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The slow magnetic relaxation for CoII cations in an unusual axial bipyramidal environment and psudo-spin 1/2 has been explored, showing a Direct plus Raman relaxation mechanism.

A mononuclear octahedral cobalt(ii) complex based on a unique benzothiadiazole-ortho-vanillin ligand shows slow relaxation of the magnetization under applied dc magnetic fields.

A new series of cyanido-bridged {FeIIILnIII}2 neutral molecular squares of general formula [Fe{HB(pz)3}(CN)(μ-CN)2Ln(NO3)2(pyim)(Ph3PO)]2·2CH3CN [Ln = Ce (1), Pr (2), Nd (3), Gd (4), Tb (5), Dy (6) and Er (7); {HB(pz)3}− = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate, pyim = 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine and Ph3PO = triphenylphosphine oxide] were obtained by reacting the low-spin [Fe{HB(pz)3}(CN)3]− species with the preformed [LnIII(pyim)(NO3)2(pyim)(Ph3PO)]+ complex anions (generated in situ by mixing the nitrate salt of each Ln(III) ion with pyim and Ph3PO molecules). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies show that 1–7 are isostructural compounds that crystallize in the triclinic P space group. Their crystal structures consist of centrosymmetric cyanido-bridged {FeIIILnIII}2 molecular squares where two [Fe{HB(pz)3}(CN)3]− units adopt bis-monodentate coordination modes towards two [LnIII(pyim)(NO3)2(pyim)(Ph3PO)]+ moieties. The cis-oriented convergent sites from both low-spin FeIII and LnIII fragments form a quasi square-shaped molecule in which the 3d and 4f ions alternatively occupy the corners of the square. Both FeIII ions show a distorted octahedral surrounding (C3v symmetry), whereas the LnIII ions exhibit a distorted muffin-like geometry (Cs symmetry) in 1–7. The intramolecular FeIII⋯LnIII distances across the two cyanido-bridges range from ca. 5.48/5.46 up to ca. 5.58/5.61 A. The molecular squares in 1–7 are interlinked through hydrogen bonds, weak π⋯π stacking and very weak C–H⋯π type interactions into three-dimensional supramolecular networks. The analysis of the solid-state direct-current (dc) magnetic susceptibility data of 1–7 in the temperature range 1.9–300 K reveals the occurrence of weak intra- and intermolecular antiferromagnetic interactions. The small intramolecular antiferromagnetic couplings in 4 compare well with those previously reported for parent systems. Although the coexistence of the spin–orbit coupling (SOC) of the low-spin iron(III) and lanthanide(III) ions in the remaining compounds together with the ligand field effects mask the visualization and make difficult the evaluation of the possible magnetic interactions in them, we were able to do it through a SOC model applied on exact or effective Hamiltonians. Frequency-dependent alternating current magnetic susceptibility signals in the temperature range 2.0–9.0 K under zero and non-zero static fields were observed for 5–7 which indicate slow magnetic relaxation (SMM) behavior. The usual absence of χ′′M maxima moved us to estimate their energy barriers through ln(χ′′M/ χ′M) vs. 1/T plots, obtaining values from 25 to 40 cm−1.

The coexistence of field-induced slow magnetic relaxation and moderately large magnetocaloric efficiency in the supra-Kelvin temperature region occurs in the 2D compound [GdIII2(ox)3(H2O)6]n·4nH2O (1), a feature that can be exploited in the proof-of-concept design of a new class of slow-relaxing magnetic materials for cryogenic magnetic refrigeration.

Construction of efficient multifunctional materials is one of the greatest challenges of our time. We herein report the magnetic and catalytic characterization of dinuclear [CoIIICoII(HL1)2(EtOH)(H2O)]Cl·2H2O (1) and trinuclear [CoIIICoII2(HL2)2(L2)Cl2]·3H2O (2) mixed valence complexes. Relevant structural features of the complexes have been mentioned to correlate with their magnetic and catalytic properties. Unique structural features, especially in terms of significant distortions around the CoII centre(s), prompted us to test both spin–orbit coupling (SOC) and zero field splitting (ZFS) methodologies for the systems. The positive sign of D values has been established from X-band EPR spectra recorded in the 5–40 K temperature range and reaffirmed by CAS/NEVPT2 calculations. ZFS tensors are also extracted for the compounds along with CoIIGaIII and CoIIZnIICoIII model species. Interestingly, 1 shows slow relaxation of magnetization below 6.5 K in the presence of a 1000 Oe external dc field with two relaxation processes (Ueff = 37.0 K with τ0 = 1.57 × 10−8 s for the SR process and Ueff = 7 K with τ0 = 1.66 × 10−6 s for the FR process). As mixed valence cobalt complexes with various nuclearities are central to the quest for water oxidation catalysts, we were prompted to explore their features and to our surprise, water oxidation ability has been realized for both 1 and 2 with significant nuclearity control.

Two novel mixed valence CoII–CoIII complexes, namely [CoIICoIII(L1)(ab)(mb)2(H2O)]·dmf (1) and [CoIII2CoII(L2)4(H2O)4]·2H2O (2) [H2L1 = (E)-2-((1-hydroxybutan-2-ylimino)methyl)-6-methoxyphenol, ab = 2-amino-butan-1-ol anion, mb = p-methyl benzoate, H2L2 = 3-((2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzylidene)-amino)-propionic acid, and dmf = N,N-dimethyl-formamide], were synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic studies at low temperature. The structure determination reveals that both complexes belong to the monoclinic system with P21/c (1) and I2/a (2) space groups. Complex 1 is a dinuclear CoIIICoII compound with distorted octahedral cobalt centers showing different coordination environments. In 2, a bent trinuclear CoIII2CoII complex, the coordination environments around the two terminal CoIII sites are alike, whereas they are different in the central CoII ion. Alternating current/direct current (ac/dc) magnetic studies revealed that both complexes show field-induced slow magnetic relaxation. The dc magnetic susceptibility and magnetization data were analyzed with the following Hamiltonianwhere D and E are the axial and rhombic zero-field splitting (zfs) parameters, respectively, and a good agreement between experimental and simulated results was found using the parameters g⊥ = 2.585, g∥ = 2.437, D = +98.1 cm−1, E/D = 0.008 and F = 8.2× 10−5 for 1 and g⊥ = 2.580, g∥ = 2.580, D = +55.4 cm−1, and E/D = 0.000 for 2.

Three dimanganese(iii) complexes have been synthesised and fully characterised by standard spectroscopic methods and spectroelectrochemistry. Each MnIII ion is chelated by a salen type ligand (H2L), but there is variation in the bridging group: LMn(OOCCH[double bond, length as m-dash]CHCOO)MnL, LMn(OOCC6H4COO)MnL, and LMn(OOCC6H4C6H4COO)MnL. X-ray diffraction revealed an axial compression of each six-coordinate high-spin d4 MnIII ion, which is a Jahn-Teller-active ion. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility and variable temperature-variable field (VTVH) magnetisation measurements, as well as high-frequency and -field EPR (HFEPR) spectroscopy were used to accurately describe the magnetic properties of the complexes, not only the single-ion spin Hamiltonian parameters: g-values and zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameters D and E, but also the exchange interaction constant J between the two ions, which has been seldom determined for a di-MnIII complex, particularly when there is more than a single bridging atom. Quantum chemical calculations reproduced well the electronic and geometric structure of these unusual complexes, and, in particular, their electronic absorption spectra along with the spin Hamiltonian and exchange parameters.

The preparation, X-ray crystal structure, spectroscopic and variable-temperature dc and ac magnetic properties of two six-coordinate cobalt(ii) complexes of formula [Co(bim)4(tcm)2] (1) and [Co(bmim)4(tcm)2] (2) (bim = 1-benzylimidazole, bmim = 1-benzyl-2-methylbenzimidazole and tcm- = tricyanomethanide ion) are reported. 1 and 2 crystallize in the monoclinic P21/n and C2/c space groups with the asymmetric units composed of one tcm- ion and half the [Co(bim)4]2+ and [Co(bmim)4]2+ complex cations, respectively. Their cobalt atoms are in compressed (1)/rhombic (2) CoN6 octahedral environments, the axial positions being occupied by monodentate tricyanomethanide anions. The neutral molecules in 1 are linked through weak C-HN type interactions into supramolecular chains, which are further interconnected into supramolecular 2D motifs by C-Hπ stacking. No short intermolecular interactions occur in 2. The values of the shortest intermolecular cobalt-cobalt separation are 10.901(1) (1) and 10.577(3) Å (2). Detailed ac and dc magnetic studies indicate that 1 and 2 are field-induced single-ion magnets (SIMs) with D = +46.1 (1)/+80.1 cm-1 (2) thus presenting new examples of SIMs with transversal magnetic anisotropy. Theoretical calculations by CASSCF/NEVPT2 support these results and suggest that the relaxation of the magnetization occurs in the ground state under applied fields through two Orbach processes possibly bound to low-lying vibrational modes. Q-band EPR study for polycrystalline samples 1 and 2 at low temperatures confirms the positive sign of D, allows the rough estimation of the E/D ratio [0.144 (1) and 0.180 (2)] and reveals the occurrence of a strong asymmetry in the g-tensors. The values found for the spin-reversal barrier, Ea ≈ 28 and 11 cm-1 (1) and 20 and 9 cm-1 (2), are within the range of those found in other cobalt(ii) field-induced SIMs with a pseudooctahedral trans-CoN4N'2 chromophore.

The successful utilization of the “direct synthesis” approach yielded the unprecedented hexanuclear complex of formula [Co2MnII2MnIV2(L1)4Cl2(μ3-O)2(dmf)4]·2dmf (1) (H3L is the Schiff base derived from the condensation of salicylaldehyde and 3-aminopropane-1,2-diol). Single crystal X-ray analysis revealed that 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system P21/c and it contains a rare mixed-valence {CoIII2MnII2MnIV2(μ2-O)8(μ3-O)2} core where all metal ions are linked through the phenolato and alkoxo groups of the L3− ligand. Besides the charge balance resulting from the X-ray structure, the oxidation state of the metal ions has been confirmed by XPS spectroscopy. Cryomagnetic studies indicate the coexistence of ferro- (MnIV–MnII, J2 = +1.10(3) cm−1, J3 = +2.19(3) cm−1; MnII–MnII, j = +0.283(3) cm−1) and antiferromagnetic interactions (MnIV–MnIV, J1 = −17.31(4) cm−1), with the six-coordinate CoIII ions being diamagnetic. DFT type calculations were carried out to substantiate these values. The energy diagram for the different spin states using the best-fit parameters shows the occurrence of six low-lying spin states (S = 0–5) which are close in energy but clearly separated from the remaining ones, with the ground spin state being S = 5. Complex 1 is found to be the first example where weak ferromagnetic exchange between MnII ions through the long –O–MnIV–O– pathway takes place.

A series of zinc(II), cobalt(II) and manganese(II) coordination networks with phosphoserine ligand (H3PSer) are synthesized and characterized. Whereas in compounds 1 and 2 with the general formula [M(HPser)]n [M = Zn (1) and Co (2)], the metal(II) ion presents a tetrahedral geometry, in [Co(HPSer)(H2O)2]n (3) and [Mn(HPSer)(H2O)]n (4), the metal(II) ions are in a distorted octahedral geometry. The 3D frameworks are formed by inorganic layers built up from MO4 or MO6 polyhedra and phosphate groups. These layers are linked by the carboxylate groups of the phosphoserine ligand. The presence of extended hydrogen bonding stabilizes the 3D network and favours the proton transfer leading to moderate proton conductors. The highest proton conductivity, 2.70 × 10−5 S cm−1 (at 80 °C and 95% RH), is obtained for compound 3. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements for 2–4 reveal predominant antiferromagnetic interactions between the paramagnetic metal(II) ions.

This work studies the effect of the σ-Hammett parameter (σp) – i.e., the σ-donation effect caused by substitution at the para position of a bipyridine ligand (4,4′-R2bipy, where R is MeO, Me, H, NO2) – on both the photo- and electro-luminescence features of a series of heteroleptic copper(I) complexes – i.e., [Cu(N^N)(P^P)]+ where N^N and P^P ligands are R2bipy and Xantphos, respectively. By virtue of a comprehensive photophysical, theoretical, and thin-film lighting device – i.e., light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) – investigation, we note a clear relationship between the σp and the photo- and electro-luminescence parameters, such as photoluminescence quantum yields, excited-state lifetimes, and emission maxima, as well as device brightness, stability, and efficacy, respectively. As the most relevant finding, the substitution with the group featuring the most negative σp – i.e., MeO – provides a ca. five-fold enhancement of all of the aforementioned figures-of-merit upon comparison within the series of complexes. As such, this work provides a new guideline for a device optimization through a rational ligand design for heteroleptic copper(I) complexes.

The employment of pyrazine (pyz), pyrimidine (pym) and s-triazine (triz) ligands in ReIV chemistry leads to the isolation of a family of complexes of general formula (NBu4)2[(ReX5)2(μ-L)] (L = pyz, X = Cl (1) or Br (2); L = pym, X = Br (3); L = triz, X = Br (4)). 1-4 are dinuclear compounds where two pentahalorhenium(iv) fragments are connected by bidentate pyz, pym and triz ligands. Variable-temperature magnetic measurements, in combination with detailed theoretical studies, uncover the underlying magneto-structural correlation whereby the nature of the exchange between the metal ions is dictated by the number of intervening atoms. That is, the spin-polarization mechanism present dictates that odd and even numbers of atoms favour ferromagnetic (F) and antiferromagnetic (AF) exchange interactions, respectively. Hence, while the pyz ligand in 1 and 2 mediates AF coupling, the pym and triz ligands in 3 and 4 promote F interactions.

Two novel families of coordination polymers, [Ln(bzlida)(Hbzlida)]·H2O (Ln = La, Nd) and [Ln2(bzlida)3]·3H2O (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) were prepared by hydrothermal reaction of Ln2O3 with benzyliminodiacetic acid (H2bzlida). The conditions of synthesis, in particular the pH value, were selected on the basis of previous speciation studies reported in this work. The first type of complex consists of 1D chains built by a fully deprotonated ligand bridging two lanthanide ions and protonated Hbzlida(-) ligands connecting three cations. The second type is formed by [Ln2(bzlida)3] bimetallic units in which the ligand has a tridentate NOO coordination mode. This is expanded to a 2D network through carboxylate linkers. Under similar synthetic conditions but including copper acetate in the reaction mixture, a new compound was also obtained and characterized: [Cu(bzlida)2{Er(AcO)(H2O)5}2][Cu(bzlida)2]·6H2O (AcO = acetate). This salt is made up of the [Cu(bzlida)2{Er(AcO)(H2O)5}2](2+) heterotrimetallic complex cation containing an acetato bridge, and the [Cu(bzlida)2](2-) anion. The same reaction produces the monomeric [Cu(Hbzlida)2]·4H2O whose structure was also elucidated. Magnetic properties of the Gd(iii) derivative were studied and analyzed experimentally and theoretically. The results are compared and discussed with respect to those reported in the literature and a magnetostructural correlation is suggested.

Theoretical calculations on a series of molecular models based on amino derivatives of linear and cycled acenes acting as organic linkers between two copper(ii) ions have shown a wire-like magnetic behaviour, so that the intermetallic magnetic communication does not vanish when the linker becomes larger due to its polyradical nature. Hence, these models can be considered as molecular magnetic wires, which can be used as active components for molecular spintronics, where the information transport is based on spin carriers instead of the more conventional charge transport. The nature of the spin ground state along these two series of models is governed by the topology of the organic linker, in agreement with the spin polarization mechanism, allowing a wide diversity in the design of molecular spintronic circuits. Different approaches to search for the more stable spin configuration have been tested, the most efficient being the one that allows generating a guess function that agrees with the spin polarization mechanism.

Using a dicarboxylate ligand appended with (2-pyridyl)ethylamine unit, a new cluster [NiII8(L4)6(DMF)2(CH3OH)2(H2O)6][ClO4]4·2CH3OH·2CH3CO2C2H5 (1) [L4(2−): 3-[N-{2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl}amino]-bis(propionate)] has been synthesized, through ‘coordination-driven self-assembly’. The crystal structure of 1 reveals a centrosymmetric octanuclear carboxylate-bridged nickel(II) tetracation, with a distorted cubane topology. The four crystallographically independent nickel(II) centres differ markedly in their coordination environment. Magnetic studies (2–300 K) reveal that in 1 the net magnetic-exchange is antiferromagnetic. Based on geometric parameters associated with two interacting nickel(II) centres, six magnetic-exchange coupling constants (J values) were considered for magnetic data analysis. Notably, 1 provides the first example of a NiII8 cluster (i) bridged solely by carboxylates in three bridging modes (monatomic, syn–anti and anti–anti), (ii) exhibiting four ferromagnetic and two antiferromagnetic magnetic-interactions and (iii) demonstrating a good agreement between six J values (obtained from experimental data analysis) and those obtained from DFT calculations, at the B3LYP-level of theory.

The synthesis, crystal structure and preliminary magnetic characterization of a new heterobimetallic [MnII5CuII5] wheel containing a flexible bis-oxamate type ligand are described. This decanuclear compound exhibits a relatively strong intra-wheel antiferromagnetic interaction leading to a ground spin state S = 10.

Using a (2-pyridyl)ethylamine-appended carboxylate ligand a new cluster [Cu(II)(7)(L)(4)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(H(2)O)(2)(DMF)(2)][ClO(4)](4)·4H(2)O (1) [L(2-): N-{CH(2)CH(2)(2-pyridyl)}(CH(2)CH(2)CO(2))(2)] is synthesized, as a result of 'coordination-driven self-assembly'. The structure of 1 is unique and consists of a centrosymmetric carboxylato- and hydroxo-bridged heptanuclear copper(II) cation, with body-centred anti-prismatic topology. The four crystallographically independent copper(II) centres differ markedly in their coordination geometry. In addition to establishing cluster authenticity, the structural analysis of 1 discloses two notable features. The existence of {Cu(II)(3)(μ(3)-OH)}(5+) core and H-bonded metal-coordinated carboxylate and water unit, with water acting as a proton donor. Both of these features have biological implications. Magnetic measurements reveal that in this unprecedented cluster the net magnetic-exchange is antiferromagnetic. The different types of magnetic-exchange coupling constants (J values) considered for magnetic data analysis appear to adopt a variety of values depending on the specific geometric parameters associated with two interacting copper(II) centres. Notably, for 1 a good agreement between the J values obtained from DFT calculations at the B3LYP level of theory and from the experimental data is achieved.

The serendipitous self-assembly of the complex [Mn(III)(2)Zn(II)(2)(Ph-sao)(2)(Ph-saoH)(4)(hmp)(2)] (1),whose magnetic core consists solely of two symmetry equivalent Mn(iii) ions linked by two symmetry equivalent -N-O- moieties, provides a relatively simple model complex with which to study the magneto-structural relationship in oxime-bridged Mn(III) cluster compounds. Dc magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal ferromagnetic (J = +2.2 cm(-1)) exchange resulting in an S = 4 ground state. Magnetisation measurements performed at low temperatures and high fields reveal the presence of significant anisotropy, with ac measurements confirming slow relaxation of the magnetisation and Single-Molecule Magnetism behaviour. Simulations of high field, high frequency EPR data reveal a single ion anisotropy, D((Mn(III))) = -3.83 cm(-1). DFT studies on a simplified model complex of 1 reveal a pronounced dependence of the exchange coupling on the relative twisting of the oxime moiety with respect to the metal ion positions, as suggested previously in more complicated [Mn(III)(3)] and [Mn(III)(6)] clusters.

Ni(6) clusters of the general formula [{Ni(3)L(n)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(X)(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)] (n = 1, 2; X = Cl(-) or N(3)(-), (L(n))(3-) = hexadentate tritopic ligands) can be isolated by spontaneous self-assembly, from mixtures of Ni(OAc)(2), H(3)L(n), NMe(4)OH·5H(2)O and NaX in adequate molar ratios. Thus, four new hexanuclear complexes [{Ni(3)L(1)(OAc)(OH)}(2)Cl(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·7.5H(2)O (1·7.5H(2)O), [{Ni(3)L(2)(OAc)(OH)}(2)Cl(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH (2·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH), [{Ni(3)L(1)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(N(3))(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·6H(2)O (3·6H(2)O) and [{Ni(3)L(2)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(N(3))(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·4H(2)O (4·4H(2)O) were obtained and fully characterised. 1·7.5H(2)O and 2·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH were isolated in the form of single crystals, the latter losing solvate on drying, to yield 2·2H(2)O. Recrystallisation of 3·6H(2)O in MeCN/MeOH also generates single crystals of 3·H(2)O·2MeOH·2MeCN. Their X-ray characterisation shows that these Ni(6) clusters can be considered to be built from two triangular trinuclear [Ni(3)L(n)(OAc)(OH)](+) subunits with different connectors. In addition, these studies demonstrate that the (L(n))(3-) ligands behave as trinucleating, adopting such a conformation that induces chirality in the isolated compounds. In this way, 3·H(2)O·2MeOH·2MeCN appears particularly interesting, since it emerges as homochiral after undergoing spontaneous resolution upon crystallisation. The magnetic characterisation of 1·7.5H(2)O to 3·6H(2)O reveals that the three compounds present an overall antiferromagnetic coupling. The intricate magnetic behaviour of these clusters, mediated by a total of 14 bridges of different kinds, was analysed and satisfactorily interpreted in light of DFT calculations.

The reaction of K(2)TzC (H(2)TzC = tetrazole-5-carboxylic acid) and either MnCl(2) x 4 H(2)O or CuCl(2) x 2 H(2)O under hydrothermal conditions leads to the formation of three new polynuclear complexes of formula [Mn(TzC)(H(2)O)(2)](n) 1 and [M(2)(TzC)(2)(H(2)O)(6)] x nH(2)O (M = Mn(II) 2, n = 4 and Cu(II) 3, n = 2). Complex 1 displays a 1D planar zig-zag chain structure where the ligand is disorderd into two positions and exhibits two mu(3)-chelating/bridging tetradentate coordination modes, one through the two carboxylate oxygen atoms and the neighbouring nitrogen atom of the tetrazolate ring and the other one through three neighboring nitrogen atoms belonging to the tetrazole ring and one of the carboxylate oxygen atoms. The structure of 2 and 3 consists of centrosymmetric dinuclear molecules, in which the ligands exhibit a mu(2)-chelating/bridging coordination mode through one of the carboxylate oxygen atoms and two neighbouring nitrogen atoms of the tetrazolate ring, generating a planar M(N-N)(2)M hexagon. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility studies reveal a weak antiferromagnetic interaction for 1 (J = -1.5 cm(-1)). In spite of the coplanarity of the tetrazolate and metal coordination planes in 2 and 3, they exhibit very weak antiferromagnetic interactions. DFT calculations have been performed in order to explain this unexpected magnetic behaviour.

Three novel Re(IV) mononuclear complexes of formulae NBu4[ReC15(pyz)] (1), NH2Me2[ReCl5(pyz)] (2) and NH4[ReCl5(pyz)].0.75H2O (3), (pyz being pyrazine; NBu4+ = tetra-n-butylammonium cation, NH2Me2+ = dimethylammonium cation and NH4+ = ammonium cation), were synthesized by ligand substitution reaction from [ReCl6]2- anion and pyrazine in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). In addition, two new heterobimetallic compounds, the salt namely [ReCl5(pyz)]2[Ni(cyclam)](4) (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) and the heterotrinuclear [{ReCl5(mu-pyz)}2Cu(DMF)4] (5) complex, were prepared by using as precursor 1 and 3, respectively. Compounds 1-5 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1-3 are made up of discrete [ReCl5(pyz)]- anions and NBu4 (1), NH2Me2+ (2) and NH4+ (3) cations. [ReCl5(pyz)]- unit interacts toward Ni(II) (4) and Cu(II) (5) metal ions through different modes. In 4 two [ReCl5(pyz)]- anions weakly interact with a [Ni(cyclam)]2+ cation through chloro atoms, while compound 5 is a heterotrinuclear pyrazine-bridged Re(IV)2Cu(II) complex made up of [ReCl5(pyz)]- anions and [Cu(DMF)4]2+ cations. The magnetic properties of 1-5 were investigated in the temperature range 1.9-300 K. The magnetic behaviour of 1 is that of a magnetically diluted Re(IV) complex with a large value of zero-field splitting of the ground state (/2D/ is ca. 18.8(1) cm(-1)), whereas those of 2 and 3 are typical of antiferromagnetically coupled systems exhibiting susceptibility maxima at 10 (2) and 12 K (3). Compound 4 shows antiferromagnetic interactions between Re(IV) metal ions, Ni(II) being diamagnetic (because of its square-planar geometry), while 5 exhibits a ferromagnetic coupling between Re(IV) and Cu(II) metal ions across the pyrazine bridges with a J(ReCu), value of +11.8(1) cm(-1).

The reaction in water of Cu(OH)(2) with 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) and (NH(4))(2)HPO(4) in a 4 : 4 : 2 molar ratio under an inert atmosphere leads to the formation of a tetranuclear copper(II) complex of formula {[(H(2)O)(2)Cu(4)(bipy)(4)(mu(4)-PO(4))(2)(mu(2)-OH)] x 0.5 HPO(4) x 15.5 H(2)O}, 1, with butterfly topology. The structure of the tetranuclear core in 1 consists of four crystallographically unique copper(II) ions in approximate square-pyramidal geometry with each coordinated to a bipy ligand and interacting through two mu(4)-O,O',O''-phosphate bridges. Additional bridging between Cu(3) and Cu(4) is provided by a hydroxide ligand, whereas two water molecules cap the Cu(1) and Cu(2) square pyramids to yield a N(2)O(3) chromophore at each copper atom. Adjacent tetranuclear units align in anti-parallel fashion where proximate metal-bound water molecules interact with each other through both intra- and inter-molecular H-bonding to link two such clusters. These pairs then further associate through pi[...]pi interactions between bipy ligands to form a 2D sheet with neighbouring sheets separated by H-bonded lattice water molecules, which form a 2D H-bonded network. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements performed upon 1 reveal net intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between the copper(II) ions and this is supported and rationalized by a DFT study.

The molecular and electronic structures of the electron transfer series of four-coordinate square-planar nickel complexes with the ligand o-phenylenebis(N'-methyloxamidate), [NiL]z (z = 2-, 1-, 0), have been evaluated by DFT and TDDFT calculations, and most of their experimentally available structural and spectroscopic properties (X. Ottenwaelder et al., Dalton Trans., 2005, DOI: 10.1039/b502478a) have been reasonably reproduced at the B3LYP level of theory. The anionic species [NiL]2- and [NiL]- are genuine low-spin nickel II and nickel III complexes with diamagnetic singlet (S = 0) and paramagnetic doublet (S = 1/2) states, respectively. The nickel III complex presents shorter Ni-N(amidate) bond distances (1.85-1.90 A) than the parent nickel II complex (1.88-1.93 A) and characteristic LMCT bands in the NIR region (lambda max = 794 and 829 nm) while the analogous MLCT bands for the nickel(II) complex are in the UV region (lambda max = 346 and 349 nm). The neutral species [NiL] is a nickel III o-benzosemiquinonediimine pi-cation radical complex with a diamagnetic singlet (S = 0) and a paramagnetic triplet (S = 1) states fairly close in energy but fundamentally different in orbital configuration. The singlet metal-radical ground state results from the antiferromagnetic coupling between the 3d(yz) orbital of the Ni III ion (S(M) = 1/2) and the pi(b) orbital of the benzosemiquinone-type radical ligand (S(L) = 1/2), which have a large overlap and thus strong covalent bonding. The triplet metal-radical excited state involves the ferromagnetic coupling between the Ni III 3d(zx) orbital and the benzosemiquinone-type pi(b) orbital, which are orthogonal to each other. The singlet and triplet states of the nickel III pi-cation radical complex possess characteristic quinoid-type short-long-short alternating sequence of C-C bonds in the benzene ring, as well as intense MLCT transitions in the VIS (lambda max = 664 nm) and NIR (lambda max = 884 nm) regions, respectively.