Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of a novel Tb4 spin cluster and synthesis of a Tb chain

Abstract

The syntheses of two new polynuclear TbIII compounds are reported. A tetranuclear complex [Tb4(H2L)2(H4L)2(OAc)8] (1), with H4L=2-((2-hydroxy-benzylidene)-amino)-2-hydroxy-methyl-propane-1,3-diol, has a butterfly-type structure, while [Tb(OAc)3MeOH]∞ (2) is a linear chain. A novel binding mode for H2L2− is observed in 1, with two alkoxides each bridging three TbIII ions. The magnetic properties of 1 are determined by the superposition of the ligand field split 7F6 states of TbIII single-ions located on two crystallographically distinct sites. Weak antiferromagnetic exchange interactions possibly contribute to the lowering of the magnetic moment at the lowest temperatures. © 2007, Elsevier Ltd.