Chiral mononuclear lanthanide complexes and the field-induced single-ion magnet behaviour of a Dy analogue

Dalton Trans. 2015 Jan 7;44(1):223-9. doi: 10.1039/c4dt02889a.

Abstract

Three pairs of homochiral mononuclear lanthanide complexes, with the general formula [LnH4LRRRRRR/SSSSSS(SCN)2](SCN)2·xCH3OH·yH2O(Ln = Dy (R/S-Dy1), Ho (R/S-Ho1) and Er (R/S-Er1)), have been obtained via self-assembly between chiral macrocyclic ligands and the respective thiocyanates, all of which show a saddle-type conformation with seven-coordinated metal ions. Magnetic measurements revealed that the Dy complex shows field-induced single-ion magnet behaviour, which is rarely reported in a seven-coordinated lanthanide-based SIM encapsulated in a macrocyclic ligand. The absolute configuration of all enantiomers was determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography and confirmed by electronic CD and VCD spectra.