A rational synthetic route leading to 3d-3d '-4f heterospin systems: self-assembly processes involving heterobinuclear 3d-4f complexes and hexacyanometallates

A novel heterospin system, [{CuL}Gd(H2O)(3)-{Fe(CN)(6)}].4H(2)O, is obtained by reacting the mononuclear complex, [CuL], with gadolinium(III) nitrate, followed by the substitution of the nitrato groups with [Fe(CN)(6)](3-) ions (L2- = N,N'-propylenedi(3 methoxysalicylideneiminato)).