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Ditopic bis-pyrazolylpyridine ligands usually react with divalent metal ions (M2+) to produce dinuclear triple-stranded helicates [M2L3]4+ or, via π⋯π interactions, dimers of monoatomic complexes ([ML3]2)4+. The introduction of an additional benzene ring at each end of ligand L increases the number of aromatic contacts within the supramolecular aggregate by 40%, driving the self-recognition process in an irreversible manner. Consequently, the mixing of new bis-pyrazolylquinoline L2 with FeX2 salts leads to crystallization of the tripartite high-spin assemblies (X@[Fe(L2)3]2)3+ (X = Cl, Br or I). The aggregates exhibit exceptional stability, as confirmed by a combination of paramagnetic 1H NMR techniques, demonstrating their persistence in solution. Our investigations further reveal that the guests Br- and I- are retained inside the associate in solution but Cl- is immediately released, resulting in the formation of the empty supramolecular dimer ([Fe(L2)3]2)4+.

A biphenyl-spaced bis-pyrazolylpyridine ligand interacts with ferrous ions to engender a dimetallic helical coordination cage that encapsulates an Fe3+ tris-anilate complex. The host-guest interaction breaks the symmetry of the Fe2+ centers causing a differential spin crossover behavior in them that can be followed in great detail crystallographically.

Facile access to site-selective hetero-lanthanide molecules will open new avenues in the search of novel photophysical phenomena based on Ln-to-Ln' energy transfer (ET). This challenge demands strategies to segregate efficiently different Ln metal ions among different positions in a molecule. We report here the one-step synthesis and structure of a pure [YbNdYb] (1) coordination complex featuring short Yb···Nd distances, ideal to investigate a potential distributive (i.e., from one donor to two acceptors) intramolecular ET from one Nd3+ ion to two Yb3+ centers within a well-characterized molecule. The difference in ionic radius is the mechanism allowing to allocate selectively both types of metal ion within the molecular structure, exploited with the simultaneous use of two β-diketone-type ligands. To assist the photophysical investigation of this heterometallic species, the analogues [YbLaYb] (2) and [LuNdLu] (3) have also been prepared. Sensitization of Yb3+ and Nd3+ in the last two complexes, respectively, was observed, with remarkably long decay times, facilitating the determination of the Nd-to-Yb ET within the [YbNdYb] composite. This ET was demonstrated by comparing the emission of iso-absorbant solutions of 1, 2, and 3 and through lifetime determinations in solution and solid state. The comparatively high efficiency of this process corroborates the facilitating effect of having two acceptors for the nonradiative decay of Nd3+ created within the [YbNdYb] molecule.

The anion SiF62- exerts a strong template effect, driving the exclusive assembly of two different bispyridylpyrazolyl ligands into a triple stranded Fe(II) dinuclear heteroleptic helicate, engendering a new class within the large family of coordination helicates.

An asymmetric bis-phenol-β-diketone (H4L) has been designed as a ligand programmed to promote the assembly of a molecular arrangement composed of three magnetically exchanged [NiCu] pairs, each exhibiting an S = 1/2 spin. The latter are shown by EPR and magnetometry to be good qubit realizations and non-equivalent within the molecule in the solid state, as required for conditional quantum gates.

The ligand H3 L (6-[3-oxo-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)propionyl]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid), which exhibits two different coordination pockets, has been exploited to engender and study energy transfer (ET) in two dinuclear [LnIII LnIII '] analogues of interest, [EuYb] and [NdYb]. Their structural and physical properties have been compared with newly synthesised analogues featuring no possible ET ([EuLu], [NdLu], and [GdYb]) and with the corresponding homometallic [EuEu] and [NdNd] analogues, which have been previously reported. Photophysical data suggest that ET between EuIII and YbIII does not occur to a significant extent, whereas emission from YbIII originates from sensitisation of the ligand. In contrast, energy migration seems to be occurring between the two NdIII centres in [NdNd], as well as in [NdYb], in which YbIII luminescence is thus, in part, sensitised by ET from Nd. This study shows the versatility of this molecular platform to further the investigation of lanthanide-to-lanthanide ET phenomena in defined molecular systems.

A new bis-(β-diketone) ligand featuring built-up structural asymmetry yields non-symmetric Fe(iii) and Ga(iii) dinuclear, triple-stranded helicates by design. Their structural properties have been studied, both in solid state and in solution, and compared with their corresponding symmetric analogues. The robustness observed shows the potential of this synthetic strategy to develop non-symmetric helicoidal motifs with specific functional groups.

The combination of two different β-diketone ligands facilitates the size-controlled assembly of pure heterometallic [LnLn'Ln] linear compounds thanks to two different coordination sites present in the molecular scaffold. [HoCeHo], [ErCeEr], and [YbCeYb] analogues are presented here and are characterized both in the solid state and in solution, demonstrating the selectivity of this unique method to produce heterometallic 4f molecular entities.

The solid-state and solution configurations of the heterodimetallic complexes (Hpy)[LaEr(HL)3 (NO3 )(py)(H2 O)] (1), (Hpy)[CeEr(HL)3 (NO3 )(py)(H2 O)] (2), (Hpy)[CeGd(HL)3 (NO3 )(py)(H2 O)] (3), (Hpy)[PrSm(HL)3 (NO3 )(py)(H2 O)] (4), and (Hpy)2 [LaYb(HL)3 (NO3 )(H2 O)](NO3 ) (5), in which H3 L is 6-(3-oxo-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)propionyl)pyridine-2-carboxylic acid and py is pyridine, were analyzed experimentally and by using DFT calculations. Complexes 3, 4, and 5 are described here for the first time, and were analyzed by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry. The theoretical study was also extended to the [LaCe] and [LaLu] analogues. The results are consistent with a remarkable selectivity of the metal distribution within the molecule in the solid state, enhanced by the size difference between the different ions. This selectivity was reduced in solution, particularly for ions with the most similar radii. This unique entry into 4f-4f'' heterometallic chemistry establishes for the first time the difference between the selectivity in solution and that in the solid state, as a result of changes to the coordination that follow the dissociation of terminal ligands upon dissolution of the complexes.

The solid-state and solution configurations of the heterodimetallic complexes (Hpy)[LaEr(HL)3 (NO3 )(py)(H2 O)] (1), (Hpy)[CeEr(HL)3 (NO3 )(py)(H2 O)] (2), (Hpy)[CeGd(HL)3 (NO3 )(py)(H2 O)] (3), (Hpy)[PrSm(HL)3 (NO3 )(py)(H2 O)] (4), and (Hpy)2 [LaYb(HL)3 (NO3 )(H2 O)](NO3 ) (5), in which H3 L is 6-(3-oxo-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)propionyl)pyridine-2-carboxylic acid and py is pyridine, were analyzed experimentally and by using DFT calculations. Complexes 3, 4, and 5 are described here for the first time, and were analyzed by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry. The theoretical study was also extended to the [LaCe] and [LaLu] analogues. The results are consistent with a remarkable selectivity of the metal distribution within the molecule in the solid state, enhanced by the size difference between the different ions. This selectivity was reduced in solution, particularly for ions with the most similar radii. This unique entry into 4f-4f'' heterometallic chemistry establishes for the first time the difference between the selectivity in solution and that in the solid state, as a result of changes to the coordination that follow the dissociation of terminal ligands upon dissolution of the complexes.

Continuous and homogenous films of spin-coated gadolinium formate provide a solution for efficient local cryogenic magnetic refrigeration. The films possess unprecedentedly high surface cooling power, enough to cool a 325 μm silicon wafer down to sub-K temperatures by a single demagnetization step from 2 K or even liquid He temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new paramagnetic supramolecular helicates with the formula (X@[Ni2L3])3+ (X = Cl, or Br; L = a bis-pyrazolylpyridine ligand) have been prepared and are described. Helicates of this metal are very rare with virtually no prior examples of them acting as hosts of anionic species. The persistence of the new assemblies in solution has been demonstrated unambiguously by mass spectrometry and paramagnetic 1H NMR. This has allowed us to establish the preference of the coordination [Ni2] host for Cl− over Br−, in agreement with DFT calculations. These results show the promise of the use of metallohelicates as suitable systems for the selective encapsulation of specific anions in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new tetradentate ligand, namely 3,3′‐((1E,1′E)‐(ethane‐1,2‐diylbis(azaneylylidene))bis(methaneylylidene))bis(pyridin‐2‐amine) (en2ampy) was prepared and two copper(II) complexes, viz. [Cu(en2ampy)]Cl2 (1) and [Cu(en2ampy)](NO3)2 (2), were obtained through its reaction with copper(II) chloride and copper(II) nitrate, respectively. The single‐crystal X‐ray structure of the compounds showed that the metal centre was coordinated in a square‐planar fashion by a doubly deprotonated en2ampy acting as a tetradentate N2 ${{{\rm N}}_{2}}$ /N22- ${{{\rm N}}_{2}^{2-}}$ ‐donor ligand. DNA‐binding studies revealed that 1 and 2 were electrostatically binding to DNA, probably in the grooves and cytotoxicity assays showed that the complexes were clearly more efficient than cisplatin against ovarian carcinoma (A2780) cells and the cisplatin‐resistant (A2780Cis) ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new bis(pyrazolylpyridine) ligand (H2 L) has been prepared to form functional [Fe2 (H2 L)3 ](4+) metallohelicates. Changes to the synthesis yield six derivatives, X@[Fe2 (H2 L)3 ]X(PF6 )2 ⋅xCH3 OH (1, x=5.7 and X=Cl; 2, x=4 and X=Br), X@[Fe2 (H2 L)3 ]X(PF6 )2 ⋅yCH3 OH⋅H2 O (1 a, y=3 and X=Cl; 2 a, y=1 and X=Br) and X@[Fe2 (H2 L)3 ](I3 )2 ⋅3 Et2 O (1 b, X=Cl; 2 b, X=Br). Their structure and functional properties are described in detail by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments at several temperatures. Helicates 1 a and 2 a are obtained from 1 and 2, respectively, by a single-crystal-to-single-crystal mechanism. The three possible magnetic states, [LS-LS], [LS-HS], and [HS-HS] can be accessed over large temperature ranges as a result of the structural nonequivalence of the Fe(II) centers. The nature of the guest (Cl(-) vs. Br(-) ) shifts the spin crossover (SCO) temperature by roughly 40 K. Also, metastable [LS-HS] or [HS-HS] states are generated through irradiation. All helicates (X@[Fe2 (H2 L)3 ])(3+) persist in solution.

A new bis(pyrazolylpyridine) ligand (H2 L) has been prepared to form functional [Fe2 (H2 L)3 ](4+) metallohelicates. Changes to the synthesis yield six derivatives, X@[Fe2 (H2 L)3 ]X(PF6 )2 ⋅xCH3 OH (1, x=5.7 and X=Cl; 2, x=4 and X=Br), X@[Fe2 (H2 L)3 ]X(PF6 )2 ⋅yCH3 OH⋅H2 O (1 a, y=3 and X=Cl; 2 a, y=1 and X=Br) and X@[Fe2 (H2 L)3 ](I3 )2 ⋅3 Et2 O (1 b, X=Cl; 2 b, X=Br). Their structure and functional properties are described in detail by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments at several temperatures. Helicates 1 a and 2 a are obtained from 1 and 2, respectively, by a single-crystal-to-single-crystal mechanism. The three possible magnetic states, [LS-LS], [LS-HS], and [HS-HS] can be accessed over large temperature ranges as a result of the structural nonequivalence of the Fe(II) centers. The nature of the guest (Cl(-) vs. Br(-) ) shifts the spin crossover (SCO) temperature by roughly 40 K. Also, metastable [LS-HS] or [HS-HS] states are generated through irradiation. All helicates (X@[Fe2 (H2 L)3 ])(3+) persist in solution.

We show a marked tendency of Fe(II) to form heteroleptic [Fe(L)(L')](ClO4)2 complexes from pairs of chelating tris-imine 3bpp, tpy, or 2bbp ligands. New synthetic avenues for spin crossover research become thus available, here illustrated with three new heteroleptic compounds with differing magnetic behaviors: [Fe(H4L1)(Cl-tpy)](ClO4)2·C3H6O (1), [Fe(H2L3)(Me3bpp)](ClO4)2·C3H6O (2), [Fe(H4L1)(2bbp)](ClO4)2·3C3H6O (3). Structural studies demonstrate that 1 is in the low-spin (LS) state up to 350 K, while complexes 2 and 3 are, by contrast, in the high-spin (HS) state down to 2 K, as corroborated through magnetic susceptibility measurements. Upon exposure to the atmosphere, the latter exhibits the release of three molecules of acetone per complex, turning into the solvent-free analogue [Fe(H4L1)(2bbp)](ClO4)2 (3a), through a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation. This guest extrusion process is accompanied by a spin switch, from HS to LS.

This work introduces a novel family of CoII species having a curcuminoid (CCMoid) ligand, 9Accm, attached, namely [Co(9Accm)2(py)2] (1) and [Co(9Accm)2(2,2'-bpy)] (2), achieved in high yields by the use of a microwave reactor, and exhibiting two different arrangements for the 9Accm ligands, described as "cis"(2) and "trans"(1). The study of the similarities/differences of the magnetic, luminescent and surface behaviors of the two new species, 1 and 2, is the main objective of the present work. The determined single-crystal structures of both compounds are the only CoII-CCMoid structures described in the literature so far. Both compounds exhibit large positive D values, that of 1 (D = +74 cm-1) being three times larger than that of 2 (D = +24 cm-1), and behave as mononuclear Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) in the presence of an external magnetic field. Their similar structures but different anisotropy and SMM characteristics provide, for the first time, deep insight on the spin-orbital effects thanks to the use of CASSCF/NEVPT2 calculations implementing such contributions. Further magnetic studies were performed in solution by means of paramagnetic 1H NMR, where both compounds (1 and 2) are stable in CDCl3 and display high symmetry. Paramagnetic NMR appears to be a useful diagnostic tool for the identification of such molecules in solution, where the resonance values found for the methine group (-CH-) of 9Accm vary significantly depending on the cis or trans disposition of the ligands. Fluorescence studies show that both systems display chelation enhancement of quenching (CHEQ) with regard to the free ligand, while 1 and 2 display similar quantum yields. Deposition of 1-2 on HOPG and Si(100) surfaces using spin-coating was studied using AFM; UV photoemission experiments under the same conditions display 2 as the most robust system. The measured occupied density of states of 2 with UV photoemission is in excellent agreement with theoretical DFT calculations.

This work introduces a novel family of CoII species having a curcuminoid (CCMoid) ligand, 9Accm, attached, namely [Co(9Accm)2(py)2] (1) and [Co(9Accm)2(2,2'-bpy)] (2), achieved in high yields by the use of a microwave reactor, and exhibiting two different arrangements for the 9Accm ligands, described as "cis"(2) and "trans"(1). The study of the similarities/differences of the magnetic, luminescent and surface behaviors of the two new species, 1 and 2, is the main objective of the present work. The determined single-crystal structures of both compounds are the only CoII-CCMoid structures described in the literature so far. Both compounds exhibit large positive D values, that of 1 (D = +74 cm-1) being three times larger than that of 2 (D = +24 cm-1), and behave as mononuclear Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) in the presence of an external magnetic field. Their similar structures but different anisotropy and SMM characteristics provide, for the first time, deep insight on the spin-orbital effects thanks to the use of CASSCF/NEVPT2 calculations implementing such contributions. Further magnetic studies were performed in solution by means of paramagnetic 1H NMR, where both compounds (1 and 2) are stable in CDCl3 and display high symmetry. Paramagnetic NMR appears to be a useful diagnostic tool for the identification of such molecules in solution, where the resonance values found for the methine group (-CH-) of 9Accm vary significantly depending on the cis or trans disposition of the ligands. Fluorescence studies show that both systems display chelation enhancement of quenching (CHEQ) with regard to the free ligand, while 1 and 2 display similar quantum yields. Deposition of 1-2 on HOPG and Si(100) surfaces using spin-coating was studied using AFM; UV photoemission experiments under the same conditions display 2 as the most robust system. The measured occupied density of states of 2 with UV photoemission is in excellent agreement with theoretical DFT calculations.

Coordination supramolecular chemistry provides a versatile entry into materials with functionalities of technological relevance at the nanoscale. Here, we describe how two different bis-pyrazolylpyridine ligands (L1 and L2) assemble with Co(II) ions into dinuclear triple-stranded helicates, in turn, encapsulating different anionic guests. These constructs are described as (Cl@[Co2(L1)3])3+, (SiF6@[Co2(L1)(L2)3])2+ and (ClO4@[Co2(L2)3])3+, as established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Extensive magnetic and calorimetric measurements, numerical treatments and theoretical calculations reveal that the individual Co(II) centers of these supramolecular entities exhibit field-induced slow relaxation of magnetization, dominated by direct and Raman mechanisms. While the small variations in the spin dynamics are not easily correlated with the evident structural differences among the three species, the specific heat measurements suggest two vibronic pathways of magnetic relaxation: one that would be associated with the host lattice and another linked with the guest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biphenyl-spaced bis-pyrazolylpyridine ligand interacts with ferrous ions to engender a dimetallic helical coordination cage that encapsulates an Fe3+ tris-anilate complex. The host–guest interaction breaks the symmetry of the Fe2+ centers causing a differential spin crossover behavior in them that can be followed in great detail crystallographically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]