Supramolecular Spintronic Devices: Spin Transitions and Magnetostructural Correlations in[Fe4IIL4]8+[2×2]-Grid-Type Complexes

The magnetism of a series of tetranuclear complexes of the [Fe4IIL4]8+ [2x2]-grid-type was investigated, revealing the occurrence of spin transition behavior within this class of compounds. The phenomenon depends directly on the nature of the substituent R(1) in the 2-position on the central pyrimidine group of the ligand L. All Fe(II) ions in compounds with R(1) substituents favoring strong ligand fields (R(1)=H; OH) remain completely in the diamagnetic low-spin state. Only complexes bearing R(1) substituents attenuating the ligand field by steric (and to a lesser extent electronic) effects (R(1)=Me; Ph) exhibit spin transition behavior triggered by temperature. In general, gradual and inc…