Single-molecule magnets: A new family of Mn12 clusters of formula [Mn12O8X4(O2CPh) 8L6]

Abstract

The reaction of (NBun4)[Mn8O6Cl6(O2 CPh)7(H2O)2] (1) with 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine (hmpH) or 2-(hydroxyethyl)pyridine (hepH) gives the Mn112Mn11110 title compounds [Mn12O8Cl4(O2CPh)8 (hmp)6] (2) and [Mn12O8Cl4(O2CPh)8 (hep)6] (3), respectively, with X = Cl. Subsequent reaction of 3 with HBr affords the Br- analogue [Mn12O8Br4(O2CPh)8 (hep)6] (4). Complexes 2·2Et2O·4CH2Cl2, 3·7CH2Cl2, and 4·2Et2O.1.4CH2- Cl2 crystallize in the triclinic space group P1̄, monoclinic space group C2/c, and tetragonal space group l41/a, respectively. Complexes 2 and 3 represent a new structural type, possessing isomeric [Mn11110Mn112O16- Cl2] cores but with differing peripheral ligation. Complex 4 is essentially ..