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)₂Cu(opba)(DMSO)₂]_∞ 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 confirmed that this chemical strategy can possibly yield to 3d–4f single chain magnets.