Heterometallic MnIII4Ln2 (Ln = Dy, Gd, Tb) Cross-Shaped Clusters and Their Homometallic MnIII4MnII2 Analogues

Magneto-Structural Characterization of Heterometallic NiII2MnII2/NiII2CoII2 Cubane Complexes with a Compartmental Ligand

We report a combined experimental and theoretical magneto-structural study of four heterometallic isostructural complexes: [Ni2Mn2(L)2(OAc)2{N(CN)2}]·5H2O (1), [Ni2Mn2(L)2(OAc)2(N3)2]·MeCN (2), [Ni2Mn2(L)2(OAc)2(NCS)2]·H2O (3), and [Ni2Co2(L)2(OAc)2(NCS)2]·4H2O (4). These complexes were synthesized using a compartmental Schiff base ligand, N,N'-bis(3-methoxy-5-methylsalicylidene)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-diaminopropane (H2L), and various pseudohalide ions. X-ray crystallography reveals cubane-like structures featuring a {Ni2M2(μ3-O)4} (M = Mn or Co) core. The NiII centers invariably exhibit octahedral geometry, while MnII and CoII ions adopt hepta-coordinated pentagonal bipyramidal geometries. Magnetic studies, ab initio calculations, and BS-DFT analyses reveal competing ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) exchange interactions. The heterometallic exchange via an additional μ-O,O'-acetate ligand is FM, contrasting with mostly AFM interactions through the two μ3-O bridges. NiII ions in 1-4 display moderate easy-plane single-ion anisotropy, while complex 4 uniquely features hepta-coordinated CoII ions with easy-axis anisotropy of DCo ≈ -23 cm-1. Moreover, a field-induced slow magnetic relaxation was observed in 4, governed by a direct relaxation process. Notably, this is the first report of a Ni2Mn2 cubane structure, with only one prior example of a Ni2Co2 cubane complex in the literature. Thus, this study uncovers the magneto-structural properties of rare Ni2Mn2 and Ni2Co2 systems while highlighting 4 as a unique case of hepta-coordinated CoII ions with significant easy-axis anisotropy and slow magnetization relaxation, enriching the molecular magnetism landscape.

Supramolecular Dimeric MnIII Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, Magnetic Properties, and Catalytic Oxidation Studies

In this study, a tetradentate Schiff-base ligand (H2L), synthesized by the condensation of ethylenediamine with 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methylbenzaldehyde, was reacted with either manganese salts or manganese salts in the presence of various pseudohalides in methanol. This reaction resulted in the formation of five mononuclear MnIII complexes: [Mn(L)(H2O)2](NO3)·1/2H2O·1/2CH3OH (1), [Mn(L)(H2O)2](ClO4)·H2O (2), [Mn(L)(N3)(H2O)]·1/3H2O (3), [Mn(L)(NCS)(H2O)] (4), and [Mn(L)(H2O)2](dca) (5) (where dca is dicyanamide ion). X-ray crystallography revealed that the MnIII centers adopt a hexa-coordinate pseudo-octahedral geometry, where the equatorial plane is constructed with phenoxo oxygen and imine nitrogen atoms from the Schiff base ligand, while the axial positions are occupied by water molecules or a combination of water and pseudohalides. Supramolecular interactions, primarily π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding, contribute to the formation of pseudodimeric structures in the solid state. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicated antiferromagnetic coupling within quasi-dimers, primarily through hydrogen bonds. Catalytic studies showed that the complexes effectively catalyze the aerobic oxidation of substrates such as 2-aminophenol and 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol to yield 2-aminophenoxazin-3-one and 3,5-di-tert-butylquinone, respectively. They also catalyze the oxidation of styrene to its corresponding oxirane, demonstrating their versatile catalytic proficiency. Mechanistic insights, supported by ESI mass spectrometry and EPR studies, suggest that catalysis involves the formation of a complex-substrate aggregate, followed by an intramolecular electron transfer.

A [Mn8] Defective Supertetrahedron T3 and Its Dimeric [Mn16] Analogue

The initial use of 2-(pyridin-2-yl)propane-1,3-diol (pypdH2) in Mn cluster chemistry has afforded two new mixed-valence polynuclear Mn clusters, namely, [Mn8Ο5(pypd)(hmp)3(O2CCMe3)8] (1) and [Mn16Ο10(N3)2(pypd)2{(py)2CO2}4(O2CEt)12] (2) (hmp- = deprotonated 2-hydroxymethylpyridine; (py)2CO2 2- = deprotonated gem-diol form of di-2-pyridyl ketone). Compound 1 features a novel [MnIII 7MnII(μ4-O)2(μ3-O)3(μ-OR)5]8+ structural core resembling a supertetrahedron T3, lacking two apexes, while complex 2 has a [MnIII 14MnII 2(μ4-O)4(μ3-O)6(μ-N3)2(μ3-OR)2(μ-OR)8]14+ core consisting of two [Mn8] subunits related to 1 and thus is a dimeric analogue of 1. Direct current (dc) magnetic susceptibility studies revealed the presence of dominant antiferromagentic exchange interactions between the Mn ions in complexes 1 and 2 and small ground state spin values for both compounds. Overall, this work highlights the capability of polyol-like chelates like pypdH2 to stabilize high nuclearity 3d metal clusters based on polynuclear building blocks.

A new family of heterometallic [Cu6M4] (M = Gd, Tb, Dy and Y) clusters derived from the combined use of selected pyridyl poly-alcohol ligands

The combined use of 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,3-propane-diol (pypdH2) and 2-hydroxymethyl-2-(2-pyridyl)-1,3-propane-diol (pyptH3) in Cu2+/4f chemistry has afforded a new family of isostructural [Cu6M4(pypt)4(pypdH)4(NO3)8] [M = Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3), and Y (4)] complexes. These compounds are based on an unprecedented three-layered symmetric [Cu6M4(μ-OR)16]8+ structural core, formed from the connection of the metal ions by bridging alkoxide arms of the organic ligands. Direct current magnetic susceptibility studies for complexes 1-3 revealed the presence of dominant ferromagnetic exchange interactions, suggesting the existence of large spin ground state values. Alternating current magnetic studies indicate the presence of slow-magnetic relaxation in 1-3.

Russian Doll-like 3d-4f Cluster Wheels with Slow Relaxation of Magnetization

The solvothermal reactions of LnCl3·6H2O and MCl2·6H2O (M = Co, Ni) with 2,2'-diphenol (H2L1) and 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline (HL2) gave three 3d-4f heterometallic wheel-like nano-clusters [Ln7M6(L1)6(L2)6(µ3-OH)6(OCH3)6Cl(CH3CN)6]Cl2·xH2O (Ln = Dy, M = Co, x = 3 for 1; Ln = Dy, M = Ni, x = 0 for 2; Ln = Tb, M = Ni, x = 0 for 3) with similar cluster structure. The innermost Ln(III) ion is encapsulated in a planar Ln6 ring which is further embedded in a chair-conformation M6 ring, constructing a Russian doll-like 3d-4f cluster wheel Ln(III)⸦Ln6⸦M6. 2 and 3 show obvious slow magnetic relaxation behavior with negligible opening of the magnetic hysteresis loop. Such a Russian doll-like 3d-4f cluster wheel with the lanthanide disc isolated by transition metallo-ring is rarely reported.

Heterometallic clusters based on an uncommon asymmetric "V-shaped" [Fe3+(μ-OR)Ln3+(μ-OR)2Fe3+]6+ (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho) structural core and the investigation of the slow relaxation of the magnetization behaviour of the [Fe2Dy] analogue

The synthesis, crystal structures, Mössbauer spectra and variable temperature dc and ac magnetic susceptibility studies of a new family of trinuclear heterometallic Fe³⁺/Ln³⁺ complexes, [Fe₂Ln(PhCO₂)₃((py)₂CO₂)((py)₂C(OMe)O)₂(NO₃)Cl] (Ln = Gd (1/Gd), Tb (1/Tb), Dy (1/Dy), and Ho (1/Ho)), where (py)₂CO₂^2- and (py)₂C(OMe)O^- are the anions of the gem-diol and hemiketal derivatives of di-2-pyridyl ketone, are reported. Compounds 1/Ln are based on an asymmetric "V-shaped" [Fe³⁺(μ-OR)Ln(μ-OR)₂Fe³⁺]⁶⁺ structural core formed from the connection of the two terminal Fe³⁺ centers to the central Ln³⁺ ion either through one or two alkoxide groups originating from the alkoxide-type bridging ligands. Direct current magnetic susceptibility studies reveal the presence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Fe³⁺ ions. Alternating current magnetic studies indicate the presence of a slow-magnetic relaxation process in 1/Dy with an energy barrier U_eff = 6.7 (±0.3) K and a pre-exponential factor, τ₀ = 2.2 (±0.4) × 10^-7 s. The electronic, magnetic and relaxation properties of the complexes were further monitored by variable temperature ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. At T > 80 K the spectra from the complexes comprise two quadrupole doublets the hyperfine parameters of which reflect the distinct coordination environment of the two Fe³⁺ terminal sites. At T < 20 K, the Mössbauer spectra for 1/Dy are affected by magnetic relaxation effects. At 1.5 K, the spectrum of 1/Dy comprises well defined magnetic sextets indicating relaxation times slower than the characteristic time of the Mössbauer technique (10^-7 s) in agreement with the dynamic magnetic measurements. 1/Gd exhibits broad unresolved magnetic sextets at 1.5 K indicating that the spin relaxation time is of the order of the Mössbauer characteristic time at this temperature. For 1/Tb, 1/Ho the Mössbauer spectra exhibit slight broadening even at the lowest available temperature consistent with magnetic relaxation times less than 10^-7 s.

High nuclearity structurally - related Mn supertetrahedral T4 aggregates

The simultaneous employment of 1,3-propanediol and di-2-pyridyl ketone in Mn carboxylate chemistry has provided access to three new, structurally-related [Mn₂₄] and [Mn₂₃] clusters. They are based on nanosized supertetrahedal T4 Mn/O structural cores and exhibit slow relaxation of magnetization below 3.5 K.

Synthesis, characterization, magnetism and theoretical analysis of hetero-metallic [Ni2Ln2] partial di-cubane assemblies

A family of four isostructural [Ln₂Ni₂(L)₂(μ₃-OCH₃)₂(μ_1,3-PhCO₂)₂(PhCO₂)₂(CH₃OH)₄]·2CH₃OH [where Ln = Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3) and Ho (4)] complexes has been synthesized using Schiff base ligand 2-[{(2-hydroxybenzyl)imino}methyl]-6-methoxyphenol (H₂L). All the complexes possess a partial di-cubane core structure where the growth of the core is contingent upon the ligand anions and solvent generated μ₃-OCH₃ groups. DC magnetic analysis revealed dominating ferromagnetic interactions between the metal ions, however, we find no slow relaxation characteristics in the AC susceptibility. Further insight into the magnetic behavior of the reported complexes was achieved using DFT and CASSCF theoretical calculations, leading to the comprehension of the fast relaxation characteristics observed by magnetometry.

Pentanuclear Thorium(IV) Coordination Cluster from the Use of Di(2-pyridyl) Ketone

The Th(NO₃)₄·5H₂O/di(2-pyridyl) ketone [(py)₂CO] reaction system gives a pentanuclear cluster containing the doubly deprotonated form of the gem-diol derivative of the ligand. The cluster consists of a tetrahedral arrangement of four Th^IV ions centered on the fifth ion, which is the first characterized Th^IV₅ complex. The analysis of its structure reveals that this is a Kuratowski-type coordination compound.

Paramagnetic solid-state NMR assignment and novel chemical conversion of the aldehyde group to dihydrogen ortho ester and hemiacetal moieties in copper(ii)- and cobalt(ii)-pyridinecarboxaldehyde complexes

The complex chemical functionalization of aldehyde moieties in Cu(ii)- and Co(ii)-pyridinecarboxaldehyde complexes was studied. X-ray studies demonstrated that the aldehyde group (RCHO) of the four pyridine molecules is converted to dihydrogen ortho ester (RC(OCH₃)(OH)₂) and hemiacetal (RCH(OH)(OCH₃)) moieties in both 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde copper and cobalt complexes. In contrast, the aldehyde group is retained when the 3-pyridinecarboxaldehyde ligand is complexed with cobalt. In the different copper complexes, similar paramagnetic ¹H resonance lines were obtained in the solid state; however, the connectivity with the carbon structure and the ¹H vicinities were done with 2D ¹H–¹³C HETCOR, ¹H–¹H SQ/DQ and proton spin diffusion (PSD) experiments. The strong paramagnetic effect exerted by the cobalt center prevented the observation of ¹³C NMR signals and chemical information could only be obtained from X-ray experiments. 2D PSD experiments in the solid state were useful for the proton assignments in both Cu(ii) complexes. The combination of X-ray crystallography experiments with DFT calculations together with the experimental results obtained from EPR and solid-state NMR allowed the assignment of NMR signals in pyridinecarboxaldehyde ligands coordinated with copper ions. In cases where the crystallographic information was not available, as in the case of the 3-pyridinecarboxaldehyde Cu(ii) complex, the combination of these techniques allowed not only the assignment of NMR signals but also the study of the functionalization of the substituent group.

The complex chemical functionalization of the aldehyde group was elucidated in copper and cobalt complexes for 4- and 3-pyridinecarboxaldehyde ligands.

Integration of bio-inspired lanthanide-transition metal cluster and P-doped carbon nitride for efficient photocatalytic overall water splitting

Photosynthesis in nature uses the Mn₄CaO₅ cluster as the oxygen-evolving center to catalyze the water oxidation efficiently in photosystem II. Herein, we demonstrate bio-inspired heterometallic LnCo₃ (Ln = Nd, Eu and Ce) clusters, which can be viewed as synthetic analogs of the CaMn₄O₅ cluster. Anchoring LnCo₃ on phosphorus-doped graphitic carbon nitrides (PCN) shows efficient overall water splitting without any sacrificial reagents. The NdCo₃/PCN-c photocatalyst exhibits excellent water splitting activity and a quantum efficiency of 2.0% at 350 nm. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy revealed the transfer of a photoexcited electron and hole into the PCN and LnCo₃ for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, respectively. A density functional theory (DFT) calculation showed the cooperative water activation on lanthanide and O−O bond formation on transition metal for water oxidation. This work not only prepares a synthetic model of a bio-inspired oxygen-evolving center but also provides an effective strategy to realize light-driven overall water splitting.

A Novel Family of Triangular CoII2LnIII and CoII2YIII Clusters by the Employment of Di-2-Pyridyl Ketone

The synthesis, structural characterization and magnetic study of novel CoII/4f and CoII/YIII clusters are described. In particular, the initial employment of di-2-pyridyl ketone, (py)2CO, in mixed metal Co/4f chemistry, provided access to four triangular clusters, [CoII2MIII{(py)2C(OEt)(O)}4(NO3)(H2O)]2[M(NO3)5](ClO4)2 (M = Gd, 1; Dy, 2; Tb, 3; Y, 4), where (py)2C(OEt)(O)− is the monoanion of the hemiketal form of (py)2CO. Clusters 1–4 are the first reported Co/4f (1–3) and Co/Y (4) species bearing (py)2CO or its derivatives, despite the fact that over 200 metal clusters bearing this ligand have been reported so far. Variable-temperature, solid-state dc and ac magnetic susceptibility studies were carried out on 1–4 and revealed the presence of weak ferromagnetic exchange interactions between the metal ions (JCo-Co = +1.3 and +0.40 cm−1 in 1 and 4, respectively; JCo-Gd = +0.09 cm−1 in 1). The ac susceptibility studies on 2 revealed nonzero, weak out-of-phase (χ’’M) signals below ~5 K.

Synthesis, Characterization and Magnetic Studies of a Tetranuclear Manganese(II/IV) Compound Incorporating an Amino-Alcohol Derived Schiff Base

A new tetranuclear mixed-valence manganese(II/IV) compound [MnIIMnIV3(μ-Cl)3(µ3-O)(L)3] (1) (where H3L = (3E)-3-((Z)-4-hydroxy-4-phenylbut-3-en-2-ylideneamino)propane-1,2-diol) has been synthesized and characterized by different physicochemical methods. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that 1 is a tetrahedral cluster consisting of a Mn4Cl3O4 core in which the only Mn(II) ion is joined through three μ2-O bridges to an equilateral triangle of Mn(IV) ions, which are connected by a μ3-O and three μ2-Cl bridges. The redox behavior of 1 was studied by cyclic voltammetry. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1 revealed predominant antiferromagnetic coupling inside the Mn4Cl3O4 cluster.

Multifunctional luminescent magnetic cryocooler in a Gd5Mn2 pyramidal complex

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

Generation and Stability of the gem-Diol Forms in Imidazole Derivatives Containing Carbonyl Groups. Solid-State NMR and Single-Crystal X-ray Diffraction Studies

The stability of gem-diol forms in imidazolecarboxaldehyde isomers was studied by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ss-NMR) combined with single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. These methodologies also allowed determining the factors governing the occurrence of such rare functionalization in carbonyl moieties. Results indicated that the position of the carbonyl group is the main factor that governs the generation of geminal diols, having a clear and direct effect on hydration, since, under the same experimental conditions, only 36% of 5-imidazolecarboxaldehydes and 5% of 4-imidazolecarboxaldehydes were hydrated, as compared to 2-imidazolecarboxaldehydes, with which a 100% hydration was achieved. Not only did trifluoroacetic acid favor the addition of water to the carbonyl group but also it allowed obtaining single crystals. Single crystals of the gem-diol and the hemiacetal forms 2-imidazolecarboxaldehyde and N-methyl-2-imidazolecarboxaldehyde, respectively, were isolated and studied through ¹H ss-NMR. Mass spectrometry and solution-state NMR experiments were also performed to study the hydration process.