[NaCuII4] Cluster from Alkali Template Assembly of Two Asymmetric End-On Azido-Bridged [CuII2] Units.

The cluster [NaCu4L2(N3)2](CIO4) [1; H3L is 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[3′-aza-4′-(2″-hydroxyphenyl)prop-4′-en-1′-yl]-1,3-imidazolidine] has been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complex 1 is formed by the template assembly of two [Cu2L(N3)] neutral fragments through their weak oxophilic interactions with a central Na+ cation as observed in metallacrowns. The cluster exhibits a combination of ferro- and antiferromagnetic interactions. End-on N3- bridging of copper ions within the [CuII2] units facilitates stabilization of S = 1 magnetic subunits that mutually cancel via antiferromagnetic coupling as mediated by the O⋯Na+⋯O bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]