Nanoscale Homochiral C3-Symmetric Mixed-Valence Manganese Cluster Complexes with Both Ferromagnetic and Ferroelectric Properties

Homochiral Dy2 zero-field single-molecule magnets derived from axial chiral ligands (R)/(S)-octahydro-1,1'-bi-2-naphthyl phosphate

The construction of homochiral zero-field single-molecule magnets (SMMs), especially with axial chiral ligands, remains a great challenge. Herein the first examples of homochiral Dy(III) Schiff base complexes based on axial chiral ligands (R)/(S)-5,5',6,6',7,7',8,8'-octahydro-1,1'-bi-2-naphthyl phosphate (R-HL/S-HL), [Dy2(R-L/S-L)2(LSchiff)2(H2O)(MeOH)]·2MeOH·CH2Cl2·2MeCN·2H2O (R-1/S-1) [H2LSchiff = (E)-N'-(5-fluoro-2-hydroxybenzylidene)pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide], were synthesized at room temperature, which show ferromagnetic coupling and act as zero-field SMMs, with a Ueff/k value of 61 K at 0 Oe. Ab initio calculations were used to explain their magnetic interaction and magnetic relaxation properties. Furthermore, the magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectra of R-1/S-1 revealed that they display obvious magneto-optical effects.

Assembly of Homochiral Magneto-Optical Dy6 Triangular Clusters by Fixing Carbon Dioxide in the Air

A new hydrazone Schiff base bridging ligand (H2LSchiff (E)-N'-((1-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)methylene)pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide) and L/D-proline were used to construct a pair of homochiral Dy6 cluster complexes, [Dy6(CO3)(L-Pro)6(LSchiff)4(HLSchiff)2]·5DMA·2H2O (L-1, L-HPro = L-proline; DMA = N,N-dimethylacetamide) and [Dy6(CO3)(D-Pro)6(LSchiff)4(HLSchiff)2]·5DMA·2H2O (D-1, D-HPro = D-proline), which show a novel triangular Dy6 topology. Notably, the fixation of CO2 in the air formed a carbonato central bridge, playing a key role in assembling L-1/D-1. Magnetic measurements revealed that L-1/D-1 displays intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling and magnetic relaxation behaviours. Furthermore, L-1/D-1 shows a distinct magneto-optical Faraday effect and has a second harmonic generation (SHG) response (1.0 × KDP) at room temperature. The results show that the immobilization of CO2 provides a novel pathway for homochiral multifunctional 4f cluster complexes.

Chiral Star-Shaped [CoIII3LnIII] Clusters with Enantiopure Schiff Bases: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetism

Two enantiomeric pairs of new 3d-4f heterometallic clusters have been synthesized from two enantiomer Schiff base derivatives: (R/S)-2-[(2-hydroxy-1-phenylethylimino)methyl] phenol (R-/S-H2L). The formulae of the series clusters are Co3Ln(R-L)6 (Ln = Dy (1R), Gd (2R)), Co3Ln (S-L)6 (Ln = Dy (1S), Gd (2S)), whose crystal structures and magnetic properties have been characterized. Structural analysis indicated that the above clusters crystallize in the chiral P213 group space. The central lanthanide ion has a coordination geometry of D3 surrounded by three [CoIII(L)2]- anions using six aliphatic oxygen atoms of L2- featuring a star-shaped [CoIII3LnIII] configuration. Magnetic measurements showed the presence of slow magnetic relaxation with an effective energy barrier of 22.33 K in the DyIII derivatives under a zero-dc field. Furthermore, the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of 1R and 1S confirmed their enantiomeric nature.

Two Pairs of Homochiral Parallelogram-like Dy4 Cluster Complexes with Strong Magneto-Optical Properties

Two pairs of homochiral Dy(III) tetranuclear cluster complexes derived from (+)/(-)-3-trifluoroacetyl camphor (D-Htfc/L-Htfc), [Dy4(OH)2(L1)4(D-tfc)2(DMF)2]·4DMF (D-1) [H2L1 = (E)-2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylideneamino)phenol)]/[Dy4(OH)2(L1)4(L-tfc)2(DMF)2]·4DMF (L-1) and [Dy4(OH)2(L2)4(D-tfc)2(DMF)2]·2H2O·3MeCN (D-2) [H2L2 = (E)-3-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylideneamino)naphthalen-2-ol]/[Dy4(OH)2(L2)4(L-tfc)2(DMF)2]·2H2O·3MeCN (L-2), were synthesized at room temperature, which have a Dy4 parallelogram-like core. The magnetic studies revealed that D-1 exhibits single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior under zero dc magnetic field, and its magnetic relaxation has a distinct Raman process in addition to the Orbach process, with the Ueff/k value of 57.5 K and the C value of 28.27 s-1K-2.14; while D-2 displays dual magnetic relaxation behavior at 0 Oe field, with the Ueff/k value 114.8 K for the slow relaxation process (SR) and the C value of 10.656 s-1K-5.80 for the fast relaxation process (FR), respectively. Theoretical calculations indicated that the conjugated groups (phenyl vs naphthyl) of the Schiff base bridging ligands (H2L1 and H2L2) significantly affect the intramolecular magnetic interactions between the Dy3+ ions and ultimately lead to different relaxations. Furthermore, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) measurements showed that these two pairs of Dy4 enantiomers exhibit strong room temperature magneto-optical Faraday effects; notably, increasing the conjugated group on the Schiff base bridging ligand is beneficial to enhancing the magneto-optical Faraday effects.

A Pair of Multifunctional Cu(II)-Dy(III) Enantiomers with Zero-Field Single-Molecule Magnet Behaviors, Proton Conduction Properties and Magneto-Optical Faraday Effects

Multifunctional materials with a coexistence of proton conduction properties, single-molecule magnet (SMM) behaviors and magneto-optical Faraday effects have rarely been reported. Herein, a new pair of Cu(II)-Dy(III) enantiomers, [DyCu2(RR/SS-H2L)2(H2O)4(NO3)2]·(NO3)·(H2O) (R-1 and S-1) (H4L = [RR/SS] -N,N'-bis [3-hydroxysalicylidene] -1,2-cyclohexanediamine), has been designed and prepared using homochiral Schiff-base ligands. R-1 and S-1 contain linear Cu(II)-Dy(III)-Cu(II) trinuclear units and possess 1D stacking channels within their supramolecular networks. R-1 and S-1 display chiral optical activity and strong magneto-optical Faraday effects. Moreover, R-1 shows a zero-field SMM behavior. In addition, R-1 demonstrates humidity- and temperature-dependent proton conductivity with optimal values of 1.34 × 10-4 S·cm-1 under 50 °C and 98% relative humidity (RH), which is related to a 1D extended H-bonded chain constructed by water molecules, nitrate and phenol groups of the RR-H2L ligand.

A pair of ionic 1D Cu(II) chain enantiomers simultaneously displaying large second- and third-harmonic generation responses

By employing enantiomerically pure mono-bidentate N-donors (LR/LS) as chiral bridging ligands to react with Cu(ClO4)2(H2O)6 in CH3CN-DMF mixed solvent, respectively, a pair of ionic one-dimensional (1D) Cu(II) chain enantiomers formulated as {[CuLR(CH3CN)(DMF)H2O](ClO4)2}n/{[CuLS(CH3CN)(DMF)H2O](ClO4)2}n (D-1/L-1) were isolated and structurally characterized, where LR/LS = (-)/(+)-4,5-pinenepyridyl-2-pyrazine. They crystallize in the noncentrosymmetric (NCS) P212121 space group of an orthorhombic system due to the introduction of chiral LR/LS, and the ClO4- groups as counteranions reside in crystal lattices, thus leading to charge separation with large dipole moments in their molecular structures. Based on crystal samples, investigation on their nonlinear optical (NLO) behaviors showed that D-1 and L-1 display simultaneously much larger second- and third-harmonic generation (SHG and THG) responses than their analogues based on the same chiral N-donors (LR/LS) and Cu(NO3)2(H2O)3 with NO3- acting as the coordination group to bind Cu(II) ions. The SHG intensities of D-1/L-1 are 0.62/0.60 × KDP (KH2PO4), and THG intensities of D-1/L-1 are 238/228 × α-SiO2. Our finding indicates that coordination polymers (CPs) with charge separation and NCS structures, i.e., ionic CPs with NCS arrangements are the ideal NLO crystalline materials for the simultaneous observation of large SHG and THG responses, thus providing a new approach to obtain NLO-active CP crystalline materials with high-performance SHG and THG responses.

Two temperature-induced 1D CuII chain enantiomeric pairs showing different magnetic properties and nonlinear optical responses

At different reaction temperatures, using Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O to react with enantiomerically pure N-donor ligands (L_S/L_R), respectively, two pairs of chiral one-dimensional (1D) Cu^II chain enantiomers formulated as [Cu(μ₂-NO₃)(NO₃)(L_S)]_n/[Cu(μ₂-NO₃)(NO₃)(L_R)]_n (S-1-Cu/R-1-Cu, formed at 40 °C with an NO₃^- group as a sole bridging ligand) and [Cu(μ₂-L_S)(NO₃)₂]_n/[Cu(μ₂-L_R)(NO₃)₂]_n (S-2-Cu/R-2-Cu, formed at 25 °C with L_S or L_R as a bridging ligand) were prepared, where L_S/L_R = (+)/(-)-4,5-pinenepyridyl-2-pyrazine. Interestingly, such a disparity in bridging ligands leads not only to their distinct structural features but also to their completely different magnetic couplings together with a large difference in their nonlinear optical responses. S-1-Cu with a 1D helical structure shows weak ferromagnetic coupling between Cu^II ions, while S-2-Cu with a 1D stairway-like structure presents weak antiferromagnetic coupling. In particular, they simultaneously possess both second- and third-harmonic generation (SHG and THG) responses in one molecule with large strength differences. More remarkably, S-1-Cu exhibits a very large THG response (162 × α-SiO₂), which is 22.5 times that of S-2-Cu, and the SHG strength of S-1-Cu is more than 3 times that of S-2-Cu. This work demonstrates that reaction temperature has a great impact on the self-assembled structures of coordination polymers and subsequently results in their large performance differences.

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.

Homochiral Ferromagnetic Coupling Dy2 Single-Molecule Magnets with Strong Magneto-Optical Faraday Effects at Room Temperature

By the bridging action of the 6-chloro-2-hydroxypyridine (Hchp) ligand and the terminal coordination role of the homochiral ligand, (-)/(+)-3-trifluoroacetyl camphor (l-Htfc/d-Htfc), a pair of enantiomerically pure dysprosium(III) dinuclear complexes, [Dy2(l-tfc)4(chp)2(MeOH)2] (l-1) and [Dy2(d-tfc)4(chp)2(MeOH)2] (d-1), was obtained. Their circular dichroism (CD) spectra verified their enantiomeric nature. Magnetic investigation indicated that they exhibit ferromagnetic interaction and good zero field single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties. The Ueff/k values of l-1 and d-1 at 0 Oe are 180.5 and 181.3 K, respectively, which are large values for homochiral Dy(III) SMMs. A reasonable explanation for the magnetic properties of l-1 and d-1 was supplied by ab initio calculations. Remarkably, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) investigation revealed that the chiral Dy2 enantiomers show a strong magneto-optical Faraday effect at room temperature, suggesting potential applications in magneto-optical devices.

Cocrystallization of Chiral 3d-4f Clusters {Mn10Ln6} and {Mn6Ln2}

Cocrystallization of different metal nanoclusters facilitates the preparation of cluster-based nanomaterials with enhanced properties. Herein, two pairs of enantiomeric 3d-4f cocrystallization structures of clusters R/S-[Mn₁₀Ln₆] and R/S-[Mn₆Ln₂] (Ln = Dy for 1R and 1S, Y for 2R and 2S) have been reported. Compounds R/S-[Mn₁₀Ln₆][Mn₆Ln₂] exhibit a large optical activity and magneto-optic effect as verified by natural circular dichroism (NCD) and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD). In addition, alternating current (ac) magnetic measurements show that the chiral R/S-[Mn₁₀Dy₆][Mn₆Dy₂] cocrystallization structure displays slow magnetic relaxation with U_eff = 25.1 K.

Slow Magnetic Relaxation in a Co2 Dy Trimer and a Co2 Dy2 Tetramer

The combination of Co(III) and Dy(III) with a compartmental Schiff base ligand (H₃ L=3-[(2-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzylidene)-amino]-propane-1,2-diol), presenting three different coordinating pockets, has allowed the synthesis of two novel Co(III)-Dy(III) complexes: [Co₂ Dy(HL)₄ ]NO₃  ⋅ 2CH₃ CN (1), a rare example of trinuclear linear Co^III ₂ Dy^III complex (and the first with slow relaxation of magnetization in absence of a DC field) and [Co₂ Dy₂ (μ₃ -OH)₂ (HL)₂ (OAc)₆ ] ⋅ 4.6H₂ O (2), the first tetranuclear Co^III ₂ Dy^III ₂ cluster with a rhomb-like structure where the Co(III) ions are connected along the short diagonal of the rhomb. 1 presents two different relaxation processes: a fast relaxation dominated by Quantum tunnelling (QT) and a slow relaxation with an energy barrier of 40 K. 2 shows two close relaxation processes without applied DC fields that follow QT and Orbach mechanisms whereas for H_DC =500 Oe, the QT is cancelled and a direct term appears. Here we present the synthesis, X-ray structure and magnetic characterization of these two Co(III)-Dy(III) single-ion/molecule magnets.

Red/green-light emission in continuous dielectric phase transition materials: [Me3NVinyl]2[MnX4] (X = Cl, Br)

The luminescence of dielectric phase transition materials is one important property for technological applications, such as low-energy electron excitation. The combination of dielectric phase transitions and luminescence within organic–inorganic hybrids would lead to a new type of luminescent dielectric phase transition multifunctional material. Here, we report two novel A₂BX₄ organic–inorganic hybrid complexes [Me₃NVinyl]₂[MnCl₄] 1 and [Me₃NVinyl]₂[MnBr₄] 2, ([Me₃NVinyl] = trimethylvinyl ammonium cation). The complexes 1 and 2 were found to undergo continuous reversible phase transitions as well as switch dielectric phase transitions. Strikingly, intensive red luminescence and green luminescence were obtained under UV excitation respectively to reveal potential application of the two complexes in multi-functional materials along with dielectric switches and so on.

The luminescence of dielectric phase transition materials is one important property for technological applications, such as low-energy electron excitation.

A pair of 2D chiral Ag(i) enantiomers with dual chiral elements: syntheses, structures, and photoluminescent and chiroptical properties

In this work, two new enantiopure bis-monodentate N-donor chiral ligands, namely (-)/(+)-2-(4'-pyridyl)-4,5-pinene-pyridine (L R /L S ), have been designed and synthesized. Using L R and L S as bridging ligands to react with AgClO4, a pair of novel 2D chiral Ag(i) enantiomers formulated as [Ag2(L R )2(ClO4)2] n (R-1) and [Ag2(L S )2(ClO4)2] n (S-1) were isolated and characterized. In R-1 and S-1, each Ag(i) ion is bonded by two N atoms from two different chiral L R or L S ligands, leading to the formation of 1D right- or left-handed -L-Ag(i)-L- helical chains. Moreover, two adjacent helical chains are further doubly linked by two monodentate ClO4 - anions through weak Ag-O contacts to form 2D network structures, in which dual chiral elements, i.e., center chirality and helical chirality coexist. Interestingly, each free ligand L R /L S and R-1/S-1 enantiomers show very different ECD spectra in the solid state and in solution, which are correlated to the intermolecular interactions and molecular structures in each state, respectively. Notably, as a representative, R-1 exhibits intense room temperature photoluminescence both in the solid state and in solution with different emission features and mechanisms, while it also shows more intense emission than that of free ligand L R . In particular, R-1 and S-1 represent the first examples of 2D Ag(i) chiral coordination polymers (CCPs) supported by ClO4 - anions, possessing dual chiral elements.

Altering the nature of coupling by changing the oxidation state in a {Mn6} cage

Polynuclear transition metal complexes have continuously attracted interest owing to their peculiar electronic and magnetic properties which are influenced by the symmetry and connectivity of the metal centres. Understanding the full electronic picture in such cases often becomes difficult owing to the presence of multiple bridges between metal centres. We have investigated the electronic structure of a {Mn6} cage complex using computational and experimental approaches with the aim to understand the coupling between the manganese centres. The nature of the various coupling pathways has been determined using a novel methodology that involves perturbing the system while retaining the symmetry and analysing the effect on the coupling strength due to the perturbation. Furthermore, we have investigated the magnetic properties of this complex in higher oxidation states which reveals a switch in the nature of coupling from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic in addition to stabilisation of intermediate spin states.

Two 1D homochiral heterometallic chains: crystal structures, spectra, ferroelectricity and ferromagnetic properties

Two new homo chiral Cu-Ln (Ln = Gd and Ho) compounds bearing a chiral Schiff base ligand (1R,3S)-N',N''-bis[3-methoxysalicylidene]-1,3-diamino-1,2,2-trimethylcyclopentane (H2L) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The compounds were found to exhibit 1D zig-zag skeletons with double μ-1,5 bridging dicyanamide anions. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra have been used to verify their chiroptical activities. Magnetic studies suggest that 1 and 2 hold the same magnetic behavior with the dinuclear compounds presenting ferromagnetic interaction. Furthermore, both compounds show ferroelectricity with the remnant polarization (P r) value of 0.23 and 0.18 μC cm-2 at room temperature, respectively.

Assembly of chiral 3d–4f wheel-like cluster complexes with achiral ligands: single-molecule magnetic behavior and magnetocaloric effect

With the help of perchlorate ions, chiral M₃Ln₃ wheel-like cluster complexes were constructed from achiral ligands, and showed single-molecule magnetic behavior and magnetocaloric effect.

A new member of a class of rod-like Mn12 single molecule magnets using 2-(pyridine-2-ly)propan-2-ol

This paper reports on the synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of a new type of rod like Mn₁₂ metal cluster, [Mn₁₂O₇(OH)₂(OMe)₂(dmhmp)₄(O₂CPh)₁₁(H₂O)] (6) where the ligand (dmhmpH) is 2-(pyridine-2-yl)propan-2-ol. Compound (6) was obtained by reacting MnCl₂·4H₂O with dmhmpH in the presence of benzoic salt and Et₃N. The resulting crystalline material is assigned to the triclinic space group P1̄. Although compound (6) displays ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic competition behavior, this does not prevent the molecule from functioning as a single-molecule magnet (SMM). The SMM behavior is evidenced by observing frequency dependent out-of-phase ac signals as well as magnetization hysteresis loops at low temperatures in a micro-SQUID study. A brief comparison between all rod-like Mn₁₂ materials is also given in the manuscript.

Multiple-Valence Aluminum and the Electronic and Geometric Structure of Al nO m Clusters

Electronic stability in aluminum clusters is typically associated with either closed electronic shells of delocalized electrons or a +3 oxidation state of aluminum. To investigate whether there are alternative routes toward electronic stability in aluminum oxide clusters, we used theoretical methods to examine the geometric and electronic structure of Al _nO _m (2 ≤ n ≤ 7; 1 ≤ m ≤ 10) clusters. Electronically stable clusters with large HOMO-LUMO (highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) gaps were identified and could be grouped into two categories. (1) Al_{2 n}O_{3 n} clusters with a +3 oxidation state on the aluminum and (2) planar clusters including Al₄O₄, Al₅O₃, Al₆O₅, and Al₆O₆. The structures of the planar clusters have external Al atoms bound to a single O atom. Their electronic stability is explained by the multiple-valence Al sites, with the internal Al atoms having an oxidation state of +3, whereas the external Al atoms have an oxidation state of +1.

Emergence of complex chiral coordination clusters {CuNa12} by using multiple ligands under oxidizing conditions

Two chiral coordination clusters {CuNa₁₂}, which can only be revealed by synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction, were assembled unexpectedly from a system resembling the long-studied Fehling's solution. As the intricate structures themselves indicate, the ingenuity of using multiple ligands should inspire new strategies to fabricate new compounds.

Syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of a series of luminescent lanthanide complexes containing neutral tetradentate phenanthroline-amide ligands

Six lanthanide compounds have been prepared from a neutral tetra-dentate ligand. Their luminescent and magnetic properties were investigated in detail.

Both magnetic relaxation and luminescence of Zn2Dy2 cluster complexes regulated by the bis-imine chain in Schiff base ligands

The bis-imine bridge in Schiff base ligands has effects on the magnetic relaxation and luminescence of two Zn₂Dy₂ cluster complexes.

Structure and magnetism of two chair-shaped hexanuclear dysprosium(iii) complexes exhibiting slow magnetic relaxation

Two novel hexanuclear Dy^III complexes with polyhydroxy Schiff-base ligands, [Dy₆(L¹)₄(μ₃-OH)₄(MeOH)₄]Cl₂·2MeOH·2MeCN (1) and [Dy₆(HL²)₂(μ₃-OH)₂(μ₃-OCH₃)₂(piv)₁₀(MeOH)₂] (2) (H₃L¹ = N,N′-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)(propylene-2-ol)-1,3-diamine, H₃L² = 2,3-dihydroxypropylimino)methyl)-6-methoxyphenol, piv = pivalate), have been prepared under solvothermal conditions and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, thermal analyses, and IR spectroscopy. Each of the hexanuclear complexes is constructed with Dy₃ triangular motifs as building blocks, and the six Dy^III ions are arranged in a chair-shaped conformation. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range of 2–300 K indicate dominant ferromagnetic exchange interactions between the Dy^III ions in the complexes. Both complexes exhibit slow magnetic relaxation behavior.

We report two novel chair-shaped hexanuclear Dy^III complexes with different polyhydroxy Schiff-base ligands. Both complexes are constructed with Dy₃ triangular motifs as building blocks and exhibit slow magnetic relaxation behavior at low temperature.

A pair of mononuclear Dy(iii) enantiomers showing single-ion magnetic and ferroelectric properties

A new pair of Dy(iii)-β-diketonate enantiomers with chiral N,N′-donor ligands display chiroptical activities and ferroelectric and single-ion magnetic properties, and act as potential multifunctional molecule-based materials.

An intense luminescent Dy(iii) single-ion magnet with the acylpyrazolonate ligand showing two slow magnetic relaxation processes

A new Dy(iii)-acylpyrazolonate complex displays both intense yellow-light emission and single-ion magnet behavior with two slow magnetic relaxation processes, acting as a potential bifunctional material.

A homochiral Zn–Dy heterometallic left-handed helical chain complex without chiral ligands: anion-induced assembly and multifunctional integration

The Zn₃Dy₂ pentanuclear complex evolved into a heterometallic left-handed helical chain multifunctional complex by the template action of perchlorate anion.

Chiral bis(phthalocyaninato) terbium double-decker compounds with enhanced single-ion magnetic behavior

Introducing chirality into bis(phthalocyaninato) terbium single-ion magnets was revealed to be an alternative method towards enhancing magnetic behavior.

High-nuclearity heterometallic clusters with both an anion and a cation sandwiched by planar cluster units: synthesis, structure and properties

To develop high-nuclearity clusters as multi-functional materials, we prepared a new type of sandwich clusters using an anion-templated synthetic strategy. The reactions of (2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioylbis(salicylidene hydrazone) (H₆L) with [Cu₂(OAc)₄(H₂O)₂] in the presence of alkali metal halide (NaCl, NaBr, KCl or KBr) provided four high-nuclearity clusters [MCu₁₈L₆X(C₅H₅N)₁₅(DMF)₃]·3DMF·6H₂O (M = Na and X = Cl (1); M = Na and X = Br (2); M = K and X = Cl (3); and M = K and X = Br (4)). They represent a new type of nanoscale high-nuclearity heterometallic sandwich clusters, in which the halide anion is fully sandwiched by two planar nonanuclear clusters, and the alkali metal ion is half-sandwiched on the top of the upper planar nonanuclear cluster. The experimental magnetic data and simulating results reveal dominant antiferromagnetic interactions between metal ions in these compounds. Their dielectric constants and electric hysteresis loops were also measured.

Chelate ring stacking interactions in the supramolecular assemblies of Zn(ii)and Cd(ii) coordination compounds: a combined experimental and theoretical study

We report seven Zn(ii)/Cd(ii) complexes with picolinoyl/isonicotinoyl hydrazone based ligands exhibiting relevant chelate–π interactions.