Supramolecular Spin Chains via Radical-Radical Contacts Stabilizing Ferromagnetic Interactions Between Heisenberg or Ising-Like Spins

A new paramagnetic ligand, 4-(2'-4-(2''-furyl)-pyrimidyl)-1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolyl (furylpymDTDA) and three transition metal coordination complexes, M(hfac)2(furylpymDTDA) M=Mn, Co, Ni; hfac=1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetonato-), are reported. The solid-state structures are influenced by the geometry of the coordination sphere of the M(II) centers: trigonal (Mn) vs. octahedral (Co and Ni). While the hs-Mn(II) complex exhibits pairwise multi-centre 2-electron bonds (i. e., pancake bonds) between the planar π radical DTDA moieties, the hs-Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes crystallize with close contacts between coordinated furylpymDTDA radical ligands that define linear 1D arrays of molecular units. The magnetic data for the hs-Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes indicate ferromagnetic (FM) interactions between molecular units, apparently mediated by radical-radical contacts along the supramolecular chains. Computational analysis suggests proximity between regions of large α- and β-spin density on neighbouring molecular sites enabling FM exchange, in accordance with the McConnell I mechanism. The magnetic data for the Ni(II) complex are consistent with a Heisenberg spin chain, whereas the hs-Co(II) complex exhibits Ising-like spin chain behaviour and a magnetic phase transition to an FM ordered state at 4.6 K.

Six-Coordinated CoII Single-Molecule Magnets: Synthetic Strategy, Structure and Magnetic Properties

The pursuit of molecule-based magnetic memory materials contributes significantly to high-density information storage research in the frame of the ongoing information technologies revolution. Remarkable progress has been achieved in both transition metal (TM) and lanthanide based single-molecule magnets (SMMs). Notably, six-coordinated CoII SMMs hold particular research significance owing to the economic and abundant nature of 3d TM ions compared to lanthanide ions, the substantial spin-orbit coupling of CoII ions, the potential for precise control over coordination geometry, and the air-stability of coordination-saturated structures. In this review, we will summarize the progress made in six-coordinated CoII SMMs, organized by their coordination geometry and molecular structure similarity. Valuable insights, principles, and new mechanism gleaned from this research and remaining issues that need to be addressed will also be discussed to guide future optimization.

Synergy of Magnetic Anisotropy and Ferromagnetic Interaction Triggering a Dimeric Cr(II) Zero-Field Single-Molecule Magnet

A novel Cr^II-dimeric complex, [Cr^IIN(SiⁱPr₃)₂(μ-Cl)(THF)]₂ (1), has been successfully constructed using a bulky silyl-amide ligand. Single-crystal structure analysis reveals that complex 1 exhibits a binuclear motif, with a Cr₂Cl₂ rhombus core, where two equivalent tetra-coordinate Cr^II centers in the centrosymmetric unit display quasi-square planar geometry. The crystal structure has been well simulated and explored by density functional theory calculations. The axial zero-field splitting parameter (D < 0) with a small rhombic (E) value is unambiguously determined by systematic investigations of magnetic measurements, high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and ab initio calculations. Remarkably, ac magnetic susceptibility data unveil that 1 features slow dynamic magnetic relaxation typical of single-molecule magnet behavior with U_eff = 22 K in the absence of a dc field. This increases up to 35 K under a corresponding static field. Moreover, magnetic studies and theoretical calculations point out that a non-negligible ferromagnetic coupling (FMC) exists in the dimeric Cr-Cr units of 1. The coexistence of magnetic anisotropy and FMC contributes to the first case of Cr^II-based single-molecule magnets (SMMs) under zero dc field.

The Role of the Bridge in Single-Ion Magnet Behaviour: Reinvestigation of Cobalt(II) Succinate and Fumarate Coordination Polymers with Nicotinamide

Two previously synthesized cobalt(II) coordination polymers; {[Co(μ2-suc)(nia)2(H2O)2]·2H2O}n (suc = succinate(2−), nia = nicotinamide) and [Co(μ2-fum)(nia)2(H2O)2]n (fum = fumarate(2−)) were prepared and thoroughly characterized. Both complexes form 1D coordination chains by bonding of Co(nia)2(H2O)2 units through succinate or fumarate ligands while these chains are further linked through hydrogen bonds to 3D supramolecular networks. The intermolecular interactions of both complexes are quantified using Hirshfeld surface analysis and their infrared spectra, electronic spectra and static magnetic properties are confronted with DFT and state-of-the-art ab-initio calculations. Dynamic magnetic measurements show that both complexes exhibit single-ion magnet behaviour induced by a magnetic field. Since they possess very similar chemical structure, differing only in the rigidity of the bridge between the magnetic centres, this chemical feature is put into context with changes in their magnetic relaxation.

Single-molecule magnet behaviour and catalytic properties of tetrahedral Co(II) complexes bearing chloride and 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazole as ligands

Five cobalt(II) complexes of formula [CoCl₂(Lⁿ)₂] [1 with L1 = 1-benzyl-2-phenyl-1H-benzimidazole, 2 with L2 = 2-(furan-2-yl)-1-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole, 3 with L3 = 1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-benzimidazole, 4 with L4 = 1-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1H-benzimidazole and 5 with L5 = 2-(thiophen-2-yl)-1-(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole] have been synthesised, spectroscopically characterised and cryomagnetically investigated. The crystal structures of 1, 3, 4 and 5 have been determined by X-ray diffraction on single crystals. Each cobalt(II) ion is four-coordinate in a distorted tetrahedral environment built by two chloride anions and two benzimidazole ligands. The neutral molecules are well separated from each other, shortest intermolecular cobalt⋯cobalt distances being greater than 9.0 Å. Static (dc) magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range 2.0-300 K of 1-5 reveal the occurrence of a Curie law behaviour of magnetically non-interacting spin quadruplets in the high-temperature domain with a downturn at low temperatures due to magnetic anisotropy. The values of the D and E/D parameters for these compounds vary in the ranges -8.75 to +8.96 cm^-1 and 0.00140 to 0.23, respectively. Dynamic (ac) magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1-5 show slow magnetic relaxation in the lack (1) or under the presence (1-5) of applied dc magnetic fields, a feature which is typical of single-molecule magnet behaviour (SMM). The analysis of the ac data shows that a thermally activated Orbach relaxation mechanism dominates this behaviour. Complexes 1-5 also act as efficient and highly selective eco-friendly catalysts in the coupling reaction between CO₂ and epoxides to produce cyclic carbonates under solvent-free conditions. Under optimized reaction conditions, different epoxides were converted to the respective cyclic carbonate, with excellent conversions, using catalyst 4.

Effect of Ligand Chain Length for Tuning of Molecular Dimensionality and Magnetic Relaxation in Redox Active Cobalt(II) EDOT Complexes (EDOT = 3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene)

Four cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(L1)2(NCX)2(MeOH)2] (X = S (1), Se (2)) and {[Co(L2)2(NCX)2]}n (X = S (3), Se (4)) (L1 = 2,5dipyridyl-3,4,-ethylenedioxylthiophene and L2 = 2,5diethynylpyridinyl-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), were synthesized by incorporating ethylenedioxythiophene based redox-active luminescence ligands. All these complexes have been well characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, spectroscopic and magnetic investigations. Magneto-structural studies showed that 1 and 2 adopt a mononuclear structure with CoN4O2 octahedral coordination geometry while 3 and 4 have a 2D [4 x 4] rhombic grid coordination networks (CNs) where each cobalt(II) center is in a CoN6 octahedral coordination environment. Static magnetic measurements reveal that all four complexes displayed a high spin (HS) (S = 3/2) state between 2 and 280 K which was further confirmed by X-band and Q-band EPR studies. Remarkably, along with the molecular dimensionality (0D and 2D) the modification in the axial coligands lead to a significant difference in the dynamic magnetic properties of the monomers and CNs at low temperatures. All complexes display slow magnetic relaxation behavior under an external dc magnetic field. For the complexes with NCS- as coligand observed higher energy barrier for spin reversal in comparison to the complexes with NCSe- as coligand, while mononuclear complex 1 exhibited a higher energy barrier than that of CN 3. Theoretical calculations at the DFT and CASSCF level of theory have been performed to get more insight into the electronic structure and magnetic properties of all four complexes.

A mononuclear nine-coordinated Dy(iii) complex exhibiting field-induced single-ion magnetism behaviour

A new mononuclear Dy(iii) complex, with the formula [Dy(Hcpt)₃]·2H₂O (1), has been successfully prepared via self-assembly between Dy(iii) ions and 2-cyano-N′-(1-(pyridin-2-yl)amido)acetyl (Hcpt) ligand. X-ray diffraction study shows that the Dy(iii) ion is nine-coordinated by three Hcpt ligands with a tridentate chelating mode, leading to an approximately monocapped square-antiprismatic (C_4v) geometry. Magnetic data analysis demonstrates that 1 performs field-induced slow magnetic relaxation with a relaxation barrier of 97.90 K, due to the quantum tunneling effect suppressed upon a static dc field of 2000 Oe. To deeply understand the magnetic behaviors, the relaxation mechanisms and magneto-structure relationship are rationally discussed using ab initio calculations as well.

Reaction of Dy(iii) ion with tridentate acylhydrazone ligand leads to a field-induced Dy(iii) SIM, of which the magneto-structural correlation is elucidated by the magnetic and theoretical studies.

A new family of one-dimensional bromo-bridged Ir(IV)-Cu(II) complexes based on the hexabromoiridate(IV) metalloligand

By using the iridium(IV) complex (NBu₄)₂[IrBr₆] (1) as a metalloligand towards a Cu(II) metal ion, three novel Ir(IV) one-dimensional (1D) compounds of formula {IrBr₅(μ-Br)Cu(Meim)₄}_n (2), {IrBr₅(μ-Br)Cu(Viim)₄}_n (3) and {IrBr₅(μ-Br)Cu(Buim)₄}_n (4), [Meim = 1-methylimidazole; Viim = 1-vinylimidazole; Buim = 1-butylimidazole] have been prepared and structurally and magnetically characterised. Compounds 2, 3 and 4 crystallise in the triclinic, monoclinic and orthorhombic crystal systems with space groups P1̄, C2/c and Pccn, respectively. Each Ir(IV) ion in 1-4 is six-coordinate and bonded to six bromide ions in a quasi regular octahedral geometry. In compounds 2-4, the Cu^II ion shows an axially elongated octahedron with four N atoms, from four monodentate imidazole derivative ligands, that form the equatorial plane and two bromide ions that occupy the axial positions. Cu(II) and Ir(IV) ions are linked through bridging bromide anions generating Ir(IV)-Cu(II) chains [with intrachain Cu(II)⋯Ir(IV) distances covering the range of ca. 5.10-5.42 Å]. In the crystal lattice of 2 and 3 are observed significant intermolecular Ir-Br⋯Br-Ir contacts and π⋯Br interactions, which organize arrangements that contribute to stabilizing the crystal structure of these Ir(IV)-based compounds. DC magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that 1 displays magnetic behaviour typical of noninteracting mononuclear centres with S = 1/2. Besides, antiferromagnetic behaviour (2 and 3) and ferromagnetic (4) exchange coupling occur between the Cu(II) and Ir(IV) metal ions in the one-dimensional bromo-bridged compounds 2-4. Moreover, the study of the AC magnetic susceptibility shows a field-induced slow relaxation of the magnetisation for 1, indicating the presence of the single-ion magnet (SIM) phenomenon for the magnetically isolated hexabromoiridate(IV) complex.

Modulation of the magnetic dynamics of pentagonal-bipyramidal Co(ii) complexes by fine-tuning the coordination microenvironment

Dynamic magnetic behaviours of a series of Co(ii) SIMs with pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry have been modulated by an alteration of the ligand field effect.

Slow magnetic relaxation in a trigonal-planar mononuclear Fe(II) complex

Based on a β-diketiminate ligand, an iron(III) tetrahedral high-spin complex, [LFeIII(Cl)2] (1), and an iron(II) high-spin triangular planar complex, [LFeIICl] (2), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Also, complex 1...

Field-induced single ion magnet behaviour of discrete and one-dimensional complexes containing [bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)ketone]-cobalt(II) building units

We describe herein the first examples of six-coordinate Co^II single-ion magnets (SIMs) based on the β-diimine ^Mebik ligand [^Mebik = bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)ketone]: two mononuclear [Co^II(^Rbik)₂L₂] complexes and one mixed-valence {CoIII2Co^II}_n chain of formulas [Co^II(^Mebik)(H₂O)(dmso)(μ-NC)₂CoIII2(μ-2,5-dpp)(CN)₆]_n·1.4nH₂O (3) [L = NCS (1), NCSe (2) and 2,5-dpp = 2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine (3)]. Two bidentate ^Mebik molecules plus two monodentate N-coordinated pseudohalide groups in cis positions build somewhat distorted octahedral surroundings around the high-spin cobalt(II) ions in 1 and 2. The diamagnetic [CoIII2(μ-2,5-dpp)(CN)₈]^2- metalloligand coordinates the paramagnetic [Co^II(^Mebik)(H₂O)(dmso)]²⁺ complex cations in a bis-monodentate fashion to afford neutral zigzag heterobimetallic chains in 3. Ab initio calculations, and cryomagnetic dc (2.0-300 K) and ac (2.0-12 K) measurements as well as EPR spectroscopy for 1-3 show the existence of magnetically isolated high-spin cobalt(II) ions with D values of 59.84-89.90 (1), 66.32-93.90 (2) and 70.40-127.20 cm^-1 (3) and field-induced slow relaxation of the magnetization, being thus new examples of SIMs with transversal magnetic anisotropy. The analysis of their relaxation dynamics reveals that the relaxation of the magnetization occurs by the Raman (with values of the n parameter covering the range 6.0-6.8) and direct spin-phonon processes.

Magnetic investigations of monocrystalline [Co(NCS)2(L)2]n: new insights into single-chain relaxations

A large single crystal of a compound from the family of coordination polymer [Co(NCS)2(L)2]n chains was synthesized and its magnetic properties are reported. [Co(NCS)2(4-(3-phenylpropyl)pyridine)2]n is ferromagnetic with Tc = 3.39 K. Single-ion ab initio calculations predict an almost Ising-type magnetic anisotropy and the direction of the magnetic easy-axis nearly along the Co-Npy bond of the apical pyridine-based co-ligand. Both predictions are confirmed by single-crystal magnetic measurements. The magnetic relaxation of the single crystal sample significantly differs from the powder sample data, and clearly shows the presence of two separate relaxation processes. The process dominant below 3.2 K demonstrates a single chain magnet (SCM) behaviour, with a crossover between single-wall and two-wall processes, in spite of the fact that the system is ferromagnetically ordered. The faster process that dominates just below Tc is attributed to spin waves. Micromagnetic Monte Carlo simulations of the investigated compound show that the dipolar field cancels for some chains located at the border between 3-dimensional domains. Such chains are responsible for the measured ac signal, and demonstrate the SCM behaviour. The quantitative analysis of the SCM relaxation time is supported by preparing and examining a corresponding diamagnetically diluted compound, [CoxCd1-x(NCS)2(4-(3-phenylpropyl)pyridine)2]n (x = 0.013), which behaves as a field-induced single-ion magnet. The relaxation pathways for single Co(ii) spins are determined to be Raman, direct, and quantum tunneling processes, which were included in an improved approach to describe the magnetic relaxation in the Co(ii)-based SCM compound.

Insertion of single-ion magnets based on mononuclear Co(II) complexes into ferromagnetic oxalate-based networks

The 1 : 2 and 1 : 1 Co(ii) complexes of the L ligand (L = 6-(3,5-diamino-2,4,6-triazinyl)2,2'-bipyridine) with formulas [CoII(L)2](ClO4)2·0.5MeCN·Et2O (1) and [CoII(L)(CH3CN)2(H2O)](ClO4)2·MeCN (2) have been prepared. The structural and magnetic characterization of the two compounds shows that they contain octahedral high-spin Co(ii) and present a field-induced slow relaxation of the magnetization. 1 has been inserted into a bimetallic oxalate-based network leading to a novel achiral 3D compound of formula [CoII(L)2][MnIICrIII(ox)3]2·(solvate) (3) exhibiting ferromagnetic ordering below 4.6 K. EPR measurements suggest a weak magnetic coupling between the two sublattices.

Alignment of axial anisotropy of a mononuclear hexa-coordinated Co(ii) complex in a lattice shows improved single molecule magnetic behavior over a 2D coordination polymer having a similar ligand field

The parallel orientation of the anisotropic axes minimizes the transverse component and slow down the relaxation process and results in a higher energy barrier in 0D complex as compared to 2D framework where anisotropic axes are randomly oriented.

Hexahalorhenate(iv) salts of protonated ciprofloxacin: antibiotic-based single-ion magnets

In the crystal lattice of two novel ReIV compounds, the paramagnetic [ReCl6]2− and [ReBr6]2− anions are well separated from each other through two protonated forms of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. These compounds behave as single-ion magnets (SIMs).

Switching of easy-axis to easy-plane anisotropy in cobalt(ii) complexes

In situ microcalorimetry monitored assembly and coligand induced switching of the magnetic anisotropy sign have been observed in a β-diketonate-Co(ii) system.

Single molecule magnets of cobalt and zinc homo- and heterometallic coordination polymers prepared by a one-step synthetic procedure

The synthesis of 1D cobalt and zinc monometallic and heterometallic coordination polymers (CPs) was carried out applying one-pot synthetic methods by using either supercritical carbon dioxide or ethanol as the solvent. A collection of four 1D CPs were thus obtained by the combination of a metal (or a mixture of metals) with the linker 1,4-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)benzene. The used metallic complexes were zinc and cobalt hexafluoroacetylacetonate, which can easily incorporate pyridine ligands in the coordination sphere of the metal centre. Independently of the used solvent, the precipitated phases involving Zn(ii), i.e., homometallic CP of Zn(ii) and bimetallic CP of Zn(ii)/Co(ii), were isostructural. Contrarily, homometallic CPs of Co(ii) were precipitated as an isostructural phase of Zn(ii) or with a different structure, depending on the used solvent. All the structures were resolved by XRD using synchrotron radiation. In addition, the magnetic properties of the new CPs involving Co(ii) were studied. Remarkably, at low temperatures with the application of an external field, they acted as field-induced single molecule magnets.

One-pot synthesis of heterometallic (Zn(ii)/Co(ii)) nodes directing CP magnetic behaviour to single molecule magnets.

Slow magnetization relaxation in a tetrahedrally coordinated mononuclear Co(II) complex exclusively ligated with phenanthroline ligands

This paper describes a tetrahedral mononuclear Co(ii) complex [CoL2](ClO4)2 (1) in which L = 2,9-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline. The structure of 1, which was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, indicates that it exists in the triclinic space group P1[combining macron]. Magnetic property studies were conducted by reduced magnetization measurements, ab initio calculations and X-band EPR experiments, the results of which revealed a large zero-field splitting, with D ∼ -45.9 cm-1. The Arrhenius equation indicates that the kinetic energy barrier of 1 is Ueff = 46.9 cm-1. This study describes a very rare case of a Co(ii) single ion magnet (SIM) that is purely tetrahedrally coordinated by pyridine like ligands.

X-ray Structure and Magnetic Properties of Heterobimetallic Chains Based on the Use of an Octacyanidodicobalt(III) Complex as Metalloligand

The assembly of [Co2III(μ-2,5-dpp)(CN)8]2− anions and [MII(CH3OH)2(DMSO)2]2+ cations resulted into the formation of two heterobimetallic 1D coordination polymers of formula [MII(CH3OH)2(DMSO)2(μ-NC)2Co2III(μ-2,5-dpp)(CN)6]n·4nCH3OH [M = CoII (1)/FeII (2) and 2,5-dpp = 2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine. The [Co2III(μ-2,5-dpp)(CN)8]2− metalloligand coordinates the paramagnetic [MII(CH3OH)2(DMSO)2]2+ complex cations, in a bis-monodentate fashion, to give rise to neutral heterobimetallic chains. Cryomagnetic dc (1.9–300 K) and ac (2.0–13 K) magnetic measurements for 1 and 2 show the presence of Co(II)HS (1) and Fe(II)HS (2) ions (HS – high-spin), respectively, with D values of +53.7(5) (1) and −5.1(3) cm−1 (2) and slow magnetic relaxation for 1, this compound being a new example of SIM with transversal magnetic anisotropy. Low-temperature Q-band EPR study of 1 confirms that D value is positive, which reveals the occurrence of a strong asymmetry in the g-tensors and allows a rough estimation of the E/D ratio, whereas 2 is EPR silent. Theoretical calculations by CASSCF/NEVPT2 on 1 and 2 support the results from magnetometry and EPR. The analysis of the ac magnetic measurements of 1 shows that the relaxation of M takes place in the ground state under external magnetic dc fields through dominant Raman and direct spin-phonon processes.

A series of lanthanide(III) metal-organic frameworks derived from a pyridyl-dicarboxylate ligand: single-molecule magnet behaviour and luminescence properties

The reactions of LnIII ions with a versatile pyridyl-decorated dicarboxylic acid ligand lead to the formation of a series of novel three-dimensional (3D) Ln-MOFs, [Ln3(pta)4(Hpta)(H2O)]·xH2O (Ln = Dy (1), Eu (2), Gd (3), Tb (4), H2pta = 2-(4-pyridyl)-terephthalic acid, x = 6 for 1, 2.5 for 2, 1.5 for 3 and 2 for 4). The Ln3+ ions act as nine-coordinated muffin spheres, linking to each other to generate trinuclear {Ln3(OOC)6N2} SBUs, which are further extended to be interesting 3D topological architectures. To the best of our knowledge, the Dy-MOF exhibits zero-field single-molecule magnet (SMM) behaviour with the largest effective energy barrier among the previously reported 3D MOF-based Dy-SMMs. The combined analyses of a diluted sample (1@Y) and ab initio calculations demonstrate that the thermally assisted slow relaxation is mainly attributed to the single-ion magnetism. Furthermore, fluorescence measurements reveal that H2pta can sensitize EuIII and TbIII characteristic luminescence.

Lanthanide Metal-Organic Frameworks Assembled from Unexplored Imidazolylcarboxylic Acid: Structure and Field-Induced Two-Step Magnetic Relaxation

A series of 3D homologous metal-organic frameworks, [M(H_0.5L)₂] [M = Dy (1), Ho (2), Yb (3), Sm (4), Gd (5), and Y (6); H₂L = 5-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)isophthalic acid], were isolated. In these complexes, the metal centers behave as hexacoordinated environments with distorted octahedral geometries, which is unusual in the lanthanide series, linking to each other and producing a fascinating 3D architecture. Magnetically, 1 features a field-driven dual-magnetic relaxation, which is rarely observed in high-dimensional coordination polymers. Analysis on the dilution sample (1@Y) and ab initio calculation unveil that the thermally assisted slow relaxation is mostly caused by the single-ion magnetism of Dy^III itself.

Field-induced slow magnetic relaxation in mixed valence di- and tri-nuclear CoII-CoIII complexes

Two novel mixed valence Co^II-Co^III complexes, namely [Co^IICo^III(L1)(ab)(mb)₂(H₂O)]·dmf (1) and [CoCo^II(L2)₄(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (2) [H₂L1 = (E)-2-((1-hydroxybutan-2-ylimino)methyl)-6-methoxyphenol, ab = 2-amino-butan-1-ol anion, mb = p-methyl benzoate, H₂L2 = 3-((2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzylidene)-amino)-propionic acid, and dmf = N,N-dimethyl-formamide], were synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic studies at low temperature. The structure determination reveals that both complexes belong to the monoclinic system with P21/c (1) and I2/a (2) space groups. Complex 1 is a dinuclear Co^IIICo^II compound with distorted octahedral cobalt centers showing different coordination environments. In 2, a bent trinuclear CoCo^II complex, the coordination environments around the two terminal Co^III sites are alike, whereas they are different in the central Co^II ion. Alternating current/direct current (ac/dc) magnetic studies revealed that both complexes show field-induced slow magnetic relaxation. The dc magnetic susceptibility and magnetization data were analyzed with the following Hamiltonianwhere D and E are the axial and rhombic zero-field splitting (zfs) parameters, respectively, and a good agreement between experimental and simulated results was found using the parameters g_⊥ = 2.585, g_∥ = 2.437, D = +98.1 cm^-1, E/D = 0.008 and F = 8.2× 10^-5 for 1 and g_⊥ = 2.580, g_∥ = 2.580, D = +55.4 cm^-1, and E/D = 0.000 for 2.

A dual-sensitized luminescent europium(iii) complex as a photoluminescent probe for selectively detecting Fe3

A new luminescent EuIII complex, namely [Eu2(BTFA)4(OMe)2(dpq)2] (1), in which BTFA = 3-benzoyl-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone and dpq = dipyrido [3,2-d:2',3'-f] quinoxaline, has been designed and synthesized by employing two different ligands as sensitizers. Crystal structure analysis reveals that complex 1 is composed of dinuclear EuIII units crystallized in the monoclinic P1̄ space group. Notably, 1 exhibits high thermal stability up to 270 °C and excellent water stability. The photoluminescence property of the complex is investigated. Further studies show 1 can recognize Fe3+ ions with high selectivity from mixed metal ions in aqueous solution through the luminescence quenching phenomenon. Furthermore, the recyclability and stability of 1 after sensing experiments are observed to be adequate. By virtue of the superior stability, detection efficiency, applicability and reusability, the as-prepared EuIII complex can be a promising fluorescent material for practical sensing.

Slow magnetic relaxation and water oxidation activity of dinuclear CoIICoIII and unique triangular CoIICoIICoIII mixed-valence complexes

Construction of efficient multifunctional materials is one of the greatest challenges of our time. We herein report the magnetic and catalytic characterization of dinuclear [CoIIICoII(HL1)2(EtOH)(H2O)]Cl·2H2O (1) and trinuclear [CoIIICoII2(HL2)2(L2)Cl2]·3H2O (2) mixed valence complexes. Relevant structural features of the complexes have been mentioned to correlate with their magnetic and catalytic properties. Unique structural features, especially in terms of significant distortions around the CoII centre(s), prompted us to test both spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and zero field splitting (ZFS) methodologies for the systems. The positive sign of D values has been established from X-band EPR spectra recorded in the 5-40 K temperature range and reaffirmed by CAS/NEVPT2 calculations. ZFS tensors are also extracted for the compounds along with CoIIGaIII and CoIIZnIICoIII model species. Interestingly, 1 shows slow relaxation of magnetization below 6.5 K in the presence of a 1000 Oe external dc field with two relaxation processes (Ueff = 37.0 K with τ0 = 1.57 × 10-8 s for the SR process and Ueff = 7 K with τ0 = 1.66 × 10-6 s for the FR process). As mixed valence cobalt complexes with various nuclearities are central to the quest for water oxidation catalysts, we were prompted to explore their features and to our surprise, water oxidation ability has been realized for both 1 and 2 with significant nuclearity control.

Tuning Magnetic Anisotropy in a Class of Co(II) Bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) Complexes

Tuning the magnetic anisotropy of metal ions remains highly interesting in the design of improved single-molecule magnets (SMMs). We herein report synthetic, structural, magnetic, and computational studies of four mononuclear Co^II complexes, namely [Co(hfac)₂ (MeCN)₂ ] (1), [Co(hfac)₂ (Spy)₂ ] (2), [Co(hfac)₂ (MBIm)₂ ] (3), and [Co(hfac)₂ (DMF)₂ ] (4) (MeCN=acetonitrile, hfac=hexafluoroacetylacetone, Spy=4-styrylpyridine, MbIm=5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole, DMF=N,N-dimethylformamide), with distorted octahedral geometry constructed from hexafluoroacetylacetone (hfac) and various axial ligands. By a building block approach, complexes 2-4 were synthesized by recrystallization of the starting material of 1 from various ligands containing solution. Magnetic and theoretical studies reveal that 1-4 possess large positive D values and relative small E parameters, indicating easy-plane magnetic anisotropy with significant rhombic anisotropy in 1-4. Dynamic alternative current (ac) magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that these complexes exhibit slow magnetic relaxation under external fields, suggesting field-induced single-ion magnets (SIMs) of 1-4. These results provide a promising platform to achieve fine tuning of magnetic anisotropy through varying the axial ligands based on Co(II) bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) complexes.

A robust 3D In–MOF with an imidazole acid ligand as a fluorescent sensor for sensitive and selective detection of Fe3+ ions

A stable In(iii)-MOF with a versatile 5-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)isophthalic acid ligand can be used as a fluorescent sensor for Fe³⁺ detection.

Stable Ln-MOFs as multi-responsive photoluminescence sensors for the sensitive sensing of Fe3+, Cr2O72−, and nitrofuran

Stable Ln(iii)-MOFs with a versatile 2-(4-pyridyl)-terephthalic acid ligand can be used as a multifunctional sensing platform for Fe³⁺, Cr₂O₇²⁻, and nitrofuran detection.

Coligand effects on the architectures and magnetic properties of octahedral cobalt(ii) complexes with easy-axis magnetic anisotropy

Coligand effects lead to two mononuclear octahedral Co(ii) complexes exhibiting easy-axis magnetic anisotropies and distinct magnetic properties.

Tuning magnetic anisotropy by the π-bonding features of the axial ligands and the electronic effects of gold(i) atoms in 2D {Co(L)2[Au(CN)2]2}n metal–organic frameworks with field-induced single-ion magnet behaviour

Au^I atoms play an important role in determining the anisotropy of Co^II nodes in 2D Au^I–Co^II field-induced SIMs.

An aromatic selenite bridged Mn(iii) chain compound showing the coexistence of single chain magnet and metamagnet behaviour

A new chain compound consisting of Mn₂(salen)₂ building blocks bridged by aromatic selenite was synthesized and characterized.

Geometrical control of the magnetic anisotropy in six coordinate cobalt complexes

Combined experimental and ab initio calculations attribute the suppression of quantum tunneling and zero-field SMM behavior in the trigonal prismatic [CoTp^py]PF₆ (2), evidenced by hysteresis up to 3 K, to the enforced rigidity and axial geometry.

Modulating magnetic dynamics through tailoring the terminal ligands in Dy2 single-molecule magnets

The alternation of terminal ligands leads to distinct arrangements of anisotropy axes and magnetic interactions in two Dy₂ complexes which present different dynamic magnetic behaviors.

Slow magnetic relaxation in penta-coordinate cobalt(ii) field-induced single-ion magnets (SIMs) with easy-axis magnetic anisotropy

Two penta-coordinate [Co(Lⁿ)(NCS)]ClO₄ with substituted pyridyl based bispyrazolyl ligands have been structurally characterized. The complexes show an easy-axis magnetic anisotropy, large rhombicity and slow relaxation of magnetization.

A new Co(II) coordination polymer with the 2-(4-pyridyl)-terephthalate ligand: synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties

A new Co(II) complex, [Co(pta)(H2O)2] n (1), with the 2-(4-pyridyl)-terephthalate ligand (pta2−) has been synthesized and structurally and magnetically characterized. Single crystal X-ray analysis indicates that the unique Co(II) ion in the asymmetric unit of 1 displays stretched octahedral geometry. Compound 1 presents a bimetallic layer structure which is further expanded to a 3D supramolecular network through hydrogen bonding interactions. Magnetic measurements have revealed the temperature-dependent existence of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions in compound 1.

Enhancing single-molecule magnet behaviour through decorating terminal ligands in Dy2 compounds

The alternation of terminal substituents on ligands results in different dynamic magnetic behaviors in two Dy₂ single-molecule magnets.

Ferromagnetic exchange interaction in a new Ir(iv)–Cu(ii) chain based on the hexachloroiridate(iv) anion

The new chloro-bridged heterobimetallic Ir^IVCu^II chain of formula {IrCl₅(μ-Cl)Cu(viim)₄}_n [viim = 1-vinylimidazole] is the first reported compound based on the Cu^II and Ir^IV metal ions.

Solvent-induced single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation and tunable magnetic properties of 1D azido-Cu(ii) chains with a carboxylate bridge

The solvent effect leads to structural transformation and tunable magnetism of chain-like azido-copper coordination polymers.