A Trigonal-Pyramidal Erbium(III) Single-Molecule Magnet

Given the recent advent of mononuclear single-molecule magnets (SMMs), a rational approach based on lanthanides with axially elongated f-electron charge cloud (prolate) has only recently received attention. We report herein a new SMM, [Li(THF)(4)[Er{N(SiMe3)(2)}(3)Cl]center dot 2THF, which exhibits slow relaxation of the magnetization under zero dc field with an effective barrier to the reversal of magnetization (Delta E-eff/k(B)=63.3 K) and magnetic hysteresis up to 3 K at a magnetic field sweep rate of 34.6 Oe s(-1). This work questions the theory that oblate or prolate lanthanides must be stabilized with the appropriate ligand framework in order for SMM behavior to be favored.