Enhancement of Magnetocaloric Effect through Fixation of Carbon Dioxide: Molecular Assembly from Ln4 to Ln4 Cluster Pairs

An insight into the route from CO2 fixation to CO32--bridged dinuclear lanthanide(III) complexes featuring inner coordination post-synthetic modification

An insight into the route from the fixation of CO2 gas into CO32- and the concomitant formation of a novel series of carbonato-bridged dinuclear lanthanide(III) complexes is presented. Efficient and quantitative conversion of CO2 gas into CO32- is confirmed by deliberately employing CO2 gas as a reagent. The feature of inner coordination post-synthetic modification is demonstrated via ligand substitution at the terminally axial coordination sites of the dinuclear motifs. Spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic techniques were employed for probing the reactions and structural elucidation of the products.

Solvent-dependent Ln(III) clusters assembled by immobilization of CO2 in air: zero-field single-molecule magnets and magnetic refrigerant materials

The automatic fixation of CO2 in air played a key role in the construction of Dy(III) single-molecule magnets (SMMs) and Gd(III) magnetic refrigeration molecular materials when Ln(III)Cl3 (Ln = Dy and Gd) was reacted with a new hydrazone Schiff base ligand {H2L = (E)-N'-(4-fluoro-2-hydroxybenzylidene)pyrimidine-4-carbohydrazide}, which is condensed from pyrimidine-4-carbohydrazide and 4-fluorosalicylaldehyde. Surprisingly, the small difference in methanol and ethanol solvents leads to dramatic changes in the structures of these Ln(III) cluster complexes. When methanol and ethanol participated in the reaction, a trapezoidal pyramid Dy(III) pentanuclear cluster [Dy5L5(OH)2(CO3)(O2COMe)(MeOH)3(H2O)]·3MeOH·3.5H2O (1) and a triangular prism Dy(III) hexanuclear cluster [Dy6L6(CO3)2(EtOH)2(H2O)2Cl2]·6EtOH (2) were obtained, respectively, and a tub-like Gd(III) octanuclear cluster [Gd8L8(CO3)4(MeOH)3(H2O)5]·12MeOH·3CH2Cl2·3.25H2O (3) and a trapezoidal pyramid Gd(III) pentanuclear cluster [Gd5L4(HL)(CO3)O(OH)(EtOH)5(H2O)2Cl]·EtOH·3H2O (4) were yielded, respectively. Notably, 1 contains not only the carbonate anion, but also the monomethyl carbonate anion as the bridging ligand, which are formed by immobilizing CO2 in air, while 2, 3 and 4 contain the carbonate bridging ligand only. Magnetic properties' investigations revealed that both 1 and 2 are zero-field SMMs, with Ueff/k values of 93.2 K and 133.5 K, respectively, while 3 and 4 show large magnetocaloric effects, with the largest -ΔSm values of 27.49 J kg-1 K-1 at 2.0 K for ΔH = 7 T for 3 and 27.58 J kg-1 K-1 at 2.5 K for ΔH = 7 T for 4.

Magnetocaloric effect in 1D-polymers bearing 15-metallacrown-5 {GdCu5}3+ units and anionic oxalate complexes

Two complexes {[GdCu5(GlyHA)5(H2O)7Cr(C2O4)3]·11.02H2O}n (1) and {{[GdCu5(GlyHA)5(H2O)6]μ2-[Cu(C2O4)2(H2O)]}2μ4-[Cu(C2O4)2]·15.8H2O}n (2), were obtained as outcomes of the reactions between the cationic hexanuclear {GdCu5(GlyHA)5}3+ 15-metallacrown-5 complex (where GlyHA2- = glycinehydroxamate) and the anionic oxalate complexes K3[Cr(C2O4)3] or K2[Cu(C2O4)2]. Both 1 and 2 possess polymeric 1D-chain structures according to X-ray structural analysis. As a consequence of the geometric orientations of the donor atoms in the oxalates from [Cr(C2O4)3]3-, the Cu5 mean planes of neighboring 15-metallacrown-5 units {GdCu5(GlyHA)5}3+ are angled at 75.5° to each other, which leads to formation of a zig-zag motif in the 1D-chains of complex 1. The centrosymmetric complex 2 contains two structurally different bis(oxalato)cuprate anions μ2-[Cu(C2O4)2(H2O)]2-, for one of which, coordination to two adjacent {GdCu5(GlyHA)5}3+ units leads to formation of linear 1D-chains in 2, while the second type, μ4-[Cu(C2O4)2]2-, is coordinated to four {GdCu5(GlyHA)5}3+ units, causing the cross-linking of single 1D-chains into a double-chain 1D coordination polymer. Studies of χMT vs. T data for 1 and 2 in a 2-300 K temperature range revealed the presence of both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions amongst paramagnetic centres. The experimental χMT vs. T data for 1 were fitted using a model which takes into account exchange interactions between adjacent copper(II) ions, the Gd-Cu exchange interactions within {GdCu5(GlyHA)5}3+ units and additionally Gd-Cr exchange interactions. Fitting of the χMT vs. T data for 2 was not possible, since coordination of μ4-[Cu(C2O4)2]2- to {GdCu5(GlyHA)5}3+ led to the non-equivalence of several Cu-Cu exchange interactions within the metallacrown units and hence a superfluity of fittable parameters. Complexes 1 and 2 are the first examples of 15-metallacrown-5 complexes demonstrating a magnetocaloric effect (-ΔSM at 13 T reaches 24.26 J K-1 kg-1 at 5 K and 19.14 J K-1 kg-1 at 4 K for 1 and 2, respectively).

An Effectively Uncoupled Gd8 Cluster Formed through Fixation of Atmospheric CO2 Showing Excellent Magnetocaloric Properties

The [Gd8(opch)8(CO3)4(H2O)8]·4H2O·10MeCN coordination cluster (1) crystallises in P1¯. The Gd8 core is held together by four bridging carbonates derived from atmospheric CO2 as well as the carboxyhydrazonyl oxygens of the 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidenepyrazine-2-carbohydrazide (H2opch) Schiff base ligands. The magnetic measurements show that the GdIII ions are effectively uncoupled as seen from the low Weiss constant of 0.05 K needed to fit the inverse susceptibility to the Curie-Weiss law. Furthermore, the magnetisation data are consistent with the Brillouin function for eight independent GdIII ions. These features lead to a magnetocaloric effect with a high efficiency which is 89% of the theoretical maximum value.

Bifunctional Lanthanide-Based Coordination Polymers: Conversion of CO2 and Highly Selective Luminescence Sensing for Acetylacetone

A series of bifunctional Ln(III)-based coordination polymers (CPs) {Ln(L)(DMA)2(NO3)}n [Ln(III) = Eu (1), Gd (2), and Dy (3); organic ligand H2L = 2,2'-(1,3,5,7-tetrahydroxyoctahydro-4,8-ethanopyrrolo[3,4-f]isoindole-2,6(1H,3H)-diyl)diacetic acid)] have been successfully synthesized. CPs 1-3 are isostructural and constructed from the dimeric Ln2 unit in which two adjacent LnIII ions are bridged by two μ3-carboxyl oxygens, and the Ln2 dimeric unit is connected by two NO3- ions, four DMA molecules, and four completely protonated L2- ligands forming a 2D layer structure. The magnetic research reveals that CP 2 shows a significant cryogenic magnetocaloric effect (-ΔSm = 22.9 J kg-1 K-1; T = 2.0 K and ΔH = 7.0 T), whereas CP 3 exhibits slow magnetic relaxation property under Hdc = 0 Oe field. Additionally, the luminescence explorations revealed that CP 1 can act as a recyclable luminescent probe for pollutant acetylacetone among various small organic solvent molecules, and the corresponding detection limit is 10-7 mol/L. More importantly, CP 1 also exhibits good catalytic performance in the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 and epoxides or cyanamides under mild conditions. As far as we know, CP 1 represents the first bifunctional lanthanide homogeneous catalyst that can efficiently catalyze the reaction of cyanamides/epoxides with CO2 simultaneously.

Solid state structures and solution behaviour of tetranuclear lanthanide(III) carbonate-bridged coordination compounds of chiral 3 + 3 amine macrocycle

The linking of two dinuclear macrocyclic units of large triphenolic hexaazamine by two carbonate anions results in the formation of dimeric tetranuclear Sm(III), Eu(III) and Gd(III) complexes. These complexes were initially obtained serendipitously by fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide and subsequently obtained in a rational way by the application of carbonate salts. The X-ray crystal structures of these isomorphic complexes show highly folded conformation of the macrocycle. This type of conformation is also confirmed by 2D NMR spectra of the Sm(III) complex. The ESI-MS and NMR spectra reveal also that these carbonate complexes exist in solution in two different forms that are in a concentration-dependent dynamic equilibrium.

The Potential of Gadolinium Ascorbate Nanoparticles as a Safer Contrast Agent

There have been health concerns raised against the use of gadolinium (Gd)-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. The primary observation is that Gd ions are prone to leaking into the bloodstream, causing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis as one of the side effects. In addition, such leakage of the ions inhibits easy clearance from the body. Herein we propose that Gd-ascorbate nanoparticles could be one of the safer choices as they are rather stable in aqueous dispersion and they do not get affected by Zn or Fe ions in the medium. The magnetic properties of the ions are preserved in the nanoparticles, and particles when sufficiently small may be amenable to renal clearance from the human body. Thus, when an aqueous solution of Gd-acetate and ascorbic acid was left to evolve with time, a Gd-ascorbate complex was formed that led to the formation of nanoparticles with time. The sizes of the nanoparticles increased with time, and when the particles were sufficiently large, they precipitated out of the medium. In addition, smaller nanoparticles were consistently present at all times of observations. UV-vis, photoluminescence and FTIR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy analyses confirmed the formation of nanoparticles of Gd-ascorbate complex. In addition, magnetic measurements confirmed the high relaxivity of the nanoparticles as compared to the parent salt, indicating the effectiveness of the nanoparticles as contrast agents. Density functional theory-based calculations of the molecular complex-based nanoparticles accounted for the experimental observations.

Platonic and Archimedean solids in discrete metal-containing clusters

Metal-containing clusters have attracted increasing attention over the past 2-3 decades. This intense interest can be attributed to the fact that these discrete metal aggregates, whose atomically precise structures are resolved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), often possess intriguing geometrical features (high symmetry, aesthetically pleasing shapes and architectures) and fascinating physical properties, providing invaluable opportunities for the intersection of different disciplines including chemistry, physics, mathematical geometry and materials science. In this review, we attempt to reinterpret and connect these fascinating clusters from the perspective of Platonic and Archimedean solid characteristics, focusing on highly symmetrical and complex metal-containing (metal = Al, Ti, V, Mo, W, U, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, lanthanoids (Ln), and actinoids) high-nuclearity clusters, including metal-oxo/hydroxide/chalcogenide clusters and metal clusters (with metal-metal binding) protected by surface organic ligands, such as thiolate, phosphine, alkynyl, carbonyl and nitrogen/oxygen donor ligands. Furthermore, we present the symmetrical beauty of metal cluster structures and the geometrical similarity of different types of clusters and provide a large number of examples to show how to accurately describe the metal clusters from the perspective of highly symmetrical polyhedra. Finally, knowledge and further insights into the design and synthesis of unknown metal clusters are put forward by summarizing these "star" molecules.

Construction of a High Nuclear Gadolinium Cluster with Enhanced Magnetocaloric Effect through Structural Transition

Starting from a dinuclear complex {Gd₂(L)₂(NO₃)₄(H₂O)₂}·2(CH₃CN) (1) based on 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (HL), a nonanuclear cluster {Gd₉(L)₄(μ₄-OH)₂(μ₃-OH)₈(μ₂-OCH₃)₄(NO₃)₈ (H₂O)₈}(OH)·2H₂O (2) was obtained via modulating the amount of the ligand and base. Both of them have been structurally and magnetically characterized. Complex 1 decorates the Gd₂ core bridged by double μ₂-phenoxyl oxygen atoms and coordinated neutral CH₃CN molecules, while 2 features the Gd₉ core with a sandglass-like topology. Magnetic investigations reveal that the weaker antiferromagnetic interactions between adjacent metal ions exist in complex 2 than in 1, which is in agreement with the theoretical results. Meanwhile, the magnetocaloric effect with a maximum -ΔS _m value changes from 27.32 to 40.60 J kg^-1 K^-1 at 2 K and 7 T.

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.

Magneto-thermal properties and slow magnetic relaxation in Mn(II)Ln(III) complexes: influence of magnetic coupling on the magneto-caloric effect

A family of Mn(II)Ln(III) dinuclear and tetranuclear complexes (Ln = Gd and Dy) has been prepared from the compartmental ligands N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-3-formyl-5-bromobenzyl)ethylenediamine (H₂L¹) and N,N',N''-trimethyl-N,N''-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methylbenzyl)diethylenetriamine (H₂L²). The Mn(II)Gd(III) complexes exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions between Mn(II) and Gd(III) ions in most cases, which are supported by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Experimental magneto-structural correlations carried out for the reported complexes and other related complexes found in bibliography show that the highest ferromagnetic coupling constants are observed in di-μ-phenoxido bridged complexes, which is due to the planarity of the Mn-(μ-O)₂-Gd bridging fragment and to the high Mn-O-Gd angles. The effect of these angles has been studied by DFT calculations performed on a di-μ-phenoxido doubly bridged model. The magneto-thermal properties of the Mn(II)Gd(III) based complexes have also been measured, concluding that the magnitude of the Magneto-Caloric Effect (MCE) is due to the strength rather than to the nature of the magnetic coupling. Moreover, when two Mn(II)Gd(III) dinuclear units are connected by two carbonato-bridging ligands the MCE is enhanced, obtaining a maximum magnetic entropy change of 36.4 Jkg^-1 K^-1 at ΔB = 7 T and T = 2.2 K. On the other hand, one of the dinuclear Mn(II)Dy(III) complexes displays Single-Molecule Magnet (SMM) behaviour with an energy barrier of 14.8 K under an applied external field of 1000 Oe.

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.

Coordination-Directed Self-Assembly of Functional Polynuclear Lanthanide Supramolecular Architectures

Lanthanide supramolecular chemistry is a fast growing and intriguing research field due to the unique photophysical, magnetic, and coordination properties of lanthanide ions (Ln^III). Compared with the intensively investigated mononuclear Ln-complexes, polymetallic lanthanide supramolecular assemblies offer more structural superiority and functional advantages. In recent decades, significant progress has been made in polynuclear lanthanide supramolecules, varying from structural evolution to luminescent and magnetic functional materials. This review summarizes the design principles in ligand-induced coordination-driven self-assembly of polynuclear Ln-structures and intends to offer guidance for the construction of more elegant Ln-based architectures and optimization of their functional performances. Design principles concerning the water solubility and chirality of the lanthanide-organic assemblies that are vital in extending their applications are emphasized. The strategies for improving the luminescent properties and the applications in up-conversion, host-guest chemistry, luminescent sensing, and catalysis have been summarized. Magnetic materials based on supramolecular assembled lanthanide architectures are given in an individual section and are classified based on their structural features. Challenges remaining and perspective directions in this field are also briefly discussed.

Toroidal versus centripetal arrangement of the magnetic moment in a Dy4 tetrahedron

Magnetic investigation and ab initio calculations reveal toroidal arrangement of the magnetic moment rather than centripetal anisotropies in a tetrahedral Dy4 complex.

Magnetocaloric effect and slow magnetic relaxation in peroxide-assisted tetranuclear lanthanide assemblies

Investigation of a series of rare peroxide-assisted tetranuclear lanthanide assemblies revealed both significant magnetocaloric effect and slow magnetic relaxation.

The first exploration of coordination chemistry using a methyl substituted o-vanillin based ligand: an example starting with Dy4/Zn2Dy2 systems displaying slow relaxation of magnetization

Two butterfly-shaped Dy4 and Zn2Dy2 complexes displaying slow relaxation of magnetization have been synthesized from a new methyl substituted o-vanillin based ligand, enlarging the scope for finding better SMMs.

A new family of boat-shaped Ln8 clusters exhibiting the magnetocaloric effect and slow magnetic relaxation

Designing and synthesizing lanthanide clusters have always been a research hotspot. Herein, three lanthanide clusters with the formula [Ln₈(IN)₁₄(μ₃-OH)₈(μ₂-OH)₂(H₂O)₈]·xH₂O (Ln = 1-Gd and x = 11; Ln = 2-Dy and x = 8; Ln = 3-Eu and x = 8) have been isolated in the presence of isonicotinic acid under solvothermal conditions. Structural analysis indicates that those three compounds are isostructural, featuring boat-shaped {Ln₈} metal frameworks. Magnetic measurements reveal that 1-Gd exhibits a larger MCE with the maximum -ΔS_m value of 31.77 J kg^-1 K^-1 at 2 K for ΔH = 7 T, while 2-Dy displays slow magnetization relaxation. Besides, the photoluminescence properties of 3-Eu were investigated.

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 Gd-based borate-carbonate framework exhibiting a large magnetocaloric effect at a low magnetic field

A 3D borate-carbonate framework, GdB(OH)₄CO₃ (1), was synthesized. Magnetic study reveals that its MCE is up to 33.5 J kg^-1 K^-1 at 2 K and 2 T, due to the introduction of a long magnetic exchange path of Gd-O-B-O-Gd leading to 1 exhibiting weak magnetic interaction.

Constructing an unprecedented {MnII38} matryoshka doll with a [Mn18(CO3)9] inorganic core and magnetocaloric effect

An unprecedented inner [Mn₁₈(CO₃)₉] inorganic core and [Mn₂₀] metal-organic periphery compose a high-nuclearity homometallic single-valent {Mn^II₃₈} molecular aggregate with a [Mn₆] ⊂ [Mn₁₂] ⊂ [Mn₈] ⊂ [Mn₁₂] matryoshka doll-like skeleton that displays a significant magnetocaloric effect (MCE).

Lanthanide-Based Single-Molecule Magnets Derived from Schiff Base Ligands of Salicylaldehyde Derivatives

The breakthrough in Ln(III)-based SMMs with Schiff base ligands have been occurred for the last decade on account of their magnetic behavior, anisotropy and relaxation pathways. Herein, we review the synthetic strategy, from a structural point of view and magnetic properties of mono, di, tri and polynuclear Ln(III)-based single-molecule magnets mainly with Schiff bases of Salicylaldehyde origin. Special attention has been given to some important breakthroughs that are changing the perspective of this field with a special emphasis on slow magnetic relaxation. An overview of 50 Ln(III)-Schiff base complexes with SMM behavior, covering the period 2008–2020, which have been critical in understanding the magnetic interactions between the Ln(III)-centers, are presented and discussed in detail.

Radii-dependent self-assembly of chiral lanthanide complexes: synthesis, chirality, and single-molecule magnet behavior

A pair of 3-methoxysalicylhydrazone-based homochiral ligands constructed chiral trinuclear and pentanuclear complexes with La^III and Dy^III ions, respectively, which indicates that the radii controlled the self-assembled structures. Chiral transfer during the self-assembly processes was confirmed by crystal structure analysis and CD spectroscopy. Then, magnetic investigations demonstrated that the chiral Dy₅ complexes exhibited typical single-molecule magnet behavior.

Four Dinuclear and One-Dimensional-Chain Dysprosium and Terbium Complexes Based on 2-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic Acid: Structures, Fluorescence, Single-Molecule-Magnet, and Ab Initio Investigation

The unique electronic configurations of lanthanide(III) ions generate abundant electronic energy levels, resulting in the fantastic magnetic and optical multifunctional properties of lanthanide complexes. Here, 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid (H₂MBA) was used to construct four Dy(III) and Tb(III) complexes containing two isostructural dinuclear complexes of [Ln₂(HMBA)₂(MBA)₂(DMF)₂(H₂O)₂]·6H₂O [Ln = Dy (1), Tb (2); DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide] and two other isostructural beltlike one-dimensional-chain complexes of [NH₄][Ln(HMBA)₄] [Ln = Dy (3), Tb (4)]. Fluorescence measurements reveal that H₂MBA can sensitize Dy(III) and Tb(III) characteristic luminescence. Furthermore, complex 3 can emit white light under UV-light irradiation originating from a dichromatic mixture of a blue emission of H₂MBA and a dominating yellow emission of Dy³⁺ ions. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that two Dy(III) complexes are single-molecule magnets with anisotropy barriers of 90(2) and 31(5) cm^-1 for 1 and 3, respectively. The magnet-luminescence-structure correlations as well as relaxation pathways are investigated by ab initio calculations and fluorescent spectrometry.

A novel terbium–mercury compound: Preparation, structure, and properties

Using a hydrothermal reaction, a novel 4f–5d isonicotinic acid complex {[Tb2(IA)6(H2O)4](Hg3Cl7)} n( nHgCl4)· nCl·4 nH3O (1, HIA = isonicotinic acid) was synthesized and it was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Compound 1 is characterized by a two-dimensional layer-like structure. The photoluminescence measurement using solid-state samples uncovered that it shows four emission peaks at 489, 546, 587, and 622 nm, of which the peak at 546 nm is the strongest. These peaks could be assigned to the 5 D4 → 7 F6, 5 D4 → 7 F5, 5 D4 → 7 F4, and 5 D4 → 7 F3 transitions of the Tb3+ ions, respectively. The energy transfer mechanism of the photoluminescence emission was described by means of the energy level scheme of the Tb3+ ions and the isonicotinic acid ligand. Compound 1 shows remarkable CIE (Commission Internationale de I’Éclairage) chromaticity coordinates of (0.3633, 0.5038) in the yellowish green region. Compound 1 possesses a wide semiconductor band gap of 2.97 eV, as unveiled by the solid-state UV-Vis diffuse reflectance experiment.

Lanthanide clusters as highly efficient catalysts regarding carbon dioxide activation

Lanthanide clusters display a wide substrate scope and high catalytic activity for the insertion of CO₂ into epoxides to form cyclic carbonates.

The near-infrared luminescence and magnetism of dinuclear complexes with different local symmetries constructed from a β-diketonate co-ligand and bis-Schiff base ligand

A Dy^III-complex based on a β-diketonate co-ligand and bi-Schiff base ligand displays slow magnetic relaxation behavior.

Dysprosium-based linear helicate clusters: syntheses, structures, and magnetism

Three new dysprosium-based linear helicate Dy₄, Dy₆ and Dy₁₀ clusters have been assembled under different reaction conditions by utilizing a versatile hydrazone ligand.

A novel holmium–mercury complex: Structure, green photoluminescence, energy transfer mechanism and semiconducting properties

The complex (Ho(IA)3(H3O)(H2O)) n(0.5 nHg2I6) (HIA = isonicotinic acid) has been synthesized via a hydrothermal reaction and has a one-dimensional (1D) chain-like structure. It has an emission band in the green region of 542 nm, which could originate from the 5 S2 → 5 I8 transition of the Ho3+ ion. The compound possesses Commission Internationale de I’Éclairage chromaticity coordinates of (0.2065, 0.4969) and has a wide optical band gap of 2.32 eV, as found by solid-state UV-Vis diffuse reflectance measurements.

Hierarchical Assembly of a {Co24} Cluster from Two Vertex-Fused {Co13} Clusters and Their Single-Molecule Magnetism

We present the synthesis, structural characterization, and magnetic properties of two high-nuclearity cobalt clusters formulated as [Co₁₃(μ₃-OH)₃(μ₃-Cl)(dpbt)₅(ptd)Cl₁₀][Co(H₂O)₂Cl₂]·(CH₃)₂CHOH (1) and [Co₂₄(μ₃-OH)₆(μ₃-Cl)₂(dpbt)₁₀(ptd)₂Cl₁₆]·2CH₃CH₂OH (2), respectively (H₂dpbt = 5,5'-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-3,3'-bis(1,2,4-triazole) and H₂ptd = 3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazine-5,6-diol). Compound 1 is composed of an inner [Co₄(μ₃-OH)₃(μ₃-Cl)] cubane and an outer [Co₉(dpbt)₅(ptd)Cl₁₀] defective adamantane. Compound 2 reveals a giant {Co₂₄} cluster possessing a dual-[Co₁₂] skeleton from 1. The hierarchical assembly from 1 to 2 has been established and tracked through high-resolution electrospray ionization (HRESI-MS) analyses from the solvothermal reaction mother solution. Magnetic studies of 1 and 2 revealed the highly correlated spins, a glasslike magnetic phase transition at ca. 8 K, and slow relaxation behavior of SMM nature in the lower-temperature region (below 4 K).