-crossover with an approximate T1/2 of 350 K. The discontinuity around 240 K lies well below T1/2 , and is unconnected to a crystallographic phase change occurring at 170 K. Rather, it can be correlated with a gradual ordering of the ligand conformation as the temperature is raised. The other solid compounds either exhibit spin-crossover above room temperature (1 and (RS)-3), or remain high-spin between 5-300 K [(R)-2, (R)-4 and (RS)-4]. Homochiral (R)-3 and (R)-4 exhibit more twisted ligand conformations and coordination geometries than their heterochiral isomers, which can be attributed to steric clashes between ligand substituents [(R)-3]; or, between the isopropyl substituents of one ligand and the backbone of the other ((R)-4). In solution, (RS)-3 retains its structural integrity but (RS)-4 undergoes significant racemization through ligand redistribution by ¹ H NMR. (R)-4 and (RS)-4 remain high-spin in solution, whereas the other compounds all undergo spin-crossover equilibria. Importantly, T1/2 for (R)-3 (244 K) is 34 K lower than for (RS)-3 (278 K) in CD₃ CN, which is the first demonstration of chiral discrimination between metal ion spin states in a molecular complex.

Molecular isomerism induced Fe(ii) spin state difference based on the tautomerization of the 4(5)-methylimidazole group

Two iron(ii) structural isomers with only one methyl position difference in their ligands exhibit different spin states due to the competition of the electronic effect and steric crowding.