Reversible Electron Transfer in a Linear {Fe2Co} Trinuclear Complex Induced by Thermal Treatment and Photoirraditaion

Optical Phenomena in Molecule-Based Magnetic Materials

Since the last century, we have witnessed the development of molecular magnetism which deals with magnetic materials based on molecular species, i.e., organic radicals and metal complexes. Among them, the broadest attention was devoted to molecule-based ferro-/ferrimagnets, spin transition materials, including those exploring electron transfer, molecular nanomagnets, such as single-molecule magnets (SMMs), molecular qubits, and stimuli-responsive magnetic materials. Their physical properties open the application horizons in sensors, data storage, spintronics, and quantum computation. It was found that various optical phenomena, such as thermochromism, photoswitching of magnetic and optical characteristics, luminescence, nonlinear optical and chiroptical effects, as well as optical responsivity to external stimuli, can be implemented into molecule-based magnetic materials. Moreover, the fruitful interactions of these optical effects with magnetism in molecule-based materials can provide new physical cross-effects and multifunctionality, enriching the applications in optical, electronic, and magnetic devices. This Review aims to show the scope of optical phenomena generated in molecule-based magnetic materials, including the recent advances in such areas as high-temperature photomagnetism, optical thermometry utilizing SMMs, optical addressability of molecular qubits, magneto-chiral dichroism, and opto-magneto-electric multifunctionality. These findings are discussed in the context of the types of optical phenomena accessible for various classes of molecule-based magnetic materials.

Electrically Detectable Photoinduced Polarization Switching in a Molecular Prussian Blue Analogue

Light, a nondestructive and remotely controllable external stimulus, effectively triggers a variety of electron-transfer phenomena in metal complexes. One prime example includes using light in molecular cyanide-bridged [FeCo] bimetallic Prussian blue analogues, where it switches the system between the electron-transferred metastable state and the system's ground state. If this process is coupled to a ferroelectric-type phase transition, the generation and disappearance of macroscopic polarization, entirely under light control, become possible. In this research, we successfully executed a nonpolar-to-polar phase transition in a trinuclear cyanide-bridged [Fe2Co] complex crystal via directional electron transfer. Intriguingly, by exposing the crystal to the wavelength of light─785 nm─without any electric field─we can drive this ferroelectric phase transition to completely depolarize the crystal, during which a measurable electric current response can be detected. These discoveries signify an important step toward the realization of fully light-controlled ferroelectric memory devices.

Modeling of the Charge-Transfer-Induced Spin Transition in the Tetranuclear Cyanide-Bridged [Co2Fe2] Complex

The course of the charge-transfer-induced spin transition demonstrated by the cyanide-bridged tetranuclear [Co2Fe2(bpy*)4(CN)6(tp*)2](PF6)2·2CP·8BN complex has been followed by DFT calculations of the single-point energies for different total spin values of the complex in a wide temperature range. With the aid of these calculations, the picture of spin conversion, that the compound undergoes, has been restored. It has been demonstrated that at 100 K the two crystallographically unique tetranuclear Fe2Co2 subunits A and B present in the structure contain diamagnetic low-spin FeII and low-spin CoIII ions. From the three subunits A, A', and B detected crystallographically in the compound at 200 K, only the A ones contain paramagnetic low-spin FeIII and high-spin CoII ions, while at 260 K, a half of all clusters contained in the crystal are in this state. From the DFT calculations, it also follows that at 320 K in the crystal only paramagnetic units are present. The results obtained are in accordance with the experimental data on the magnetic susceptibility. A possibility to predict new materials exhibiting spin transitions on the basis of DFT calculations of single-point energies as functions of temperature is discussed.

Investigation of the electron transfer properties between metal centers in binuclear and trinuclear cyanido-bridged mixed valence complexes with cis/trans-configuration

To investigate the electron transfer properties between metal centers and their influencing factors in binuclear and trinuclear cyanido-bridged mixed valence complexes with cis/trans-configuration, binuclear cis-[Cp(dppe)Fe(μ-NC)Ru(5,5'-dmbpy)₂(μ-CN)][PF₆]_n (cis-1[PF6]n, n = 1, 2) and trinuclear cis/trans-[Cp(dppe)Fe(μ-NC)Ru(5,5'-dmbpy)₂(μ-CN)Fe(dppe)Cp][PF₆]_n (cis/trans-2[PF6]n, n = 2, 3, 4) (Cp = 1,3-cyclopentadiene, dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, 5,5'-dmbpy = 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridyl) cyanido-bridged complexes were synthesized and well characterized. The experimental results indicate that the presence of the other terminal fragment Cp(dppe)Fe^III in cis-2[PF6]4 results in higher MMCT energy than that of cis-1[PF6]2. In addition, the trans-configuration is more conducive to electron transfer between metal centers than the cis-configuration in trinuclear cyanido-bridged mixed valence complexes. Moreover, these mixed valence complexes cis-1[PF6]2 and cis/trans-2[PF6]n (n = 3, 4) could be assigned to Class II systems according to Robin and Day.

Ferroelectric coordination metal complexes based on structural and electron dynamics

Ferroelectrics that display electrically invertible polarisation are attractive materials because of their potential for wide-ranging applications. To date, considerable effort has thus been devoted towards developing ferroelectric materials, particularly those comprising organic/inorganic compounds. In these systems, structural dynamics such as atomic displacement and reorientation of polar ions/molecules play a key role in the generation of reversible spontaneous polarisation. Although there are many reports concerned with organic/inorganic ferroelectrics, ferroelectrics based on coordination metal complexes have been largely unexplored despite their often unique electronic and spin state properties. In this feature article, we discuss recent progress involving coordination metal complex-based ferroelectrics where the reversible polarisation originates not only from structural dynamics (represented by proton transfer, molecular motion, and liquid crystalline behaviour) but also from electron dynamics (represented by electron transfer and spin crossover phenomena) occurring at the metal centre. Furthermore, unique synergy effects (i.e. magnetoelectric coupling) resulting from the structural and electron dynamics are described. We believe that this review pertaining to ferroelectric coordination metal complexes provides new insights for fabricating further advanced functional materials such as multiferroics and spintronics.

Effects of cis/trans-Configuration and Ligand Substitution of the Cyanidometal Bridge on Metal to Metal Charge Transfer Properties in Mixed Valence Complexes

To investigate the effects of cis/trans-configuration of the cyanidometal bridge and the electron donating ability of the auxiliary ligand on the cyanidometal bridge on metal to metal charge transfer (MMCT) in cyanidometal-bridged mixed valence compounds, two groups of trinuclear cyanidometal-bridged compounds cis/trans-[Cp(dppe)Fe(μ-NC)Ru(4,4'-dmbpy)₂ (μ-CN)Fe(dppe)Cp][PF₆ ]_n (n=2 (cis/trans-1[PF₆ ]₂ ), 3 (cis/trans-1[PF₆ ]₃ ), 4 (cis/trans-1[PF₆ ]₄ )) and cis/trans-[Cp(dppe)Fe(μ-NC)Ru(bpy)₂ (μ-CN)Fe(dppe)Cp][PF₆ ]₃ (cis/trans-2[PF₆ ]₃ ) were synthesized and fully characterized. The experimental results indicate that for these one- and two-electron oxidation mixed valence compounds, the trans-configuration compounds are more beneficial for MMCT than the cis-configuration compounds, and increasing the electron donating ability of the auxiliary ligand on the cyanidometal bridge is also conductive to MMCT. Moreover, compounds cis/trans-1[PF₆ ]_n (n=3, 4) and cis/trans-2[PF₆ ]₃ belong to localized compounds by analyzing the experimental characterization results, supported by the TDDFT calculations.

High-temperature electron transfer coupled spin transition (ETCST) with hysteresis in a discrete [Fe2Co2] Prussian blue analogue

A thermoresponsive Fe-Co based discrete Prussian blue analogue (PBA) with the general formula [Fe(Tp)(CN)3]2[Co{en(Bn)py}]2(ClO4)2·4MeOH·4H2O i.e. [1·4MeOH·4H2O] is reported, which discloses a sharp and high temperature ETCST along with a wide hysteresis of 10 K observed for its desolvated complex 1.

Controlling dynamic magnetic properties of coordination clusters via switchable electronic configuration

Large-sized coordination clusters have emerged as a new class of molecular materials in which many metal atoms and organic ligands are integrated to synergize their properties. As dynamic magnetic materials, such a combination of multiple components functioning as responsive units has many advantages over monometallic systems due to the synergy between constituent components. Understanding the nature of dynamic magnetism at an atomic level is crucial for realizing the desired properties, designing responsive molecular nanomagnets, and ultimately unlocking the full potential of these nanomagnets for practical applications. Therefore, this review article highlights the recent development of large-sized coordination clusters with dynamic magnetic properties. These dynamic properties can be associated with spin transition, electron transfer, and valence fluctuation through their switchable electronic configurations. Subsequently, the article also highlights specialized characterization techniques with different timescales for supporting switching mechanisms, chemistry, and properties. Afterward, we present an overview of coordination clusters (such as cyanide-bridged and non-cyanide assemblies) with dynamic magnetic properties, namely, spin transition and electron transfer in magnetically bistable systems and mixed-valence complexes. In particular, the response mechanisms of coordination clusters are highlighted using representative examples with similar transition principles to gain insights into spin state and mixed-valence chemistry. In conclusion, we present possible solutions to challenges related to dynamic magnetic clusters and potential opportunities for a wide range of intelligent next-generation devices.

Spin and valence isomerism in cyanide-bridged {FeMII} (M = Fe and Co) clusters

Two cyanide-bridged V-shaped isostructural trinuclear complexes [{(Tp*)FeIII(CN)3}2MII(bztpen)]·Sol (M = Fe, Sol = CH3OH·3H2O, 1; M = Co, Sol = 2CH3OH·2H2O, 2; bztpen = N-benzyl-N,N',N'-tris(2-methylpyridyl)ethylenediamine; Tp* = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) were synthesized and characterized. The bztpen ligand serves as a tetradentate capping ligand around the inner metal ion, leaving one pyridyl group intact. Complex 1 exhibits a spin crossover (SCO) behavior between the {FeIIILSFeIIHSFeIIILS} and {FeIIILSFeIILSFeIIILS} spin isomers, while 2 shows both thermally- and photo-induced electron-transfer coupled spin transition (ETCST) property between the {FeIIILSCoIIHSFeIIILS} and {FeIIILSCoIIILSFeIILS} valence isomers. The total entropy changes for 1 and 2 between their corresponding two electronic states were found to be very close with the values of 87.46 and 84.49 J mol-1 K-1, respectively, indicating the comparable thermal energy barriers necessary for either an SCO or ETCST event for such a given system. Furthermore, both complexes undergo desolvation-induced irreversible and sharp magnetic change at high temperatures.

Time-Resolved Spectroscopy of Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Dinuclear and Tetranuclear Fe/Co Prussian Blue Analogues

The dynamics of the photodriven charge transfer-induced spin transition (CTIST) in two Fe/Co Prussian Blue Analogues (PBAs) are revealed by femtosecond IR and UV/vis pump-probe spectroscopy. Depending on temperature, the known tetranuclear square-type complex [Co₂Fe₂(CN)₆(tp*)₂(4,4'-dtbbpy)₄](PF₆)₂ (1) exists in two electronic states. In acetonitrile solution, at <240 K, the low temperature (LT) phase is prevalent consisting of low-spin Fe(II) and low-spin Co(III), [Fe^II_LSCo^III_LS]₂. Temperature rise is the reason behind thermally-induced CTIST toward the high temperature (HT) phase consisting of low-spin Fe(III) and high-spin Co(II), [Fe^III_LSCo^II_HS]₂, being prevalent at >300 K. Photoexcitation into the intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) band of the LT phase at 800 nm induces electron transfer in one Fe-Co edge of PBA 1 and produces a [Fe^III_LSCo^II_LS] intermediate which by spin-crossover (SCO) is stabilized within 400 fs to a long-lived (>1 ns) [Fe^III_LSCo^II_HS] species. In contrast, IVCT excitation of the HT phase at 400 nm generates a [Fe^II_LSCo^III_HS] species with a lifetime of 3.6 ps. Subsequent back-electron transfer populates the vibrationally hot ground state, which thermalizes within 8 ps. The newly synthesized dinuclear PBA, [CoFe(CN)₃(tp*)(pz*₄Lut)]ClO₄ (2), provides a benchmark of the HT phase of 1, i.e., [Fe^III_LSCo^II_HS], as verified by variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. The photoinduced charge transfer dynamics of PBA 2 indeed are almost identical to that of the HT phase of PBA 1 with a lifetime of the excited [Fe^II_LSCo^III_HS] species of 3.8 ps.

Enhanced dielectricity coupled to spin-crossover in a one-dimensional polymer iron(ii) incorporating tetrathiafulvalene

A concerted bending–flattening motion of the redox-active TTF within constructed one-dimensional Fe^II–TTF–Schiff-base chain with bridging 4,4′-bpy enhances the dielectric constant coupled to its spin-crossover transition above room temperature.

In designing multifunctional materials for potential switches that can be used as memory devices, the high-spin (HS) to low-spin (LS) crossover (SCO) one-dimensional polymer, [Fe^II(L)(4,4′-bpy)]_n, was constructed from a designed redox-active tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) functionalized Schiff-base and the ditopic linker 4,4′-bipyridine (bpy). It exhibits an 8 K hysteretic SCO centred at T_1/2 = 325 K which is coupled to changes in its dielectric constant. The crystal structures above and below the transition temperature reveal similar parallel linear ···Fe–bpy–Fe–bpy··· chains displaying expansion of the Fe^II octahedron in the HS state. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal a concerted electronic charge and spin change represented by the Mülliken charge of the Fe and the magnitude and direction of the dipole moment which substantiate the experimental observations.

Modeling of Electron Transfer in a Linear Trinuclear Fe-Co-Fe Complex: Magnetic and Polarizability Properties

A microscopic approach to the problem of charge transfer-induced spin transitions in a system of interacting trinuclear Fe-Co-Fe clusters, which takes into account the switching of polarization during the transformation Fe_ls^II-Co_ls^III-Fe_ls^III→ Fe_ls^III-Co_hs^II-Fe_ls^III (ls-low spin, hs-high spin), has been developed. The cooperative electron-deformational and dipole-dipole interactions and the intracluster electron transfer have been proved to govern the observed significant changes in the magnetic and polarization characteristics of the examined system. The role of intra- and intercluster interactions in the spin transformation has been elucidated. On the basis of the developed approach, an explanation of the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility and of the polar-nonpolar transformation in the {[FeTp(CN)₃]₂Co(Meim)₄}·6H₂O compound in response to thermal stimuli has been given.

Manipulating Spin Transition To Achieve Switchable Multifunctions

The spin transition of metal ions involves interconversion between electron configurations exhibiting considerably different functions and plays a substantial role in the chemical, physical, and biological fields. The photoinduced spin transition offers a promising approach to tune various physical properties with high spatial and temporal resolutions for producing smart multifunctional materials not only to explore their basic science but also to satisfy the demands of the next-generation photoswitchable-molecule-based devices. Therefore, it is attracting considerable interest to utilize photoinduced spin transition to simultaneously tune multifunctions. However, two issues are challenging in obtaining reversible and swift manipulation of functions: (1) the interconversion between different electron configurations of photoresponsive units should be reversibly switched via photoinduced spin transition; (2) effective coupling should be built between the photoresponsive and functional units to produce photoswitchable functions utilizing photoinduced spin transition. In this Account, we will review our recent advances in the usage of spin transition of metal ions as actuators for tuning the magnetic, dielectric, fluorescence, and mechanical properties, wherein the role of a photoswitchable spin transition is highlighted. We mainly focus on the study of two spin-transition categories, including spin-crossover (SCO) of one metal ion and metal-to-metal charge transfer (MMCT). Initially, we will describe a strategy for developing photoinduced reversible SCO and MMCT. The role of flexible intermolecular interactions, in particular, π···π interactions, is discussed with respect to a photoinduced reversible MMCT. Then, the SCO and MMCT units were assembled using metallocyanate building blocks to form a chain, wherein the spin states, anisotropy, and magnetic coupling interactions can be photoswitched to tune the single-chain magnet behavior. Besides magnetic properties, the photoinduced spin transition that is associated with the concomitant changing of charge distribution, bond lengths, and absorption spectra can be utilized to tune the multifunctions. Therefore, the transfer of an electron from a central cobalt site to one of the two iron sites in linear trinuclear Fe₂Co compounds resulted in the transformation of a centrosymmetric nonpolar molecule into an asymmetric polar molecule, and the molecular electric dipole and dielectric properties can be reversibly switched. Moreover, the spin transition usually involved significant expansion or contraction of the coordination sphere of metal ions because of the population/depopulation of the antibonding e_g orbitals. Therefore, colossal positive and negative thermal expansion behaviors were achieved in a layered compound by manipulating the spin-transition process and the rotation of the functional units, thereby providing a strategy for synthesizing phototunable nanomotors. Photoinduced spin transition can also be used to modulate the fluorescence properties by controlling the energy transfer between the fluorescent ligands and the metal sites showing SCO. Finally, we will provide a perspective and detail the remaining challenges that are associated with this research area. We believe that an increasing number of fascinating photoswitchable SCO and MMCT systems will emerge in the near future and that the materials exhibiting various properties and functions that can be manipulated using photoinduced spin transition will provide novel opportunities for the development of smart multifunctional materials and devices.

Wide Magnetic Thermal Memory Effect (∼55 K) Above Room Temperature Coupled to a Structure Phase Transition of Lattice Symmetry Reduction in High-Temperature Phase in an S = 1/2 Spin Chain Molecule Crystal

One-dimensional (1D) S = 1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnetic (AFM) chain system shows frequently a spin-Peierls-type transition owing to strong spin-lattice coupling. From high-temperature phase (HTP) to low-temperature phase (LTP), the spin chain distortion leads to the reduction in lattice symmetry in LTP, called the symmetry breaking (SB) phase transition. Herein, we report the first example of 1D S = 1/2 AFM molecular crystal, [Et₃( n-Pr)N][Ni(dmit)₂] (Et₃( n-Pr)N⁺ = triethylpropylammonium, dmit^2- = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolate), which shows a structural phase transition with lattice symmetry increase in LTP, which is contrary to the SB phase transition. Particularly, the structure phase transition leads to magnetically bistable state with T_C↑ ≈ 375 K, T_C↓ ≈ 320 K, and surprisingly large thermal hysteresis (∼55 K). Additionally, LTP and HTP coexist in a temperature region near T_C but not at T_C in this 1D spin system. The large hysteresis is related to the huge deformation of anion stack, which needs high activation energy for the structure transformation and magnetic transition between LTP and HTP. This study would not only provide new insight into the relationship of spin-Peierls-type transition and structure phase transition but also offer a roadmap for searching molecular-scale magnetic bistable materials, which are in huge demand in future electronic, magnetic, and photonic technologies.

Opto-Spintronics: Photoisomerization-Induced Spin State Switching at 300 K in Photochrome Cobalt-Dioxolene Thin Films

Controllable quantum systems are under active investigation for quantum computing, secure information processing, and nonvolatile memory. The optical manipulation of spin quantum states provides an important strategy for quantum control with both temporal and spatial resolution. Challenges in increasing the lifetime of photoinduced magnetic states at T > 200 K have hindered progress toward utilizing photomagnetic materials in quantum device architectures. Here we demonstrate reversible light-induced magnetization switching in an organic thin film at device operating temperatures of 300-330 K. By utilizing photochromic ligands that undergo structural changes in the solid state, the changes in ligand field associated with photoisomerization modulate the ligand field and in turn the oxidation and spin state of a bound metal center. Green light irradiation (λ_exc = 550 nm) of a spirooxazine cobalt-dioxolene complex induces photoisomerization of the ligand that in turn triggers a reversible intramolecular charge-transfer coupled spin-transition process at the cobalt center. The generation of photomagnetic states through conversion between a low-spin Co(III)-semiquinone doublet and a high-spin Co(II)-bis-semiquinone sextet state has been demonstrated in both solution and the solid state and is described as a photoisomerization-induced spin-charge excited state (PISCES) process. The high transition temperature (325 K) and long-lived photoinduced state (τ = 10 s at 300 K) are dictated by the photochromic ligand. Theory provides effective modeling of the phenomenon and long-term strategies to further modulate the lifetimes of photomagnetic states for quantum information technologies at the single molecule level.

Dynamic molecular crystals with switchable physical properties

The development of molecular materials whose physical properties can be controlled by external stimuli - such as light, electric field, temperature, and pressure - has recently attracted much attention owing to their potential applications in molecular devices. There are a number of ways to alter the physical properties of crystalline materials. These include the modulation of the spin and redox states of the crystal's components, or the incorporation within the crystalline lattice of tunable molecules that exhibit stimuli-induced changes in their molecular structure. A switching behaviour can also be induced by changing the molecular orientation of the crystal's components, even in cases where the overall molecular structure is not affected. Controlling intermolecular interactions within a molecular material is also an effective tool to modulate its physical properties. This Review discusses recent advances in the development of such stimuli-responsive, switchable crystalline compounds - referred to here as dynamic molecular crystals - and suggests how different approaches can serve to prepare functional materials.

Switching single chain magnet behavior via photoinduced bidirectional metal-to-metal charge transfer

The preparation of single-chain magnets (SCMs) with photo-switchable bistable states is essential for the development of high-density photo-recording devices. However, the reversible switching of the SCM behavior upon light irradiation is a formidable challenge. Here we report a well-isolated double zigzag chain {[Fe(bpy)(CN)4]2[Co(phpy)2]}·2H2O (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, phpy = 4-phenylpyridine), which exhibits reversible redox reactions with interconversion between FeIIILS(μ-CN)CoIIHS(μ-NC)FeIIILS (LS = low-spin, HS = high-spin) and FeIIILS(μ-CN)CoIIILS(μ-NC)FeIILS linkages under alternating irradiation with 808 and 532 nm lasers. The bidirectional photo-induced metal-to-metal charge transfer results in significant changes of anisotropy and intrachain magnetic interactions, reversibly switching the SCM behavior. The on-switching SCM behavior driven by light irradiation at 808 nm could be reversibly switched off by irradiation at 532 nm. The results provide an additional and independent way to control the bistable states of SCMs by switching in the 0 → 1 → 0 sequence, with potential applications in high density storage and molecular switches.

Effects of Ru(ii/iii) redox on the Co(ii) coordination number and magnetic properties of 1D cyanide-bridged Co-Ru compounds

A new 1D cyanide-bridged Co-Ru compound, {[trans-Ru^III(dmap)₄(CN)₂Co(dipic)(MeOH)](PF₆)}_n (1a) (dmap = 4-dimethylaminopyridine, dipic = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate), and its reduced state, [trans-Ru^II(dmap)₄(CN)₂Co(dipic)]_n (1b) have been synthesized. Upon the Ru center reduction from iii to ii, the MeOH solvent molecule bound to Co(ii) in 1a is expelled. 1a displays ferrimagnetic properties but 1b is only a paramagnetic compound.

Directional Electron Transfer in Crystals of [CrCo] Dinuclear Complexes Achieved by Chirality-Assisted Preparative Method

The polarization switching mechanism is used in various devices such as pyroelectric sensors and memory devices. The change in polarization mostly occurs by ion displacement. The development of materials whose polarization switches via electron transfer in order to enhance operation speed is a challenge. We devised a synthetic and crystal engineering strategy that enables the selective synthesis of a [CrCo] heterometallic dinuclear complex with a polar crystal structure, wherein polarization changes stem from intramolecular charge transfer between Co and the ligand. Polarization can be modulated both by visible-light irradiation and temperature change. The introduction of chiral ligands was paramount to the successful polarization switching in the valence tautomeric compound. Mixing Cr and Co complexes with enantiopure chiral ligands resulted in the selective formation of only pseudosymmetric [CrCo] heterometallic complexes. Furthermore, the left-handed chiral ligands preferentially interacted with their right-handed counterparts, enabling molecules to form a polar crystal structure.

Tuning of Charge Transfer Assisted Phase Transition and Slow Magnetic Relaxation Functionalities in {Fe(9-x)Co(x)[W(CN)8]6} (x = 0-9) Molecular Solid Solution

Precisely controlled stoichiometric mixtures of Co(2+) and Fe(2+) metal ions were combined with the [W(V)(CN)8](3-) metalloligand in a methanolic solution to produce a series of trimetallic cyanido-bridged {Fe(9-x)Co(x)[W(CN)8]6(MeOH)24}·12MeOH (x = 0, 1, ..., 8, 9; compounds 0, 1, ..., 8, 9) clusters. All the compounds, 0-9, are isostructural, and consist of pentadecanuclear clusters of a six-capped body-centered cube topology, capped by methanol molecules which are coordinated to 3d metal centers. Thus, they can be considered as a unique type of a cluster-based molecular solid solution in which different Co/Fe metal ratios can be introduced while preserving the coordination skeleton and the overall molecular architecture. Depending on the Co/Fe ratio, 0-9 exhibit an unprecedented tuning of magnetic functionalities which relate to charge transfer assisted phase transition effects and slow magnetic relaxation effects. The iron rich 0-5 phases exhibit thermally induced reversible structural phase transitions in the 180-220 K range with the critical temperatures being linearly dependent on the value of x. The phase transition in 0 is accompanied by (HS)Fe(II) W(V) ↔ (HS)Fe(III) W(IV) charge transfer (CT) and the additional minor contribution of a Fe-based spin crossover (SCO) effect. The Co-containing 1-5 phases reveal two simultaneous electron transfer processes which explore (HS)Fe(II) W(V) ↔ (HS)Fe(III) W(IV) CT and the more complex (HS)Co(II) W(V) ↔ (LS)Co(III) W(IV) charge transfer induced spin transition (CTIST). Detailed structural, spectroscopic, and magnetic studies help explain the specific role of both types of CN(-)-bridged moieties: the Fe-NC-W linkages activate the molecular network toward a phase transition, while the subsequent Co-W CTIST enhances structural changes and enlarges thermal hysteresis of the magnetic susceptibility. On the second side of the 0-9 series, the vanishing phase transition in the cobalt rich 6-9 phases results in the high-spin ground state, and in the occurrence of a slow magnetic relaxation process at low temperatures. The energy barrier of the magnetic relaxation gradually increases with the increasing value of x, reaching up to ΔE/kB = 22.3(3) K for compound 9.

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of three new cyano-bridged heterobimetallic chains based on [Fe(Tp*)(CN)3]−

Three, new, one-dimensional (1D) heterobimetallic cyano-bridged chain complexes of squares were prepared. The simultaneous presence of magnetic and porous properties have been found in compound 1–3.

Switchable Fe/Co Prussian blue networks and molecular analogues

Switchable Fe/Co Prussian blue compounds and their low dimensional analogues displaying thermally and photo-induced electron transfer phenomena are reviewed.

Spin crossover and reversible single-crystal to single-crystal transformation behaviour in two cyanide-bridged mixed-valence {FeIII2FeII2} clusters

Two mixed-valence {FeIII2FeII2} clusters exhibit spin crossover behaviour, in which a distorted {Fe₄(μ-CN)₄} core and deviations of bent ∠Fe−NC angles play a key role in tuning the transition temperature.

Synthesis, crystal structure and MMCT of new cyanide-bridged complexes cis-MII(dppm)2(CN)2(FeIIIX3)2 (M = Ru, Os)

Two cyanide precursors and four new cyanide-bridged complexes were synthesized and investigated. The investigations reveal the presence of MMCT from central M^II to terminal Fe^III in 3–6.

Co-crystallized fullerene and a mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) dysprosium double-decker SMM

Investigation into a series of C₆₀–[Dy(Pc)(TClPP)] cocrystallates reveals the inter-molecular interactions between C₆₀ and [Dy(Pc)(TClPP)] molecules, which influence the SMM properties.

A facile route for preparation of monodisperse nanoparticles of one-dimensional Fe(ii)-4-amino-1,2,4-triazole coordination polymers with hysteretic spin-crossover near room temperature

Monodisperse nanoparticles of one-dimensional Fe(II)-4-amino-1,2,4-triazole coordination polymers show hysteretic spin-crossover near room temperature.