Synthesis and Magnetization of New Room-Temperature Molecule-Based Magnets: Effect of Stoichiometry on Local Magnetic Structure by X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism

Interplay between transition-metal K-edge XMCD, slight structural distortions and magnetism in a series of trimetallic (CoxNi(1-x))4[Fe(CN)6]3/8 Prussian blue analogues

The magnetic properties of a series of trimetallic (Co,Ni)Fe Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) were investigated by SQUID magnetometry and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) at the three transition metal (TM) K-edges. In turn, the PBA trimetallic series was used as a tool in order to better understand the information contained in TM K-edge XMCD and particularly the chemical nature of the probed species (extended sub-lattice or localized entities). The results show that the magnetic behavior of the compounds is dictated by competing exchange interactions between the Co-Fe and Ni-Fe pairs, without spin frustration. They also show that XMCD at the TM K-edge is a local atomic probe of the element at the N side of the cyanide bridge and a local probe of the absorbing atom and its first magnetic neighbors on the C side of the bridge. At last, XMCD at the TM K-edge turns out to be highly sensitive to very small structural distortions.

Cation Adaptive Structures Based on Manganese Cyanide Prussian Blue Analogues: Application of Powder Diffraction Data to Solve Complex, Unprecedented Stoichiometries and New Structure Types

A Mn(II) salt and A+ CN- under anaerobic conditions react to form 2-D and 3-D extended structured compounds of Am MnII n (CN)m+2n stoichiometry. Here, the creation and characterization of this large family of compounds, for example AMnII 3 (CN)7 , A2 MnII 3 (CN)8 , A2 MnII 5 (CN)12 , A3 MnII 5 (CN)13 , and A2 MnII [MnII (CN)6 ], where A represents alkali and tetraalkylammonium cations, is reviewed. Cs2 MnII [MnII (CN)6 ] has the typical Prussian blue face centered cubic unit cell. However, the other alkali salts are monoclinic or rhombohedral. This is in accord with smaller alkali cation radii creating void space that is minimized by increasing the van der Waals stabilization energy by reducing ∠Mn-N≡C, which, strengthens the magnetic coupling and increases the magnetic ordering temperatures. This is attributed to the non-rigidity of the framework structure due the significant ionic character associated with the high-spin MnII sites. For larger tetraalkylammonium cations, the high-spin Mn sites lack sufficient electrostatic A+ ⋅⋅⋅NC stabilization and form unexpected 4- and 5-coordinated Mn sites within a flexible, extended framework around the cation; hence, the size, shape, and charge of the cation dictate the unprecedented stoichio-metry and unpredictable cation adaptive structures. Antiferromagnetic coupling between adjacent MnII sites leads to ferrimagnetic ordering, but in some cases antiferromagnetic coupling of ferrimagnetic layers are compensated and synthetic antiferromagnets are observed. The magnetic ordering temperatures for ferrimagnetic A2 MnII [MnII (CN)6 ] with both octahedral high- and low-spin MnII sites increase with decreasing ∠Mn-N≡C. The crystal structures for all of the extended structured materials were obtained by powder diffraction.

Molecular magneto-ionic proton sensor in solid-state proton battery

High proton conductivity originated from its small size and the diffusion-free Grotthuss mechanism offers immense promise for proton-based magneto-ionic control of magnetic materials. Despite such promise, the realization of proton magneto-ionics is hampered by the lack of proton-responsive magnets as well as the solid-state sensing method. Here, we report the proton-based magneto-ionics in molecule-based magnet which serves as both solid-state proton battery electrode and radiofrequency sensing medium. The three-dimensional hydrogen-bonding network in such a molecule-based magnet yields a high proton conductivity of 1.6 × 10^-3 S cm^-1. The three-dimensional printed vascular hydrogel provides the on-demand proton stimulus to enable magneto-ionics, where the Raman spectroscopy shows the redox behavior responsible for the magnetism control. The radiofrequency proton sensor shows high sensitivity in a wide proton concentration range from 10^-6 to 1 molar under a low working radiofrequency and magnetic field of 1 GHz and 405 Oe, respectively. The findings shown here demonstrate the promising sensing application of proton-based magneto-ionics.

Interplay between Transition-Metal K-edge XMCD and Magnetism in Prussian Blue Analogs

To disentangle the information contained in transition-metal K-edge X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD), two series of Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) were investigated as model compounds. The number of 3d electrons and the magnetic orbitals have been varied on both sites of the bimetallic cyanide polymer by combining with the hexacyanoferrate or the hexacyanochromate entities' various divalent metal ions A²⁺ (Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cu²⁺). These PBA were studied by Fe and Cr X-ray absorption spectroscopy and XMCD. The results, compared to those obtained at the A K-edges in a previous work, show that transition-metal K-edge XMCD is very sensitive to orbital symmetry and can therefore give valuable information on the local structure of the magnetic centers. Expressions of the intensity of the main 1s → 4p contribution to the signal are proposed for all K-edges and all compounds. The results pave the way toward a new tool for molecular materials able to give access to valuable information on the local orientation of the magnetic moments or to better understand the role of 4p orbitals involved in their magnetic properties.

Molecular Magnetic Materials Based on {Co III (Tp*)(CN) 3 } − Cyanidometallate: Combined Magnetic, Structural and 59 Co NMR Study

The cyanidocobaltate of formula fac‐PPh₄[Co^III(^Me2Tp)(CN)₃] ⋅ CH₃CN (1) has been used as a metalloligand to prepare polynuclear magnetic complexes (^Me2Tp=hydrotris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)borate). The association of 1 with in situ prepared [Fe^II(bik)₂(MeCN)₂](OTf)₂ (bik=bis(1‐methylimidazol‐2‐yl)ketone) leads to a molecular square of formula {[Co^III{(^Me2Tp)}(CN)₃]₂[Fe^II(bik)₂]₂}(OTf)₂ ⋅ 4MeCN ⋅ 2H₂O (2), whereas the self‐assembly of 1 with preformed cluster [Co^II₂(OH₂)(piv)₄(Hpiv)₄] in MeCN leads to the two‐dimensional network of formula {[Co^II₂(piv)₃]₂[Co^III(^Me2Tp)(CN)₃]₂ ⋅ 2CH₃CN}_∞ (3). These compounds were structurally characterized via single crystal X‐ray analysis and their spectroscopic (FTIR, UV‐Vis and ⁵⁹Co NMR) properties and magnetic behaviours were also investigated. Bulk magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that 1 is diamagnetic and 3 is paramagnetic throughout the explored temperature range, whereas 2 exhibits sharp spin transition centered at ca. 292 K. Compound 2 also exhibits photomagnetic effects at low temperature, selective light irradiations allowing to promote reversibly and repeatedly low‐spin⇔high‐spin conversion. Besides, the diamagnetic nature of the Co(III) building block allows us studying these compounds by means of ⁵⁹Co NMR spectroscopy. Herein, a ⁵⁹Co chemical shift has been used as a magnetic probe to corroborate experimental magnetic data obtained from bulk magnetic susceptibility measurements. An influence of the magnetic state of the neighbouring atoms is observed on the ⁵⁹Co NMR signals. Moreover, for the very first time, ⁵⁹Co NMR technique has been successfully introduced to investigate molecular materials with distinct magnetic properties.

Lithiating magneto-ionics in a rechargeable battery

Magneto-ionics, real-time ionic control of magnetism in solid-state materials, promise ultralow-power memory, computing, and ultralow-field sensor technologies. The real-time ion intercalation is also the key state-of-charge feature in rechargeable batteries. Here, we report that the reversible lithiation/delithiation in molecular magneto-ionic material, the cathode in a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, accurately monitors its real-time state of charge through a dynamic tunability of magnetic ordering. The electrochemical and magnetic studies confirm that the structural vacancy and hydrogen-bonding networks enable reversible lithiation and delithiation in the magnetic cathode. Coupling with microwave-excited spin wave at a low frequency (0.35 GHz) and a magnetic field of 100 Oe, we reveal a fast and reliable built-in magneto-ionic sensor monitoring state of charge in rechargeable batteries. The findings shown herein promise an integration of molecular magneto-ionic cathode and rechargeable batteries for real-time monitoring of state of charge.

Toward Quantitative Magnetic Information from Transition Metal K-Edge XMCD of Prussian Blue Analogs

Two series of Prussian blue analogs (PBA) were used as model compounds in order to disentangle the information contained in X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) at the K-edges of transition metals. The number of 3d electrons on one site of the bimetallic cyanide polymer has been varied by associating to the [Fe(CN)₆]^3- or the [Cr(CN)₆]^3- precursors various divalent metal ions A²⁺ (Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cu²⁺). The compounds were studied by X-ray diffraction and SQUID magnetometry, as well as by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and XMCD at the K-edges of the A²⁺ transition metal ion. The study shows that the 1s → 4p contribution to the A K-edge XMCD signal can be related to the electronic structure and the magnetic behavior of the probed A²⁺ ion: the shape of the signal to the filling of the 3d orbitals, the sign of the signal to the direction of the magnetic moment with respect to the applied magnetic field, the intensity of the signal to the total spin number S_A, and the area under curve to the Curie constant C_A. The whole study hence demonstrates that PBAs are particularly well-adapted for understanding the information contained in the transition metals K-edge XMCD signals. It also offers new perspectives toward the full disentangling of the information contained in these signals and access to new insights into materials magnetic properties.

Printing Air-Stable High-Tc Molecular Magnet with Tunable Magnetic Interaction

High-T_c molecular magnets have amassed much promise; however, the long-standing obstacle for its practical applications is the inaccessibility of high-temperature molecular magnets showing dynamic and nonvolatile magnetization control. In addition, its functional durability is prone to degradation in oxygen and heat. Here, we introduce a rapid prototyping and stabilizing strategy for high T_c (360 K) molecular magnets with precise spatial control in geometry. The printed molecular magnets are thermally stable up to 400 K and air-stable for over 300 days, a significant improvement in its lifetime and durability. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism and computational modeling reveal the water ligands controlling magnetic exchange interaction of molecular magnets. The molecular magnets also show dynamical and reversible tunability of magnetic exchange interactions, enabling a colossal working temperature window of 86 K (from 258 to 344 K). This study provides a pathway to flexible, lightweight, and durable molecular magnetic devices through additive manufacturing.

A cookbook for the investigation of coordination polymers by transition metal K-edge XMCD

In order to disentangle the physical effects at the origin of transition metal K-edge X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) in coordination polymers and quantify small structural distortions from the intensity of these signals, a systematic investigation of Prussian blue analogs as model compounds is being conducted. Here the effects of the temperature and of the external magnetic field are tackled; none of these external parameters modify the shape of the XMCD signal but they both critically modify its intensity. The optimized experimental conditions, as well as a reliable and robust normalization procedure, could thus be determined for the study of the intrinsic parameters. Through an extended discussion on measurements on other XMCD-dedicated beamlines and for other coordination compounds, we finally provide new transition metal K-edge XMCD users with useful information to initiate and successfully carry out their projects.

Cross-Linking and Charging Molecular Magnetoelectronics

Magnetoelectrics are witnessing an ever-growing success toward the voltage-controlled magnetism derived from inorganic materials. However, these inorganic materials have predominantly focused on the ferroelectromagnetism at solid-to-solid interfaces and suffered several drawbacks, including the interface-sensitive coupling mediators, high-power electric field, and limited chemical tunability. Here, we report a promising design strategy to shift the paradigm of next-generation molecular magnetoelectrics, which relies on the integration between molecular magnetism and electric conductivity though an in situ cross-linking strategy. Following this approach, we demonstrate a versatile and efficient synthesis of flexible molecular-based magnetoelectronics by cross-linking of magnetic coordination networks that incorporate conducting chain building blocks. The as-grown compounds feature an improved critical temperature up to 337 K and a room-temperature magnetism control of low-power electric field. It is envisaged that the cross-linking of molecular interfaces is a feasible method to couple and modulate magnetism and electron conducting systems.

Magnetostructural and EPR Studies of Anisotropic Vanadium trans-Dicyanide Molecules

A series of trans-dicyanide vanadium(III) compounds based on acetylacetonate, (PPN)[V^III(acac)₂(CN)₂]·(PPN)Cl·2MeCN (1), and salen ligands, (Et₄N)[V^III(salen)(CN)₂] (2a), (PPN)[V^III(MeOsalen)(CN)₂]·DMF·2MeCN (3), and (PPN)[V^III(salphen)(CN)₂]·DMF (4) [salen = N,N'-ethylenebis(salicyl-imine), MeOsalen = N,N'-ethylenebis(methoxysalicylimine), salphen = N,N'-phenylenebis(salicyl-imine), and PPN = bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium], were prepared and structurally characterized. High-field EPR studies reveal that the complexes exhibit moderate magnetic anisotropy with positive D values of +5.70, +3.80, +4.05, and +3.99 cm^-1 for 1-4, respectively.

Insensitivity of Magnetic Coupling to Ligand Substitution in a Series of Tetraoxolene Radical-Bridged Fe2 Complexes

The elucidation of magnetostructural correlations between bridging ligand substitution and strength of magnetic coupling is essential to the development of high-temperature molecule-based magnetic materials. Toward this end, we report the series of tetraoxolene-bridged Fe^II₂ complexes [(Me₃TPyA)₂Fe₂(^RL)]ⁿ⁺ (Me₃TPyA = tris(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine; n = 2: ^OMeLH₂ = 3,6-dimethoxy-2,5-dihydroxo-1,4-benzoquinone, ^ClLH₂ = 3,6-dichloro-2,5-dihydroxo-1,4-benzoquinone, Na₂[^NO₂L] = sodium 3,6-dinitro-2,5-dihydroxo-1,4-benzoquinone; n = 4: ^SMe₂L = 3,6-bis(dimethylsulfonium)-2,5-dihydroxo-1,4-benzoquinone diylide) and their one-electron-reduced analogues. Variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility data reveal the presence of weak ferromagnetic superexchange between Fe^II centers in the oxidized species, with exchange constants of J = +1.2(2) (R = OMe, Cl) and +0.3(1) (R = NO₂, SMe₂) cm^-1. In contrast, X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and Mössbauer spectroscopy establish a ligand-centered radical in the reduced complexes. Magnetic measurements for the radical-bridged species reveal the presence of strong antiferromagnetic metal-radical coupling, with J = -57(10), -60(7), -58(6), and -65(8) cm^-1 for R = OMe, Cl, NO₂, and SMe₂, respectively. The minimal effects of substituents in the 3- and 6-positions of ^RL^x-• on the magnetic coupling strength is understood through electronic structure calculations, which show negligible spin density on the substituents and associated C atoms of the ring. Finally, the radical-bridged complexes are single-molecule magnets, with relaxation barriers of U_eff = 50(1), 41(1), 38(1), and 33(1) cm^-1 for R = OMe, Cl, NO₂, and SMe₂, respectively. Taken together, these results provide the first examination of how bridging ligand substitution influences magnetic coupling in semiquinoid-bridged compounds, and they establish design criteria for the synthesis of semiquinoid-based molecules and materials.

Spontaneous Magnetization and Optical Activity in the Chiral Series {(L-proline)nV[Cr(CN)6]x} (0 < n < 3)

The incorporation of the natural amino acid L-proline in the synthesis to vanadium-chromium Prussian blue derivatives results in materials exhibiting magnetic ordering including chiral magnetic centers. Although the amorphous nature of these materials makes difficult to assess the structural features of these proline-containing compounds, magnetic and spectroscopic data confirms their multifunctionality. They exhibit high-temperature magnetic ordering (Tc < 255 K) and a circular dichroic signal, representing the molecule-based chiral magnets with the highest ordering temperatures reported to date. In addition, the presence of chiral L-proline (or D-proline) has additional benefits, including higher redox stability and the appearance of magnetic hysteresis. The latter was not observed in the parent compounds, the series of room temperature molecule-based magnets V[Cr(CN)6]x.

Anomalous Stoichiometry and Antiferromagnetic Ordering for the Extended Hydroxymanganese(II) Cubes/Hexacyanometalate-Based 3D-Structured [MnII 4 (OH)4 ][MnII (CN)6 ](OH2 )6 ⋅H2 O

The reaction of Mn^II (O₂ CMe)₂ and NaCN or LiCN in water forms a light green insoluble material. Structural solution and Rietveld refinement of high-resolution synchrotron powder diffraction data for this unprecedented, complicated compound of previously unknown composition revealed a new alkali-free ordered structural motif with [Mn^II ₄ (μ₃ -OH)₄ ]⁴⁺ cubes and octahedral [Mn^II (CN)₆ ]^4- ions interconnected in 3D by Mn^II -N≡C-Mn^II linkages. The composition is {[Mn^II (OH₂ )₃ ][Mn^II (OH₂ )]₃ }(μ₃ -OH)₄ ][Mn^II (μ-CN)₂ (CN)₄ ]⋅H₂ O=[Mn^II ₄ (μ₃ -OH)₄ (OH₂ )₆ ][Mn^II (μ-CN)₂ (CN)₄ ]⋅H₂ O, which is further simplified to [Mn₄ (OH)₄ ][Mn(CN)₆ ](OH₂ )₇ (1). 1 has four high-spin (S=5/2) Mn^II sites that are antiferromagnetically coupled within the cube and are antiferromagnetically coupled to six low-spin (S=1/2) octahedral [Mn^II (CN)₆ ]^4- ions. Above 40 K the magnetic susceptibility, χ(T), can be fitted to the Curie-Weiss expression, χ ∝(T-θ)^-1 , with θ=-13.4 K, indicative of significant antiferromagnetic coupling and 1 orders as an antiferromagnet at T_c =7.8 K.

Anomalous Stoichiometry, 3-D Bridged Triangular/Pentagonal Layered Structured Artificial Antiferromagnet for the Prussian Blue Analogue A3MnII5(CN)13 (A = NMe4, NEtMe3). A Cation Adaptive Structure

The size of the organic cation dictates both the composition and the extended 3-D structure for hybrid organic/inorganic Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) of A _aMn^II _b(CN) _{a+2 b} (A = cation) stoichiometry. Alkali PBAs are typically cubic with both MC₆ and M'N₆ octahedral coordination sites and the alkali cation content depends on the M and M' oxidation states. The reaction of Mn^II(O₂CCH₃)₂ and A⁺CN^- (A = NMe₄, NEtMe₃) forms a hydrated material of A₃Mn^II₅(CN)₁₃ composition. A₃Mn^II₅(CN)₁₃ forms a complex, 3-D extended structural motif with octahedral and rarely observed square pyramidal and trigonal bipyramidal Mn^II sites with a single layer motif of three pentagonal and one triangular fused rings. A complex pattern of Mn^IICN chains bridge the layers. (NMe₄)₃Mn^II₅(CN)₁₃ possesses one low-spin octahedral and four high-spin pentacoordinate Mn^II sites and orders as an antiferromagnet at 11 K due to the layers being bridged and antiferromagnetically coupled by the nonmagnetic cyanides. These are rare examples of intrinsic, chemically prepared and controlled artificial antiferromagnets and have the advantage of having controlled uniform spacing between the layers as they are not physically prepared via deposition methods. A₃Mn₅(CN)₁₃ (A = NMe₄, NEtMe₃) along with [NEt₄]₂Mn^II₃(CN)₈, [NEt₄]Mn^II₃(CN)₇, and Mn(CN)₂ form stoichiometrically related A _aMn^II _b(CN) _{a+2 b} ( a = 0, b = 1; a = 2, b = 3; a = 1, b = 3; and a = 3, b = 5) series possessing unprecedented stoichiometries and lattice motifs. These unusual structures and stoichiometries are attributed to the very ionic nature of the high-spin N-bonded Mn^II ion that enables the maximization of the attractive van der Waals interactions via minimization of void space via a reduced ∠MnNC. This A _aMn^II _b(CN) _{a+2 b} family of compounds are referred to as being cation adaptive in which size and shape dictate both the stoichiometry and structure.

Electronic Conductivity in a Porous Vanadyl Prussian Blue Analogue upon Air Exposure

Exposure to humid O₂ or ambient air affords a 5-order-of-magnitude increase in electronic conductivity of a new Prussian blue analogue incorporating Co^II and V^IV-oxo units. Oxidation produces a mixed-valence framework, where the O₂ exposure time controls the V^IV/V^V ratio and thereby the material's conductivity. The oxidized framework shows an intervalence charge-transfer band at ca. 4200 cm^-1, consistent with mixed valence. The mixed-valence frameworks show semiconducting behavior with conductivity values of 10^-5 S·cm^-1 at room temperature and 10^-4 S·cm^-1 at 100 °C and activation energies of ca. 0.3 eV. N₂ adsorption measurements at 77 K show that these materials possess permanent porosity before and after oxidation with Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface areas of 340 and 370 m²·g^-1, respectively.

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.

A series of tetraazalene radical-bridged M2 (M = CrIII, MnII, FeII, CoII) complexes with strong magnetic exchange coupling

The ability of tetraazalene radical bridging ligands to mediate exceptionally strong magnetic exchange coupling across a range of transition metal complexes is demonstrated. The redox-active bridging ligand N,N',N'',N'''-tetra(2-methylphenyl)-2,5-diamino-1,4-diiminobenzoquinone (NMePhLH2) was metalated to give the series of dinuclear complexes [(TPyA)2M2(NMePhL2-)]2+ (TPyA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, M = MnII, FeII, CoII). Variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility data for these complexes reveal the presence of weak superexchange interactions between metal centers, and fits to the data provide coupling constants of J = -1.64(1) and -2.16(2) cm-1 for M = MnII and FeII, respectively. One-electron reduction of the complexes affords the reduced analogues [(TPyA)2M2(NMePhL3-˙)]+. Following a slightly different synthetic procedure, the related complex [(TPyA)2CrIII2(NMePhL3-˙)]3+ was obtained. X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and Mössbauer spectroscopy indicate the presence of radical NMePhL3-˙ bridging ligands in these complexes. Variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility data of the radical-bridged species reveal the presence of strong magnetic interactions between metal centers and ligand radicals, with simulations to data providing exchange constants of J = -626(7), -157(7), -307(9), and -396(16) cm-1 for M = CrIII, MnII, FeII, and CoII, respectively. Moreover, the strength of magnetic exchange in the radical-bridged complexes increases linearly with decreasing M-L bond distance in the oxidized analogues. Finally, ac magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that [(TPyA)2Fe2(NMePhL3-˙)]+ behaves as a single-molecule magnet with a relaxation barrier of Ueff = 52(1) cm-1. These results highlight the ability of redox-active tetraazalene bridging ligands to enable dramatic enhancement of magnetic exchange coupling upon redox chemistry and provide a rare opportunity to examine metal-radical coupling trends across a transmetallic series of complexes.

Crystal structures and magneto-structural correlation analysis for several cyano-bridged bimetallic complexes based on MnIII–FeIII systems

The rotation of subunits and its influence on the magnetic coupling in Mn^III–Fe^III systems.

Prussian blue analogues of reduced dimensionality

Mixed-valence polycyanides (Prussian Blue analogues) possess a rich palette of properties spanning from room-temperature ferromagnetism to zero thermal expansion, which can be tuned by chemical modifications or the application of external stimuli (temperature, pressure, light irradiation). While molecule-based materials can combine physical and chemical properties associated with molecular-scale building blocks, their successful integration into real devices depends primarily on higher-order properties such as crystal size, shape, morphology, and organization. Herein a study of a new reduced-dimensionality system based on Prussian Blue analogues (PBAs) is presented. The system is built up by means of a modified Langmuir-Blodgett technique, where the PBA is synthesized from precursors in a self-limited reaction on a clay mineral surface. The focus of this work is understanding the magnetic properties of the PBAs in different periodic, low-dimensional arrangements, and the influence of the "on surface" synthesis on the final properties and dimensionality of the system.

Structure and magnetic ordering of the anomalous layered (2D) ferrimagnet [NEt4]2Mn(II)3(CN)8 and 3D bridged-layered antiferromagnet [NEt4]Mn(II)3(CN)7 Prussian blue analogues

The reaction of Mn(II) and [NEt(4)]CN leads to the isolation of solvated [NEt(4)]Mn(3)(CN)(7) (1) and [NEt(4)](2) Mn(3)(CN)(8) (2), which have hexagonal unit cells [1: R3m, a = 8.0738(1), c = 29.086(1) Å; 2: P3m1, a = 7.9992(3), c = 14.014(1) Å] rather than the face centered cubic lattice that is typical of Prussian blue structured materials. The formula units of both 1 and 2 are composed of one low- and two high-spin Mn(II) ions. Each low-spin, octahedral [Mn(II)(CN)(6)](4-) bonds to six high-spin tetrahedral Mn(II) ions through the N atoms, and each of the tetrahedral Mn(II) ions are bound to three low-spin octahedral [Mn(II)(CN)(6)](4-) moieties. For 2, the fourth cyanide on the tetrahedral Mn(II) site is C bound and is terminal. In contrast, it is orientationally disordered and bridges two tetrahedral Mn(II) centers for 1 forming an extended 3D network structure. The layers of octahedra are separated by 14.01 Å (c axis) for 2, and 9.70 Å (c/3) for 1. The [NEt(4)](+) cations and solvent are disordered and reside between the layers. Both 1 and 2 possess antiferromagnetic superexchange coupling between each low-spin (S = 1/2) octahedral Mn(II) site and two high-spin (S = 5/2) tetrahedral Mn(II) sites within a layer. Analogue 2 orders as a ferrimagnet at 27(±1) K with a coercive field and remanent magnetization of 1140 Oe and 22,800 emuOe mol(-1), respectively, and the magnetization approaches saturation of 49,800 emuOe mol(-1) at 90,000 Oe. In contrast, the bonding via bridging cyanides between the ferrimagnetic layers leads to antiferromagnetic coupling, and 3D structured 1 has a different magnetic behavior to 2. Thus, 1 is a Prussian blue analogue with an antiferromagnetic ground state [T(c) = 27 K from d(χT)/dT].

An invitation to molecular magnetism

Molecular magnetism is a new and extremely fascinating field on the borders of chemistry, physics and materials science. The design and synthesis of molecule-based magnets requires the chemist to exert considerable control over the molecules to arrange them appropriately. It also demands the development of new theories to explain the complex magneto-structural behaviour of these intriguing solids. Molecular magnetism is still at a very early stage of development. The main challenge is to increase the strength of the magnetic interactions between spin carriers so the resulting materials can be usable at room temperature. However molecular magnets exhibit true potential to become multifunctional materials. They show some considerable advantages over conventional magnets: optical transparency, chemical sensitivity and low weight to name just a few. The following article is not a complete review of the field. Its aim is rather to show how beautiful and versatile magnetic molecular solids can be, and to encourage the in-depth study of the subject.

Mixed valency and magnetism in cyanometallates and Prussian blue analogues

Prussian blue (PB) is a well-known archetype of mixed valency systems. In magnetic PB analogues {CxAy[B(CN)6]z}.nH2O (C alkali cation, A and B transition metal ions) and other metallic cyanometallates {Cx(AL)y[B(CN)8]z}.nH2O (L ligand), the presence of two valency states in the solid (either A-B, or A-A' or B-B') is crucial to get original magnetic properties: tunable high Curie temperature magnets; photomagnetic magnets; or photomagnetic high-spin molecules. We focus on a few mixed valency pairs: V(II)/V(III)/V(IV); Cr(II)/Cr(III); Fe(II)-Fe(III); Co(II)-Co(III); Cu(I)-Cu(II); and Mo(IV)/Mo(V), and discuss: (i) the control of the degree of mixed valency during the synthesis, (ii) the importance of mixed valency on the local and long-range structure and on the local and macroscopic magnetization, and (iii) the crucial role of the cyanide ligand to get these original systems and properties.