Two heterometallic {CoII6LnIII2} (Ln = Dy, Ho) clusters with local symmetry exhibiting single‐molecule magnet behaviours

Abstract

Two novel 3d‐4fclusters with {CoII6LnIII2} (Ln = Dy (1), Ho (2)) cores are fabricated, with formulas of {[Co6Ln2(O)2(dhpb)6(NO3)2(DMF)2]·H2O} (H2dhpb = 6,6′‐dihydroxyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine, DMF = dimethyl formamide), which consist of two asymmetrical [Co3Ln] pyrimids bridged by aμ4‐O bridge. The {CoII6LnIII2} core exhibits a bicapped anti‐trigonal‐prism configuration, and is held together by six dhpb2−ligands. Interestingly, the LnIIIions are seven‐coordinate in pseudo‐D5hsymmetry. The magnetic studies indicate that both compounds1and2show significant single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behaviours.