Magnetic properties of a europium(III) complex - possible multiplet crossover

A dinuclear complex [(H2O)Zn(LH)Eu(NO3)3] containing a hexadentate Schiff-base {N2O4}-donor ligand LH2- was prepared and characterized by X-ray structural analysis and IR, electronic and fluorescence spectroscopy. DC magnetic data show that upon heating the diamagnetic complex with the ground state Eu(III)-7F0 and Zn(II)-1S switches to paramagnetic species due to the population of 7FJ (J = 1 to 6) magnetic multiplets. The magnetic susceptibility increases from zero, passes through a maximum, and then decreases upon heating. This behaviour can be explained using a spin-orbit Hamiltonian with an axial distortion term. There is an alternative interpretation of the susceptibility data based on a two-level model similar to that used in the spin crossover theory.

Tuning Crystal Packing and Magnetic Properties in a Series of [Dy12] Metallocubanes Based on Azobenzene Derivatives of Salicylic Acid

A series of four new Dy₁₂ dodecanuclear clusters based on azobenzene derivative ligands of salicylic acid (L1-L4) has been synthesized and characterized in the crystalline phase using X-ray diffraction on single crystal and powder, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and DSC-TGA methods. It was revealed that all obtained clusters exhibit the formation of the similar metallic cluster nodes, as vertex-sharing heterocubanes, obtained from four Dy³⁺ cations, three bridging hydroxyl groups, and O atoms from the salicylic ligands. The coordination geometry around the Dy(III) centers has been carefully analyzed. Whereas Dy₁₂-L1 and Dy₁₂-L2 with L1 and L2 containing Me and OMe groups in para positions of the phenyl rings, respectively, form similar porous 3D diamond-like molecular networks due to CH-π interactions, for Dy₁₂-L3 with L3 bearing NO₂-electron-withdrawing group, the generation of 2D molecular grids assembled by π-π staking is observed, and for Dy₁₂-L4 with L4 bearing phenyl substituent, 3D hexagonal channels have been generated. The complexes Dy₁₂-L1, Dy₁₂-L2, and Dy₁₂-L3 exhibit a zero-field slow magnetic relaxation effect. After UV irradiation of Dy₁₂-L1, a decrease of the magnetic anisotropy energy barrier displaying the possibility of control over magnetic properties by the external stimulus has been observed.

Self-assembly of octanuclear Ln(III)-based clusters: their large magnetocaloric effects and highly efficient conversion of CO2

The design and construction of high-nuclear lanthanide clusters with fascinating topology and functional properties have been an active area of research, however, the development of an effective approach for obtaining high-nuclear lanthanide clusters with multifunctional properties is still extremely difficult. Up to now, a systematic approach for guiding the further expansion of Ln(III)-based clusters showing good functional properties is lacking. Herein, we design and synthesize a polydentate Schiff base ligand (HL), which reacts with β-diketonate salts Ln(acac)₃·2H₂O, and a series of Ln₈ clusters [Ln₈(acac)₆(L)₂(μ₃-O)₆(μ₂-C₂H₅O)₄(μ₂-Hacac)₂]·2CH₃CN (Ln(III) = Gd (1), Dy (2), and Ho (3); HL = pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (5-hydroxymethyl-furan-2-ylmethylene)-hydrazide, Hacac = acetylacetone) have been successfully synthesized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that clusters 1-3 are isostructural and can be viewed as a Ln₈ core bridged by eighteen μ₂-O atoms, six μ₃-O atoms and two μ₄-O atoms. Magnetic studies show that cluster 1-Gd8 displays a large magnetocaloric effect with -ΔS_m = 46.14 J kg^-1 K^-1 (T = 2.0 K and ΔH = 7.0 T); cluster 2-Dy8 exhibits single-molecule magnet behavior under zero-field conditions. It is worth mentioning that the -ΔS_m of cluster 1-Gd8 is larger than that of most reported polynuclear Gd(III)-based clusters; the 2-Dy8 cluster is one of the rare polynuclear Ln_n SMMs (n ≥ 8) under zero dc field. Importantly, these Ln(III)-based clusters (1-3) can catalyze the cycloaddition of CO₂ with epoxides with high efficiency under mild conditions; and cluster 1-Gd8 as a catalyst could be reused at least three times without obvious loss of catalytic performance.

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.

Ligand Induced Double-Chair Conformation Ln12 Nanoclusters Showing Multifunctional Magnetic and Proton Conductive Properties

Many methods have been utilized to adjust the size of superatomic metal nanoclusters, while tuning the geometric conformations of specific nanoclusters is rare. Here, we demonstrate that conformation variation can be realized by slightly modifying the ligand under maintaining the nuclei number of metal atoms. A series of novel "double-chair" conformation Ln₁₂ (Ln = Sm (1), Eu (2), Gd (3), Tb (4), and Dy (5)) clusters were generated by replacing 3-formylsalicylic acid with 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid in the Ln₁₂ nanocluster. Intriguingly, Dy₁₂ displays slow magnetic relaxation at low temperatures, while Gd₁₂ shows a large magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of 35.63 J kg^-1 K^-1 at 2 K for ΔH = 7 T. Additionally, the introduction of numerous coordination water molecules in these clusters enables Dy₁₂ and Gd₁₂ with high proton conductivity, namely, 2.13 × 10^-4 and 3.62 × 10^-4 S cm^-1 under 358 K and 95% RH humidity conditions.

Hydrolysis-Promoted Building Block Assembly: Structure Transformation from Wheel and Ship to Cage

Accurately controlling the hydrolysis of metal ions can not only yield the desired structure of metal hydroxide clusters but also provide a deeper understanding of the formation process of natural hydroxide minerals. However, the capture of hydrolysis intermediates remains a significant challenge, and metal hydroxide clusters are mainly obtained by employing adventitious hydrolysis. In this study, we realized a hierarchical building block assembly from Y³⁺ ions to large Y₁₂, Y₃₄, and Y₆₀ clusters by controlling the hydrolysis process of lanthanide ions under different pH conditions. Single-crystal structural analysis showed that the Y₁₂ wheel, Y₃₄ ship, and Y₆₀ sodalite cage contain 4, 12, and 24 cubane-like [Y₄(μ₃-OH)₄]⁸⁺ units, respectively. The structure of the Y₆₀ cluster can be attributed to two Y₃₄ clusters or six Y₁₂ clusters linked by vertices. These clusters can be synthesized through the hydrolysis of Y³⁺ under different pH conditions, and Y₆₀ can be prepared from the obtained Y₁₂ or Y₃₄ crystals by the simple addition of Y³⁺ ions. The capture and conversion of the intermediates of lanthanide series hydroxide clusters, Y₁₂ or Y₃₄, during the assembly from Y³⁺ ions to Y₆₀ can facilitate an understanding of the formation process of high-nuclearity lanthanide clusters.

Molecular assemblies from linear-shaped Ln4 clusters to Ln8 clusters using different β-diketonates: disparate magnetocaloric effects and single-molecule magnet behaviours

A series of tetranuclear lanthanide-based clusters [Ln₄(dbm)₆(L)₂(CH₃OH)₄]·2CH₃OH (Ln(III) = Gd (1), Dy (2), and Ho (3); H₃L = 2-[(2-(hydroxyimino)propanehydrazide)methyl]-2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, Hdbm = dibenzoylmethane) and octanuclear lanthanide-based clusters [Ln₈(HL)₁₀(CH₃O)₄(CH₃OH)₂]·6CH₃OH (Ln(III) = Gd (4), Dy (5)) were assembled using a polydentate Schiff-base ligand H₃L and two different β-diketone salts via a solvothermal method, and their structures and magnetic properties have been characterized. Interestingly, β-diketones play an important role in assembling and affecting the structures of Ln₄ to Ln₈ clusters. This is the first use of β-diketone to affect the structures of polynuclear Ln(III)-based clusters from linear-shaped Ln₄ clusters to Ln₈ clusters. Magnetic studies revealed that antiferromagnetic interactions exist in clusters 1-Gd4 and 4-Gd8. More importantly, clusters 1-Gd4 and 4-Gd8 display significant cryogenic magnetic refrigeration properties (-ΔS_m = 24.88 J kg^-1 K^-1 for 1-Gd4 and -ΔS_m = 32.52 J kg^-1 K^-1 for 4-Gd8); the results show that cluster 4-Gd8 exhibits a larger magnetocaloric effect than 1-Gd4. Cluster 2-Dy4 shows remarkable single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior (ΔE/k_B = 67.5 K and τ₀ = 3.06 × 10^-7 s) under a zero dc field, and 5-Dy8 exhibits a field-induced SMM-like behavior (ΔE/k_B = 39.83 K and τ₀ = 2.12 × 10^-7 s) under a 5000 Oe dc field.

A Family of Lanthanide Hydroxo Carboxylates with 1D Polymeric Topology and Ln4 Butterfly Core Exhibits Switchable Supramolecular Arrangement

The unique family of coordination polymers [Ln₄(OH)₂(piv)₁₀(H₂O)₂]_∞ of 11 lanthanides (Ln = La-Er) has been prepared by a simple solution method based on controlled hydrolysis. The ribbon-like polymeric structure consisting of connected tetranuclear clusters and supported by pivalate ligands and a framework of H-bonds has been revealed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. While the compounds demonstrate similar PXRD patterns and unit cell parameters, the joint single-crystal XRD and pair distribution function data suggest the significant local structure change along the lanthanide series. The compounds exist as two packing polymorphs (α and β) with similar ribbon geometry, but different supramolecular arrangement of the ribbons. Dehydration of either polymorph does not disturb the tetranuclear core but leads to a translational symmetry loss along the ribbon and a transformation of the 3D-ordered crystal into a 2D-ordered mesostructure. Rehydration of the mesostructure leads to the β polymorph (except La and Ce), allowing the deliberate switching between the polymorphs via dehydration-rehydration evidenced by means of powder X-ray diffraction, pair distribution function analysis, and density functional theory calculations. Ab initio calculations reveal significant magnetic anisotropy of Ln³⁺ ions with ferro- and antiferromagnetic interactions within tetranuclear [Ln₄(OH)₂(piv)₁₀(H₂O)₂] species. Magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrated antiferromagnetic coupling, slow magnetic relaxation for Dy, Ho, and Er complexes, and field-induced single-chain magnetism for the Dy compound.

Solvent- and Temperature-Driven Photoluminescence Modulation in Porous Hofmann-Type SrII-ReV Metal-Organic Frameworks

A unique family of three-dimensional (3D) luminescent Sr^II-Re^V metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Sr^II(MeOH)₅][Re^V(CN)₄(N)(bpen)_0.5]·MeOH}_n [1·MeOH; N^3- = nitrido ligand, bpen = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane, and MeOH = methanol], {[Sr^II(MeOH)₄][Re^V(CN)₄(N)(bpee)_0.5]·2MeOH}_n [2·MeOH; bpee = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene], and {[Sr^II(bpy)_0.5(MeOH)₂][Re^V(CN)₄(N)(bpy)_0.5]}_n (3·MeOH; bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine), is reported. They are obtained by the molecular self-assembly of Sr²⁺ ions with tetracyanidonitridorhenate(V) metalloligands, [Re^V(CN)₄(N)]^2-, and pyridine-based organic spacers (L = bpen, bpee, bpy). Such a combination of molecular precursors results in bimetallic Sr^II-Re^V cyanido-bridged layers further bonded by organic ligands into pillared Hofmann-type coordination skeletons. Because of the formation of {Re^V-(L)-Re^V} moieties providing emissive metal-to-ligand charge-transfer states, 1·MeOH-3·MeOH exhibit solid-state room-temperature photoluminescence tunable from green to orange by the applied organic ligand. The most stable MOF of 3·MeOH, based on the alternating {Re^V-(bpy)-Re^V} and {Sr^II-(bpy)-Sr^II} linkages, exhibits three interconvertible, variously solvated phases, methanol-solvated 3·MeOH, hydrated {[Sr^II(bpy)_0.5(H₂O)₂][Re^V(CN)₄(N)(bpy)_0.5]·0.6H₂O}_n (3·H₂O), and desolvated {[Sr^II(bpy)_0.5][Re^V(CN)₄(N)(bpy)_0.5]}_n (3). Their formation was correlated with water and methanol vapor sorption properties investigated for 3·H₂O. The solvent content affects the luminescence mainly by tuning the emission energy within the series of 3·MeOH, 3·H₂O, and 3. All of the obtained compounds exhibit temperature-driven modulation of luminescence, including the shift of the emission maximum and lifetime. The thermochromic luminescent response was found to be sensitive to the presence and type of solvent in the crystal lattice. This work shows that the construction of [Re^V(CN)₄(N)]^2--based MOFs is an efficient route toward advanced solid luminophores tunable by external stimuli such as solvent or temperature.

Metal-Organic Frameworks Based on Group 3 and 4 Metals

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on group 3 and 4 metals are considered as the most promising MOFs for varying practical applications including water adsorption, carbon conversion, and biomedical applications. The relatively strong coordination bonds and versatile coordination modes within these MOFs endow the framework with high chemical stability, diverse structures and topologies, and interesting properties and functions. Herein, the significant progress made on this series of MOFs since 2018 is summarized and an update on the current status and future trends on the structural design of robust MOFs with high connectivity is provided. Cluster chemistry involving Y, lanthanides (Ln, from La to Lu), actinides (An, from Ac to Lr), Ti, and Zr is initially introduced. This is followed by a review of recently developed MOFs based on group 3 and 4 metals with their structures discussed based on the types of inorganic or organic building blocks. The novel properties and arising applications of these MOFs in catalysis, adsorption and separation, delivery, and sensing are highlighted. Overall, this review is expected to provide a timely summary on MOFs based on group 3 and 4 metals, which shall guide the future discovery and development of stable and functional MOFs for practical applications.

Structures and magnetic properties of novel Ln(iii)-based pentanuclear clusters: magnetic refrigeration and single-molecule magnet behavior

The Gd5 cluster displays significant magnetic refrigeration properties, whereas the Dy5 cluster exhibits remarkable SMM behavior. Clusters 2, 4, and 5 display the characteristic lanthanum luminescence.

A single-ligand-protected Eu60−nGd(Tb)n cluster: a reasonable new approach to expand lanthanide aggregations

Two fascinating configurations were obtained based on mixed-lanthanide conditions, abbreviated as mixed-Ln₆₀. The synthesis provides a way to obtain similar metal-core Ln high-nuclearity clusters, breaking the ionic radius limitation.

A lanthanide(iii) dodecanuclear structure with a acylhydrazone Schiff-base ligand: slow magnetic relaxation and magnetocaloric effects

In the complex synthesis process, the design of new type structures of lanthanide clusters with high nuclearity provides an opportunity to understand the nature of magnetic dynamics.

Triethylamine-templated nanocalix Ln12 clusters of diacylhydrazone: crystal structures and magnetic properties

Three {Ln₁₂} (Ln = Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3)) nanocalix clusters with a novel ligand of N,N′-bis(o-vanillidene)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarbohydrazide (H₅ovih) were synthesized via the amine-templating strategy.