Oxalate-based 2D magnets: the series [NBu4][(MMnIII)-Mn-II(ox)(3)] (M-II = Fe, Co, Ni, Zn; ox = oxalate dianion)

The synthesis, structure and physical properties of the bimetallic oxalate-based molecular magnets containing Mn-III of formula [NBu4][(MMn)-Mn-II(ox)(3)] (M-II = Fe, Co, Ni, Zn; ox = oxalate dianion) are presented here. All compounds are isostructural, containing two-dimensional honeycomb bimetallic networks formed by alternating M-II and M-III ions connected by oxalate anions. These compounds exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions that give rise to ferrimagnets or weak ferromagnets ordering at critical temperatures up to 21 K.