Elucidating the exchange interactions in a {GdIIICuII4} propellor

The multinucleating ligand 2,2'-(propane-1,3-diyldiimino)bis[2-(hydroxymethyl)-propane-1,3-diol] (bis-tris propane, H₆L) is used in the design of a new family of 3d-4f complexes that display an unusual {LnCu₄} four-blade propeller topology. We report the synthesis, structure and magnetic characterisation of [LnCu₄(H₄L)₄](Cl)₂(ClO₄)·6CH₃OH, where Ln = Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3), La (4). Previously we have used CH₃COO^- and NO₃^- as co-ligands with bis-tris propane, but here the use of Cl^- and ClO₄^- leads to coordination of four {Cu(H₄L)} units around the central Ln ion. A magneto-structural analysis reveals that the geometrical arrangement of the Cu(II) centres defined by the H₄L^2- ligands controls the magnetic communication between the different metal centres. DFT calculations performed on the isotropic (Gd) and diamagnetic (La) systems 1 and 4 help to unravel the intriguing exchange interactions.

Magnetic cooling: a molecular perspective

The magnetocaloriceffect is considered as an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technique which can take cooling technology to the next level. Apart from its commercial application at room temperature, magnetic refrigeration is an up-and-coming solution for the cryogenic regime, especially as an alternative to He³ systems. Molecular magnets reveal advantageous features for ultra-low cooling which are competitive with intermetallic and lanthanide alloys. Here, we present a guide to the current status of magnetocaloric effect research of molecular magnets with a theoretical background focused on the inverse magnetocaloric effect and an overview of recent results and developments, including the rotating magnetocaloric effect.

A Stable 3d-4f Heterometallic Cluster with Magneto-Optical Activity

A stable 3d-4f heterometallic cluster, namely, {Dy₄Ni₅L₁₀(NO₃)₄(CO₃)₄(CH₃OH)₂}·CH₃CN (Dy₄Ni₅, HL = 8-hydroxyquinoline), has been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. The compound exhibits an interesting structure in which a tetrahedron based on 4f ions interpenetrates with a square pyramid based on 3d ions. Besides, a unique intermolecular interaction was found in Dy₄Ni₅, giving rise to its high stability not only when it is in the solid state but also when it dissolves in organic solvents. In addition, the magnetic behavior of solid Dy₄Ni₅ and the magneto-optical activity of the Dy₄Ni₅ solution were also studied.

A High-Symmetry Double-Shell Gd30Co12 Cluster Exhibiting a Large Magnetocaloric Effect

A high-nuclearity 3d-4f cluster of [Gd₃₀Co^II₆Co^III₆(OH)₅₆(NO₃)₁₂(CH₃COO)₃₀(H₂O)₃₀]·(NO₃)₂₂·(en)₃·(H₂O)₃ (1) was synthesized through the reaction of Gd(NO₃)₃·6H₂O, Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, and sodium acetate in a mixture of ethanediamine (en), ethanol, and deionized water. The cluster core in 1 features a double-shell structure with a Co₁₂ icosahedron encapsulating a Gd₃₀ icosidodecahedron. A magnetic study reveals that separating Co²⁺ ions with Gd³⁺ ions can effectively reduce the magnetic interaction of 3d-4f clusters. Significantly, the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of 1 at 2 K and 7 T is up to 44.7 J kg^-1 K^-1, the largest MCE reported to date in the 3d-4f metal clusters.

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

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

Multifunctional luminescent magnetic cryocooler in a Gd5Mn2 pyramidal complex

Magnetic cooling is a highly efficient refrigeration technique with the potential of replacing expensive and rare helium-3 in the field of ultra-low temperature cooling. However, the visualization of a cryogen at an extremely low temperature and in a strong magnetic field is challenging, but it is crucial for the precise positioning and in situ thermal probe measurements in potential practical applications. Here, the activation of a red-emissive Mn(ii) ion using 3d/4f chemistry produces a luminescent molecule cooler, [Gd5Mn2(LOMe)2(OH)4(Ac)6(MeOH)10Cl2]Cl3·2MeOH (1), with the core of an Mn(ii)-anchored heptanuclear [GdIII5MnII2] pyramid. The photoluminescence (PL) of the Mn2+ emission, with a large Stokes shift (λem ∼ 690 nm) from 4T1(4G) → 6A1(6S), shows not only a sensitive temperature sensing property but also reversible mechanoluminescence (ML). More attractively, these findings reveal a considerable magnetocaloric effect (MCE) coupled with a tunable emission window, opening up new opportunities in the multifunctional applications of PL, ML, and the MCE involving red-light sources, thermometers, and stress imaging. In particular, this provides a novel resolution to design visualized PL coolers.

Synthesis, structures and magnetic properties of linear {CoII2LnIII2} coordination clusters

A series of linear CoII2LnIII2 coordination clusters have been synthesized and their magnetic properties have been systematically studied.

Heterometallic lanthanide-centred [NiII6LnIII] rings

The syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of three new hetero-heptametallic [Ni₆Ln] complexes are reported.