Single-molecule magnet behavior with a single metal center enhanced through peripheral ligand modifications

J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Oct 12;133(40):15814-7. doi: 10.1021/ja204562m. Epub 2011 Sep 13.

Abstract

Bis(imino)pyridine pincer ligands in conjunction with two isothiocyanate ligands have been used to prepare two mononuclear Co(II) complexes. Both complexes have a distorted square-pyramidal geometry with the Co(II) centers lying above the basal plane. This leads to significant spin-orbit coupling for the d(7) Co(II) ions and consequently to slow relaxation of the magnetization that is characteristic of Single-Molecule Magnet (SMM) behavior.