Sterically-induced synthesis of 3d-4f one-dimensional compounds: A new route towards 3d-4f single chain magnets

Hexanuclear lanthanide complexes have been used as molecular precursors to built 3d-4f molecular chains. These complexes were originally targeted as building blocks for the synthesis of lanthanides-containing coordination polymers but reacting them with the 3d molecular precursor [Cu(opba)](2) lead to Ln(III)-Cu(II) hetero-bimetallic chains with general formula [Ln(NO3)(DMSO)(2)Cu(opba)(DMSO)(2)](infinity) with Ln = Gd-Er. The reaction mechanism can be explained by a sterically-induced reaction where the attack of the [Cu(opba)](2) moiety is driven by the hexanuclear lanthanide clusters geometry. Static magnetic properties of the Gd- and Dy-based chains have been investigated as well as the dynamic magnetic properties of the Dy-containing compound. These studies confirrmed that this chemical strategy can possibly yield to 3d-4f single chain magnets. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.