Supramolecular coordination networks based on octacyanometalates: From structure to function

The formation of supramolecular assemblies based on octacyanometalates [M(CN)(8)](3-/4-) (M = Mo, W and Nb) of potential relevance in nanotechnological applications is currently attracting considerable attention. Intensive research in this field resulted in the synthesis and magnetochemical characterization of high-spin polynuclear molecules as well as extended multidimensional coordination networks which behave like molecular or photoinduced magnets. This article discusses the structural and magnetic aspects of the polynuclear systems built by the non-rigid octacyanometalate anionic precursors, from zero-dimensional clusters to three-dimensional frameworks. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.