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Replacement of the function X = −NH2 with −OH in the 5X-pyrimidine axial ligand of the 2D Hofmann polymer {FeII(Lax)2[MII(CN)4]}n (MII = Pt, Pd) enhances guest uptake and enables a wide range of one, two and three stepped spin crossover behaviours.

[EN] The structurally simple complex {Fe-II[tren(6F-py)(3)]}(BF4)(2) [tren(6F-py)(3) = tris(3-aza-4-(6-fluoro-2-pyridyl)-3-butenyl)amine] undergoes an abrupt spin transition (ST) with the critical temperature T down arrow(1/2) = 243 K on cooling and T up arrow(1/2) = 281 K on heating, with a 38 K wide hysteresis, while the ClO4- congener shows ST spanning the room temperature region at T down arrow(1/2) = 267 K and T up arrow(1/2) = 295 K with a 28 K wide hysteresis. Calorimetric data confirm the occurrence of a highly energetic ST process, while multi-temperature single crystal X-ray structural studies identify a concerted symmetry-breaking P2(1)/n P2(1)/c as the origin of the rare strong cooperativity and the large hysteresis loop. The analysis of the experimental data discloses two distinct interdependent events, namely, the combination of a gradual ST and an induced crystallographic phase transition, which endows the material with strong bistability and makes it an excellent platform for investigating new generations of ST based electronic and spintronic devices., This work was supported by grant PID2019-106147GB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu (CEX2019-000919-M); the Generalitat Valenciana through PROMETEO/2016/147 and EU Framework FET-OPEN project COSMICS (grant agreement 766726), by the grant of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine for perspective development of a scientific direction "Mathematical sciences and natural sciences" at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. We thank Prof. Dr Eric Collet for invaluable comments and suggestions.

Controlled modulation of the spin-crossover (SCO) behavior through the sorption-desorption of invited molecules is an extensively exploited topic because of its potential applications in molecular sensing. For this purpose, understanding the mechanisms by which the spin-switching properties are altered by guest molecules is of paramount importance. Here, we show an experimental approach revealing a direct probe of how the interplay between SCO and host-guest chemistry is noticeably activated by chemically tuning the host structure. Thus, the axial ligand 4-phenylpyridine (4-PhPy) in the 2D Hofmann clathrates {Fe(4-PhPy)2[M(CN)4]} (PhPyM; M = Pt, Pd) is replaced by 2,4-bipyridine (2,4-Bipy), resulting in the isomorphous compounds {Fe(2,4-Bipy)2[M(CN)4]} (BipyM; M = Pt, Pd), which basically differ from the former in that they have a noncoordinated N heteroatom in the ancillary aromatic substituent, i.e., 2-pyridyl instead of phenyl. Our chemical, magnetic, calorimetric, and structural characterizations demonstrate that this subtle chemical composition change provokes outstanding modifications not only in the capability to adsorb small guests as water or methanol but also in the extent to which these guests affect the SCO characteristics.

Self-assembly of [Hg(SeCN)4]2- tetrahedral building blocks, iron(II) ions, and a series of bis-monodentate pyridyl-type bridging ligands has afforded the new heterobimetallic HgII-FeII coordination polymers {Fe[Hg(SeCN)3]2(4,4'-bipy)2}n (1), {Fe[Hg(SeCN)4](tvp)}n (2), {Fe[Hg(SeCN)3]2(4,4'-azpy)2}n (3), {Fe[Hg(SeCN)4](4,4'-azpy)(MeOH)}n (4), {Fe[Hg(SeCN)4](3,3'-bipy)}n (5) and {Fe[Hg(SeCN)4](3,3'-azpy)}n (6) (4,4-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine, tvp = trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene, 4,4'-azpy = 4,4'-azobispyridine, 3,3-bipy = 3,3'-bipyridine, 3,3'-azpy = 3,3'-azobispyridine). Single-crystal X-ray analyses show that compounds 1 and 3 display a two-dimensional robust sheet structure made up of infinite linear [(FeL)n]2n+ (L = 4,4'-bipy or 4,4'-azpy) chains linked by in situ formed {[Hg(L)(SeCN)3]2}2- anionic dimeric bridges. Complexes 2 and 4-6 define three-dimensional networks with different topological structures, indicating, in combination with complexes 1 and 3, that the polarity, length, rigidity, and conformation of the bridging organic ligand play important roles in the structural nature of the products reported here. The magnetic properties of complexes 1 and 2 show the occurrence of temperature- and light-induced spin crossover (SCO) properties, while complexes 4-6 are in the high-spin state at all temperatures. The current results provide a new route for the design and synthesis of new SCO functional materials with non-Hofmann-type traditional structures.

Aiming at investigating the suitability of Hofmann-type two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymers {FeII(Lax)2[MII(CN)4]} to be processed as single monolayers and probed as spin crossover (SCO) junctions in spintronic devices, the synthesis and characterization of the MII derivatives (MII = Pd and Pt) with sulfur-rich axial ligands (Lax = 4-methyl- and 4-ethyl-disulfanylpyridine) have been conducted. The thermal dependence of the magnetic and calorimetric properties confirmed the occurrence of strong cooperative SCO behavior in the temperature interval of 100-225 K, featuring hysteresis loops 44 and 32.5 K/21 K wide for PtII-methyl and PtII/PdII-ethyl derivatives, while the PdII-methyl derivative undergoes a much less cooperative multistep SCO. Excluding PtII-methyl, the remaining compounds display light-induced excited spin-state trapping at 10 K with TLIESST temperatures in the range of 50-70 K. Single-crystal studies performed in the temperature interval 100-250 K confirmed the layered structure and the occurrence of complete transformation between the high- and low-spin states of the FeII center for the four compounds. Strong positional disorder seems to be the source of elastic frustration driving the multistep SCO observed for the PdII-methyl derivative. It is expected that the peripheral disulfanyl groups will favor anchoring and growing of the monolayer on gold substrates and optimal electron transport in the device.

[EN] Here we show that the porous metal-organic spin crossover(SCO) framework [Fe(tvp)2(NCS)2]@4(CH3CNmiddotH2O) [1@4(CH3CNmiddotH2O)] is an excellent precursor material for the systematic synthesis, via single-crystal to single-crystal transformation, of a series of halobenzeneclathrates. Immersion of samples constituted of single crystals of1@4(CH3CNmiddotH2O)in the liquid halobenzenes PhXn,X=F(n=1-6), X = Cl(n= 1, 2), and X = Br (n= 1) at room temperature induces complete replacement of the guest molecules by PhXnto afford1@2PhXn. Single-crystal analyses of the new clathrates confirm the integrity of the porousframe work with the PhXnguests being organized by pairs via pi-stackingfilling the nanochannels. The magnetic and calorimetric data confirm the occurrence of practically complete SCO behavior in all of the clathrates. The characteristic SCO equilibrium temperatures,T1/2, seem to be the result ofa subtle balance in the host-guest interactions, which are temperature- and spin-state-dependent. The radically distinctsupra molecular organization of the PhCl2guests in1@2PhCl2affords a rare example of four-step SCO behavior following the sequence [HS1:LS0][HS2/3:LS1/3][HS1/2:LS1/2][HS1/4:LS3/4][HS0:LS1], which has been structurally characterized, This work was supported by Grant PID2019-106147GB-I00 (funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) and Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu (CEX2019-000919-M). A.O.-S. thanks the MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and "ESF Investing in your future" for a predoctoral scholarship (PRE2020-092798).

Rare loop-like isostructural one-dimensional coordination polymer (1D-CP) systems formulated as {Fe(DPIP)2(NCSe)2}n·4DMF (1) and {Fe(DPIP)2(NCSe)2}n·4DMF (2) were obtained by self-assembling FeII and pseudohalide NCX−(X = S, Se) ions in presence of the V-shaped bidentate bridging ligand, namely, N,N′-dipyridin-4-ylisophthalamide (DPIP), and were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, TGA, single crystal X-ray diffraction and powder X-ray diffraction. The magnetic studies show that complex 2 undergoes a complete thermally induced spin crossover (SCO) behavior centered at T1/2 = 120 K with ca. 5 K thermal hysteresis loop and light-induced excited spin state trapping effect (LIESST) with TLIESST = 65 K. However, either the homologous X = S (1) or the desolvated form of complex 2 is high spin at all temperatures, proving further the concerted synergy for the SCO of 2 between the intrinsic ligand field and that indirectly induced via hydrogen bond interaction. The current results provide valuable information for the design of new 1D SCO systems via the rational control of the cooperated effects derived from the intramolecular coordination bond and the intermolecular supramolecular interactions.

[EN] The synthesis, structural characterization and magnetic properties of two new isostructural porous 3D compounds with the general formula {FeII(pina)[MI(CN)2]2}·xMeOH (x = 0¿5; pina = N-(pyridin-4-yl)isonicotinamide; MI = AgI and x ~ 5 (1·xMeOH); MI = AuI and x ~ 5 (2·xMeOH)) are presented. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses have revealed that the structure of 1·xMeOH (or 2·xMeOH) presents two equivalent doubly interpenetrated 3D frameworks stabilized by both argentophilic (or aurophilic) interactions and interligand C¿O···HC H-bonds. Despite the interpenetration of the networks, these compounds display accessible void volume capable of hosting up to five molecules of methanol which interact with the host pina ligand and establish an infinite lattice of hydrogen bonds along the structural channels. Interestingly, the magnetic studies have shown that solvated complexes 1·xMeOH and 2·xMeOH display two- and four-step hysteretic thermally driven spin transitions, respectively. However, when these compounds lose the methanol molecules, the magnetic behavior changes drastically giving place to gradual spin conversions evidencing the relevant influence of the guest molecules on the spin-crossover properties. Importantly, since the solvent desorption takes place following a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation, empty structures 1 and 2 (x = 0) could be also determined allowing us to evaluate the correlation between the structural changes and the modification of the magnetic properties triggered by the loss of methanol molecules., We thank the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO), FEDER funds (CTQ2016-78341-P and Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu MDM-2015-0538), and Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2016/147). F.J.V.-M. thanks MINECO for a predoctoral FPI grant.

[EN] Fe-II spin-crossover (SCO) coordination polymers of the Hofmann type have become an archetypal class of responsive materials. Almost invariably, the construction of their architectures has been based on the use of monotopic and linear ditopic pyridine like ligands. In the search for new Hofmann-type architectures with SCO properties, here we analyze the possibilities of bridging ligands with higher connectivity degree. More precisely, the synthesis and structure of {Fe-II(L-N3)[M-I(CN)(2)](2)}center dot(Guest) (Guest = nitro-benzene, benzonitrile, o-dichlorobenzene; M-I = Ag, Au) and {Fe-II(L-N4)[Ag-2(CN)(3)][Ag(CN)(2)]}center dot H2O are described, where L-N3 and L-N4 are the tritopic and tetratopic ligands 1,3,5-tris(pyridin-4-ylethynyl)benzene and 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(pyridin-4-ylethynyl)benzene. This new series of Hofmann clathrates displays thermo- and photoinduced SCO behaviors., We thank the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO) and FEDER funds (CTQ2013-46275-P and CTQ2016-78341-P and Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu MDM-2015-0538), and Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2016/147). FJ.V.-M. thanks MINECO for a predoctoral FPI grant. We also thank Dr. Carlos Marti for helping us with ToposPro software.

The highly stable nitrosyl iron(II) mononuclear complex [Fe(bztpen)(NO)](PF6)(2) (bztpen=N-benzyl-N,N',N'-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine) displays an S=1/2 S=3/2 spin crossover (SCO) behavior (T-1/2=370 K, Delta H= 12.48 kJmol(-1), Delta S=33 JK(-1) mol(-1)) stemming from strong magnetic coupling between the NO radical (S=1/2) and thermally interconverted (S=0 S=2) ferrous spin states. The crystal structure of this robust complex has been investigated in the temperature range 120-420 K affording a detailed picture of how the electronic distribution of the t(2g)-e(g) orbitals modulates the structure of the {FeNO}(7) bond, providing valuable magneto-structural and spectroscopic correlations and DFT analysis., The research reported here was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO) and FEDER funds (CTQ2013-46275-P, CTQ2015-64579-C3-1-P, and Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu MDM-2015-0538) and the Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2012/049). L.P.L. thanks the Generalitat Valenciana and the Universidad de Valencia for a predoctoral fellowship. J.C. and E.R. thank the Generalitat de Catalunya for a Beatriu de Pinos grant and an ICREA Academia award, respectively.

[EN] We report an unprecedented series of two-dimensional (2D) spin-crossover (SCO) heterobimetallic coordination polymers generically formulated as {Fe-II[(He(SCN)(3))(2)](L)(x))}center dot Solv, where x = 2 for L = tvp (trans-(4,4'-vinylenedipyridine)) (1tvp), bpmh ((1E,2E)-1,2-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethylene)hydrazine) (1bpmh center dot nCH(3)OH; n = 0, 1), by eh ( (1E,2E)-1,2-bis (1-(pyridin-4-yl) ethyliden e) hydrazine) (Ibpeh center dot nH(2)O; n = 0, 1) and x = 2.33 for L = 0 0 bpbz (1,4-bis(pyridin-4-yl)benzene) (1bpbz center dot nH(2)O; n = 0, 2/ 3). The results confirm that self-assembly of Fell, [Hg-II(SCN)(4)](2-), and ditopic rodlike bridging ligands L containing 4-pyridyl moieties favors the formation of linear [Fe(mu-L)](n)(2n+) chains and in situ generated binuclear units {[Hg-II(SCN)(3)](2)(mu-L)}(2)-. The latter act as bridges between adjacent chains generating robust 2D layers. The [(FeN6)-N-II] centers are equatorially surrounded by four NCS- groups and two axial N atoms of the organic ligand L. The compound 1tvp and the unsolvated form of 1bpmh undergo complete SCO centered at T-1/2 = 177 and 226 K, characterized by the enthalpy and entropy variations Delta H = 12.3 and 10.5 kJ mol(-1) and Delta S = 69.4 and 48 J KT-1 mol(-1), respectively. The almost complete SCO of the unsolvated form of 1bpeh occurs at ca. T-1/2 = 119 K and exhibits a complete LIESST effect. Regardless of the degree of solvation, a half-spin conversion at T-1/2 < 100 K occurs for 1bpbz center dot nH(2)O, which becomes almost complete at p = 0.65 GPa. The labile solvent molecules present in 1bpmh center dot CH3OH and 1bpely center dot H2O have a dramatic influence on the corresponding SCO behavior., We thank the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO), FEDER funds (CTQ2013-46275-P and CTQ2016-78341-P and Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu MDM-2015-0538), and Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2016/147). FJ.V.-M. thanks MINECO for a predoctoral FPI grant. D.Z. acknowledges support from the Natural Science Foundation of China (21671121).

[EN] Two new 3D spin-crossover (SCO) Hofmann-type coordination polymers {Fe(2,6-naphthy)[Ag(CN)2][Ag2(CN)3]} (1; 2,6-naphthy = 2,6-naphthyridine) and {Fe(2,6-naphthy)- [Au(CN)2]2}·0.5PhNO2 (2) were synthesized and characterized. Both derivatives are made up of infinite stacks of {Fe[Ag(CN)2]2- [Ag2(CN)3]}n and {Fe[Au(CN)2]2}n layered grids connected by pillars of 2,6-naphthy ligands coordinated to the axial positions of the FeII centers of alternate layers., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO), Fondos Europeos para el Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) (CTQ2013-46275-P and CTQ2016-78341-P), Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu (MDM-2015-0538), and the Generalitat Valenciana through PROMETEO/2016/147. L. P. L. and F. J. V. M. thank the Universidad de Valencia and MINECO, respectively for predoctoral (FPI) grants.

[EN] The synthesis, crystal structure, magnetic, calorimetric, and Mo¿ ssbauer studies of a series of new Hofmann-type spin crossover (SCO) metal¿organic frameworks (MOFs) is reported. The new SCO-MOFs arise from self-assembly of FeII, bis(4-pyridyl)butadiyne (bpb), and [Ag(CN)2] ¿ or [MII(CN)4] 2¿ (MII = Ni, Pd). Interpenetration of four identical 3D networks with ¿-Po topology are obtained for {Fe(bpb)[AgI (CN)2]2} due to the length of the rod-like bismonodentate bpb and [Ag(CN)2] ¿ ligands. The four networks are tightly packed and organized in two subsets orthogonally interpenetrated, while the networks in each subset display parallel interpenetration. This nonporous material undergoes a very incomplete SCO, which is rationalized from its intricate structure. In contrast, the single network Hofmann-type MOFs {Fe(bpb)[MII(CN)4]}·nGuest (MII = Ni, Pd) feature enhanced porosity and display complete one-step or two-step cooperative SCO behaviors when the pores are filled with two molecules of nitrobenzene or naphthalene that interact strongly with the pyridyl and cyano moieties of the bpb ligands via ¿¿¿ stacking. The lack of these guest molecules favors stabilization of the high-spin state in the whole range of temperatures. However, application of hydrostatic pressure induces one- and two-step SCO., We thank the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO) and FEDER funds (CTQ2013-46275-P and CTQ2016-78341-P and Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu MDM-2015-0538) and Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2016/147). L.P.-L. and F.J.V.-M. thank, respectively, the Universidad de Valencia and MINECO for a predoctoral FPI grant.

[EN] Understanding the origin of cooperativity and the equilibrium temperature of transition (T1/2) displayed by the spin-crossover (SCO) compounds as well as controlling these parameters are of paramount importance for future applications. For this task, the occurrence of polymorphism, presented by a number of SCO complexes, may provide deep insight into the influence of the supramolecular organization on the SCO behavior. In this context, herein we present a novel family of mononuclear octahedral FeII complexes with formula cis- [Fe(bqen)(NCX)2], where bqen is the chelating tetradentate ligand N,N¿-bis(8-quinolyl)ethane-1,2-diamine and X = S, Se. Depending on the preparation method, these compounds crystallize in either the orthorhombic or the trigonal symmetry systems. While the orthorhombic phase is composed of a racemic mixture of mononuclear complexes (polymorph I), the trigonal phase contains only one of the two possible enantiomers (¿ or ¿), thereby generating a chiral crystal (polymorph II). The four derivatives undergo SCO behavior with well-differentiated T1/2 values occurring in the interval 90¿233 K. On one hand, T1/2 is about 110 K (polymorph I) and 87 K (polymorph II) higher for the selenocyanate derivatives in comparison to those for their thiocyanate counterparts. These differences in T1/2 are ascribed not only to the higher ligand field induced by the selenocyanate anion but also to a remarkable difference in the structural reorganization of the [FeN6] coordination core upon SCO. Likewise, the higher cooperativity observed for the thiocyanate derivatives seems to be related to their stronger intermolecular interactions within the crystal. On the other hand, T1/2 is about 53 K (thiocyanate) and 29 K (selenocyanate) higher for the trigonal polymorph II in comparison to those for the orthorhombic polymorph I. These differences, and the small changes observed in cooperativity, stem from the slightly different hetero- and homochiral crystal packing generated by the cis-[Fe(bqen)(NCX)2] molecules, which determines subtle adaptations in the intermolecular contacts and the FeII coordination core., We thank the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO) and FEDER funds (CTQ2013-46275-P and CTQ2016-78341-P and Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu MDM-2015-0538), Generalitat Valenciana (PROM-ETEO/2016/147), and EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation (RISE project number 734322). FJ.V.-M. thanks MINECO for a predoctoral FPI grant

Self-assembling iron(II), 2-fluoropyrazine (Fpz), and [MII(CN)4] 2− (MII = Ni, Pd, Pt) or [AuI (CN)2] − building blocks have afforded a new series of two- (2D) and threedimensional (3D) Hofmann-like spin crossover (SCO) coordination polymers with strong cooperative magnetic, calorimetric, and optical properties. The iron(II) ions, lying on inversion centers, define elongated octahedrons equatorially surrounded by four equivalent centrosymmetric μ4-[MII(CN)4]2− groups. The axial positions are occupied by two terminal Fpz ligands affording significantly corrugated 2D layers {Fe(Fpz)2([MII(CN)4]}. The Pt and Pd derivatives undergo thermal- and light-induced SCO characterized by T1/2 temperatures centered at 155.5 and 116 K and hysteresis loops 22 K wide, while the Ni derivative is high spin at all temperatures, even at pressures of 0.7 GPa. The great stability of the high-spin state in the Ni derivative has tentatively been ascribed to the tight packing of the layers, which contrasts with that of Pt and Pd derivatives in the high- and low-spin states. The synthesis and structure of the 3D frameworks formulated {Fe(Fpz)[Pt(CN)4]}·1/2H2O and {Fe(Fpz)[Au(CN)2]2}, where Fpz acts as bridging ligand, which is also discussed. The former is high spin at all temperatures, while the latter displays very strong cooperative SCO centered at 243 K accompanied by a hysteresis loop 42.5 K wide. The crystal structures and SCO properties are compared with those of related complexes derived from pyrazine, 3-fluoropyridine, and pyridine., The research reported here was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO) and FEDER funds (CTQ2013-46275-P and Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu MDM- 2015-0538) and Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2016/147). F.J.V.M. thanks the MINECO for a predoctoral FPI fellowship.

The chemisorption of sulfur dioxide (SO2) on the Hofmann-like spin crossover porous coordination polymer (SCO-PCP) {Fe(pz)[Pt(CN)4]} has been investigated at room temperature. Thermal analysis and adsorption-desorption isotherms showed that ca. 1 mol of SO2 per mol of {Fe(pz)[Pt(CN)4]} was retained in the pores. Nevertheless, the SO2 was loosely attached to the walls of the host network and completely released in 24 h at 298 K. Single crystals of {Fe(pz)[Pt(CN)4]}·nSO2 (n ≈ 0.25) were grown in water solutions saturated with SO2, and its crystal structure was analyzed at 120 K. The SO2 molecule is coordinated to the Pt(II) ion through the sulfur atom ion, Pt-S = 2.585(4) Å. This coordination slightly stabilizes the low-spin state of the Fe(II) ions shifting the critical temperatures of the spin transition by 8-12 K. DFT calculations have been performed to rationalize these observations.

In the search for new multifunctional spin crossover molecular materials, here we describe the synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic and photomagnetic properties of the complexes trans-[Fe(Fctzpy)2(NCX)2]·CHCl3 where Fc-tzpy is the ferrocene-appended ligand 4-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol- 1-ylferrocene, X = S (1) and X = Se (2). Both complexes display thermal- and light-induced (LIESST) spin crossover properties characterised by T1/2 = 85 and 168 K, ΔS = 55 and 66 J K−1 mol−1 , ΔH = 4.7 and 11.1 kJ mol−1 and TLIESST = 47 K and 39 K for 1 and 2 respectively. The crystal structure of 1 and 2 measured at 275 K is consistent with the iron(II) ion in the high-spin state while the crystal structure of 2 at 120 K denotes the occurrence of complete transformation to the low-spin state., The research reported here was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO) and FEDER funds (CTQ2013-46275-P) and Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2012/049). T.R.M. and F.J.V.M. thank MINECO for a FPI grant. L.P.L. thanks the Generalitat Valenciana and the Universidad de Valencia for a predoctoral fellowship.

Two new isostructural two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymers exhibiting spin crossover (SCO) behavior of formulation [Fe(4,4'-bipy)(2)(NCX)(2)]·4CHCl(3) (4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine; X = S [1·4CHCl(3)], Se [2·4CHCl(3)]) have been synthesized and characterized, and both undergo cooperative spin transitions (ST). For 1·4CHCl(3) the ST takes place in two steps with critical temperatures of T(c1)(down) = 143.1 K, T(c2)(down) = 91.2 K, T(c1)(up) = 150.7 K, and T(c2)(up) = 112.2 K. 2·4CHCl(3) displays half ST characterized by T(c)(down) = 161.7 K and T(c)(up) = 168.3 K. The average enthalpy and entropy variations and cooperativity parameters associated with the ST have been estimated to be ΔH(1)(av) = 5.18 kJ mol(-1), ΔS(1)(av) = 35 J K(-1) mol(-1), and Γ(1) = 2.8 kJ mol(-1) and ΔH(2)(av) = 3.55 kJ mol(-1), ΔS(2)(av) = 35 J K(-1) mol(-1), and Γ(2) = 2.6 kJ mol(-1) for 1·4CHCl(3), and ΔH(av) = 6.25 kJ mol(-1), ΔS(av) = 38.1 J K(-1) mol(-1), and Γ = 3.2 kJ mol(-1) for 2·4CHCl(3). At T > [T(c1) (1·4CHCl(3)); T(c) (2·4CHCl(3))], both compounds are in the space group P2/c while at T < [T(c1) (1·4CHCl(3)); T(c) (2·4CHCl(3))] they change to the C2/c space group and display an ordered checkerboard-like arrangement of iron(II) sites where the high- and low-spin states coexist at 50%.

The design of coordination polymers (CPs) with switch and memory functions is an important subject of current interest in the search for new advanced materials with potential applications. Implementation of CPs with electronically labile iron(II) building blocks able to undergo cooperative spin crossover (SCO) behavior is a singular approach to this end. This review provides an up to date survey of a new generation of iron(II)-metallocyanate based spin crossover coordination polymers (SCO-CPs) developed during the last decade. These new solids feature structural diversity, supramolecular isomerism, interpenetrating frameworks, structure flexibility, reversible solid-state chemical reactions, metallophilic interactions, porosity, physi- and chemisorption, or processability at nanoscale level, in addition to inherent SCO properties.

Precise control of spin transition temperature (T(c)) is one of the most important challenges in molecular magnetism. A Hofmann-type porous coordination polymer {Fe(pz)[Pt(II)(CN)(4)]} (1; pz = pyrazine) exhibited cooperative spin transition near room temperature (T(c)(up) = 304 K and T(c)(down) = 284 K) and its iodine adduct {Fe(pz)[Pt(II/IV)(CN)(4)(I)]} (1-I), prepared by oxidative addition of iodine to the open metal sites of Pt(II), raised the T(c) by 100 K. DSC and microscopic Raman spectra of a solid mixture of 1-I and 1 revealed that iodine migrated from 1-I to 1 through the grain boundary after heating above 398 K. We have succeeded in precisely controlling the iodine content of {Fe(pz)[Pt(CN)(4)(I)(n)]} (1-In; n = 0.0-1.0), which resulted in consecutive modulation of T(c) in the range 300-400 K while maintaining the hysteresis width. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that iodine migration in the solid mixture was triggered by the spin transition of 1-I. The magnetically bistable porous framework decorating guest interactive open-metal-site in the pore surface makes it possible to modulate T(c) ad arbitrium through unique postsynthetic method using iodine migration.

Complex [Fe III (bztpen)(OCH 3 )](PF 6 ) 2 (1) crystallizes as the major yellow-brown product from spontaneous oxidation of its corresponding iron(II) counterpart in methanol solution. Magnetic measurements and EPR spectra demonstrate that 1 undergoes a poorly cooperative 6 A 1 ↔ 2 T 2 spin conversion in the temperature range 300-50 K, with characteristic thermodynamic parameters ΔH = 6.15 kJ mol -1 , ΔS = 39.88 J K -1 mol -1 , and T 1/2 = 154 K. The crystal structure of 1 has been investigated at 100 and 293 K.

Twelve coordination polymers with formula {Fe(3-Xpy)(2)[M(II)(CN)(4)]} (M(II): Ni, Pd, Pt; X: F, Cl, Br, I; py: pyridine) have been synthesised, and their crystal structures have been determined by single-crystal or powder X-ray analysis. All of the fluoro and iodo compounds, as well as the chloro derivative in which M(II) is Pt, crystallise in the monoclinic C2/m space group, whereas the rest of the chloro and all of the bromo derivatives crystallise in the orthorhombic Pnc2 space group. In all cases, the iron(II) atom resides in a pseudo-octahedral [FeN(6)] coordination core, with similar bond lengths and angles in the various derivatives. The major difference between the two kinds of structure arises from the stacking of consecutive two-dimensional {Fe(3-Xpy)(2)[M(II)(CN)(4)]}(infinity) layers, which allows different dispositions of the X atoms. The fluoro and chloro derivatives undergo cooperative spin crossover (SCO) with significant hysteretic behaviour, whereas the rest are paramagnetic. The thermal hysteresis, if X is F, shifts toward room temperature without changing the cooperativity as the pressure increases in the interval 10(5) Pa-0.5 GPa. At ambient pressure, the SCO phenomenon has been structurally characterised at different significant temperatures, and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters were obtained from DSC calorimetric measurements. Compound {Fe(3-Clpy)(2)[Pd(CN)(4)]} represents a new example of a "re-entrant" two-step spin transition by showing the Pnma space group in the intermediate phase (IP) and the Pnc2 space group in the low-spin (LS) and high-spin (HS) phases.

The synthesis and characterization of a series of 1-3D cyanide-bridged iron(II)-copper(I) bimetallic coordination polymers formulated as {Fe(3-Xpy)(2)[Cu(3-Xpy)(z)(CN)(2)](2)}, where 3-Xpy is a 3-halogenpyridine ligand with X = F (z = 1.5, 1), Cl (z = 1, 2 and 3), Br (z = 1, 4), and I (z = 1, 5), are reported. In all derivatives, the Fe(II) ion lies in pseudoctahedral [FeN(6)] sites defined by four in situ formed [Cu(3-Xpy)(z)(CN)(2)](-) bridging ligands and two 3-Xpy terminal ligands occupying the equatorial and axial positions, respectively. 1 consists of stacks of corrugated grids whose square windows are defined by pseudotrigonal and pseudotetrahedral [Cu(3-Fpy)(CN)(2)](-) and [Cu(3-Fpy)(2)(CN)(2)](-) units, respectively. 2 is a 3D coordination polymer with the topology of the open-framework CdSO(4). The [Cu(3-Clpy)(CN)(2)](-) rods connecting the pseudooctahedral Fe(II) sites are arranged in such a way that interpenetration is avoided. 3, an architectural isomer of 2, is defined by arrays of linear chains. 4 and 5 are isostructural to 3. Polymer 1 is essentially a low-spin (LS) compound with ca. 19% of residual Fe(II) ions in the high-spin (HS) state at 293 K. It undergoes an irreversible spin transition at T(c) = 356 K. Subsequent cooling-warming cycles give a new spin-crossover behavior characterized by T(c) = 187 K. The structural analysis at 130 and 293 K and at 293 K after irreversible transformation (293 K*) reveals a large unit cell volume variation of 67 A(3) per Fe atom. In addition to the volume change associated with the spin-state conversion, remarkable bond and angle modifications around the Cu(I) sites account for the high flexible nature of the crystal. 2 displays a complete not well-resolved two-step spin conversion, T(c1) = 169 K and T(c2) = 210 K, reflecting the occurrence of two distinct crystallographically Fe(II) sites. The large unit cell volume variation per Fe atom in 2, 59 A(3), has been rationalized in terms similar to those for 1. 1D polymers 3-5 are HS compounds.

Three new tetranuclear compounds of formula [Fe(4)(mu-CN)(4)(phen)(4)(L)(2))](PF(6))(4) x G where L = tris(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine (TPMA) [G = 0] (1), (6-methylpyrid-2-ylmethyl)-bis(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)amine (MeTPMA) [G = 0] (2), or bis(6-methylpyrid-2-ylmethyl)-(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)amine (Me(2)TPMA) [G = NH(4)PF(6)] (3) and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized. The three compounds crystallize in the C2/c space group and consist of [Fe(4)(mu-CN)(4)(phen)(4)(L)(2))](4+) square shaped cations with two distinct iron(II) sites. The sites, associated with [Fe(phen)(2)(CN)(2)] and [Fe(L)(NC)(2)] moieties, are connected by cyanide bridging ligands and reside in different [FeN(4)C(2)] and [FeN(6)] ligand field strength environments. For 1, the structural features of both sites at 100 and 293 K are those of an iron(II) atom in the low-spin state, according to the magnetic properties. At 370 K the structure of the [FeN(6)] site is consistent with a quite complete change of spin state from the low-spin state to the high-spin state, a behavior confirmed by the magnetic study. Introduction of a methyl substituent in the sixth position of one or two pyridine groups to get MeTPMA or Me(2)TPMA derivatives, respectively, induce in 2 and 3 notable steric constraint in the [FeN(6)] site making longer the average Fe-N bond distances thereby weakening the ligand field strength and stabilizing the high-spin state. The [FeN(4)C(2)] site remains in the low-spin state in the three compounds.

This study reports the syntheses and the characterization of 12 ferric complexes of pyridoxal thiosemicarbazone. The richness of the coordination chemistry of this ligand is highlighted by the modulation of its charge from neutral H 2 L to anionic L 2− , thus leading to a wide family of ferric compounds with charge varying from +3 to −1. The structures of complexes [Fe(HL) 2 ]ClO 4 · 2H 2 O and [Fe(HL)L] · 4.5H 2 O were solved and discussed with a particular attention brought to the intermolecular interactions occurring between the complexes. The investigation of magnetic properties of these compounds revealed that two of them are in the HS state at any temperature, whereas the others are in the LS state. These results are discussed in relation to the modulation of the electronic properties of the ligand.

A new ttf (tetrathiofulvalene) ligand containing an amidopyridine moiety was synthesized and characterized. The electrochemical study of the 4-tetrathiofulvalenylcarboxamidopyridine (ttf–adpy) ligand showed two reversible oxidation processes at EI′1/2 = 0.08 V/Fc+–Fc and EII′1/2 = 0.26 V/Fc+–Fc. The crystal structure of [(ttf–adpyH)2Pt(CN)4] (1) was solved at 293 K, where 1 displays the triclinic space group P. The ttf–adpyH+ molecule is planar, and the bond lengths within the ttf core are in the usual range for neutral ttf moieties. The ttf–adpyH+ molecules and the [Pt(CN)4]2– anions organize in a three-dimensional network by means of hydrogen bonds and short S···S contacts. In the network, the ttf–adpy molecules order following the pattern -D-A-D-A- (D = donor, pyridine; A = acceptor, ttf moieties). Reaction of the Fe(BF4)2·6H2O salt, ttf–adpy ligand and the [M(CN)4]2– coordinating counterions led to the 2D Hofmann-like polymers {Fe(ttf–adpy)2[M(CN)4]}·nH2O [M = NiII; n = 1.5 (2), 0 (5); PdII; n = 2 (3), 0 (6); PtIIn = 2 (4), 0 (7)]. A 2D structure for 2–7 was proposed on the basis of analytical data. Compounds 2–4 present a complete thermally induced two-step spin transition. It is observed in the temperature interval from 100 to 200 K for 2; whereas for 3 and 4 it occurred in the interval of 200–250 K. The spin-transition properties of 2–4 were found to be strongly dependent on the water content, as nonhydrated materials 5–7 are paramagnetic in the studied temperature range (5–350 K). The thermodynamic parameters associated with the spin transition estimated from DSCmeasurements are: ΔH1 = 5.7 kJ mol–1 (3), 6.2 kJ mol–1 (4),ΔH2 = 6.5 kJ mol–1 (3), 7.2 kJ mol–1 (4) and ΔS1 = 24 J K–1 mol–1 (3), 26.6 J K–1 mol–1 (4), ΔS2 = 30.4 J K–1 mol–1 (3) and32.8 J K–1 mol–1(4).(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)

Three new compounds formulated (ClO4)2[Fe(pq)3] (1), (BF4)2[Fe(pq)3] · EtOH (2) and {(ClO4)[MnCr(C2O4)3][Fe(pq)2(H2O)2]} (3), where pq is 2,2′-pyridylquinoline, have been synthesised and characterised. Despite the different crystal packing exhibited by 1 and 2, the cationic species [Fe(pq)3]2+ are structurally quite similar. At 293 K, the Fe–N bond lengths are characteristic of the iron(II) in the high-spin state. In contrast to 1, 2 undergoes a continuous spin transition. Indeed, at 95 K its structure experiences a noticeable change in the Fe–N bonds and angles, i.e. the Fe–N bonds shorten by 0.194 A on the average. The magnetic behaviour confirms that 1 is fully high-spin in the 4–300 K temperature range while 2 shows a spin transition centred at T1/2 = 150 K. The corresponding enthalpy, entropy and interaction parameter are ΔH = 7.49 kJ mol−1, ΔS = 50 J K−1 mol−1and Γ = 1.35 kJ mol−1. Compound 3 has been obtained as a microcrystalline powder. The magnetic properties of 3 point at the occurrence of ferromagnetic coupling below 100 K and the onset of a ferromagnetic ordering below 10 K (Weiss constant equal to 6.8 K). The Mossbauer spectra of 3 show the occurrence of a magnetic order at T ⩽ 4.2 K.

Two new series of oxamato-bridged heterobimetallic coordination networks of general formula Li5[Li3M2(mpba)3(H2O)6] · 31H2O [M = NiII (1a) and CoII (1b)] and Li2[Mn3M2(mpba)3(H2O)6] · 22H2O [M = NiII (2a) and CoII (2b)] have been prepared from the metal-mediated self-assembly of the hexakis(bidentate), triple-stranded dinickel(II) and dicobalt(II) complexes [M2(mpba)3]8− [mpba = meta-phenylenebis(oxamato)] with either monovalent lithium(I) or divalent manganese(II) ions respectively, in water. X-ray structural analyses of 1a and 1b show an anionic three-dimensional network formed by an infinite parallel array of oxamato-bridged Li 3 I M 2 II (M = Ni and Co) hexagonal layers, which are interconnected through three m-phenylenediamidate bridges between the MII ions of opposite propeller chirality (Δ and Λ) to give dinuclear metallacryptand cores of the meso-helicate-type. The intralayer Li–M distance through the oxamate bridge is 5.380(3) (1a) and 5.396(5) (1b) A, while the interlayer M–M distance through the triple m-phenylenediamidate bridge is 6.856(3) (1a) and 6.851(3) (1b) A. Overall, this leads to an open-framework honeycomb structure with large hexagonal pores of ca. 21.8 (1a) and 21.5 A (1b) in diameter which are occupied by linear arrays of water-bridged LiI countercations. Variable-temperature (2.0–300 K) dc magnetic susceptibility and variable-field (0–5.0 T) magnetization measurements on these two series of compounds reveal a distinct magnetic behavior mainly depending on the diamagnetic or paramagnetic nature of the LiI and MnII ions, respectively. Compounds 1a and 1b behave as rather well-isolated M 2 II (M = Ni and Co) dimers with a moderate to weak ferromagnetic coupling (JNi–Ni = +3.17 cm−1 and JCo–Co = +1.03 cm−1) between the two MII ions across the triple m-phenylenediamidate bridge, together with either an appreciable to remarkable local ion axial magnetic anisotropy (DNi = −3.35 cm−1) or spin–orbit coupling (λCo = −167.3 cm−1); the next nearest-neighbor magnetic interactions between the MII ions through the diamagnetic LiI ions are negligible. Compounds 2a and 2b behave instead as strongly coupled oxamato-bridged Mn 3 II M 2 II (M = Ni and Co) ferrimagnetic planes which are weakly interacting through the m-phenylenediamidate bridges, leading thus to a long-range 3D ferromagnetic order at TC = 6.5 K. In addition, the variable-temperature (2.0–12 K) ac magnetic susceptibility measurements on 2a and 2b show an intriguing frequency-dependent magnetic behavior characteristic of a spin-glass dynamics. This glassy behavior is likely attributed to their amorphous character and/or the moderate to strong magnetic anisotropy of the dinickel(II) and dicobalt(II) precursors.

The synthesis and characterization of new two-dimensional (2D) cyanide-bridged iron(II)-gold(I) bimetallic coordination polymers formulated, {Fe(3-Xpy)2[Au(CN)2]2} (py = pyridine; X = F (1), Cl (2), Br (3), and I (4)) and the clathrate derivative {Fe(3-Ipy)2[Au(CN)2]2}.1/2(3-Ipy) (5), are reported. The iron(II) ion lies in pseudoctahedral [FeN6] sites defined by four [Au(CN)2](-) bridging ligands and two 3-Xpy ligands occupying the equatorial and axial positions, respectively. Although only compounds 2 and 4 can be considered strictly isostructurals, all of the components of this family are made up of parallel stacks of corrugated {Fe[Au(CN)2]2}n grids. The grids are formed by edge sharing of {Fe4[Au(CN)2]4} pseudosquare moieties. The stacks are constituted of double layers sustained by short aurophilic contacts ranging from 3.016(2) to 3.1580(8) A. The Au...Au distances between consecutive double layers are in the range of 5.9562(9)-8.790(2) A. Compound 5, considered a clathrate derivative of 4, includes one-half of a 3-Ipy molecule per iron(II) atom between the double layers. Compound 1 undergoes a half-spin transition with critical temperatures Tc downward arrow = 140 K and Tc upward arrow = 145 K. The corresponding thermodynamic parameters derived from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are Delta H = 9.8 +/- 0.4 kJ mol(-1) and Delta S = 68.2 +/- 3 J K mol(-1). This spin transition is accompanied by a crystallographic phase transition from the monoclinic P2(1)/c space group to the triclinic P1 space group. At high temperatures, where 1 is 100% high-spin, there is only one crystallographically independent iron(II) site. In contrast, the low temperature structural analysis shows the occurrence of two crystallographically independent iron(II) sites with equal population, one high-spin and the other low-spin. Furthermore, 1 undergoes a complete two-step spin transition at pressures as high as 0.26 GPa. Compounds 2- 4 are high-spin iron(II) complexes according to their magnetic and [FeN6] structural characteristics. Compound 5, characterized for having two different iron(II) sites, displays a two-step spin transition with critical temperatures of Tc(1) = 155 K, Tc(2) downward arrow = 97 K, and Tc(2) upward arrow = 110 K. This change of spin state takes place in both sites simultaneously. All of these results are compared and discussed in the context of other {Fe(L) x [M(I)(CN)2]} coordination polymers, particularly those belonging to the homologous compounds {Fe(3-Xpy)2[Ag(CN)2]2} and their corresponding clathrate derivatives.

A new family of cyanide-based spin-crossover polymers with the general formula {Fe(5-Br-pmd)z[M(CN)x]y} [M=AgI (1), AuI (2), NiII (3), PdII (4), PtII (5); 5-Br-pmd=5-bromopyrimidine; z=1 or 2, x=2 or 4, and y=2 or 1] have been synthesized and characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), magnetic susceptibility measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). At 293 K, compound 1 presents the monoclinic space group C2/c, whereas at 120 K, it changes to the monoclinic space group P21/c. At 293 K, the crystal structure of 1 displays an uninodal three-dimensional network whose nodes, constituted of FeII, lie at the inversion center of an elongated octahedron. The equatorial bond lengths are defined by the N atoms of four [AgI(CN)2]- groups belonging to two crystallographically nonequivalent AgI atoms, Ag(1) and Ag(2). They are shorter than those of the axial positions occupied by the N atoms of the 5-Br-pmd ligands. The Fe-N average bond length of 2.1657(7) A is consistent with a high-spin (HS) state for the FeII ions. At 120 K, the crystal structure changes refer mainly to the FeII environment. There are two crystallographically independent FeII ions at this temperature, Fe(1) and Fe(2), which adopt the HS and low-spin (LS) states, respectively. The average Fe-N bond length for Fe(1) [2.174(5) A] and Fe(2) [1.955(5) A] agrees well with the reported magnetic data at this temperature. The spin transition of the FeII ions labeled as Fe(1) is found to be centered at Tc downward arrow=149 K and Tc upward arrow=167 K and accompanied by a drastic change of color from orange (HS) to red (LS). Magnetic susceptibility measurements under applied hydrostatic pressure performed on 1 have shown a linear displacement of the transition to higher temperatures while the hysteresis width remains unaltered in the interval of pressures of 105 Pa to 0.34 GPa. A further increase of the pressure induces the spin transition in the Fe(2) ions, which is completely accomplished at 1.12 GPa (T1/2=162 K). Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural, but 2 does not exhibit spin-transition properties; the FeII centers remain in the HS state in the temperature range investigated, 5-300 K. Compounds 3-5 are not similar or isostructural with 1. A two-dimensional structure for 3-5 has been proposed on the basis of analytical data and the XRPD patterns. Compounds 3-5 undergo first-order spin transition where the critical temperatures for the cooling (Tc downward arrow) and warming (Tc upward arrow) modes are 170 and 180 K (3), 204 and 214 K (4), and 197 and 223 K (5), respectively. It is worth mentioning the color change from yellow to orange observed in 3-5 upon spin transition. The thermodynamic parameters associated with the spin transition estimated from DSC measurements are DeltaH=6 kJ mol(-1) (1), 11 kJ mol(-1) (3), 16 kJ mol(-1) (4), and 16 kJ mol(-1) (5) and DeltaS=38 J K(-1) mol(-1) (1), 62 J K(-1) mol(-1) (3), 76 J K-1 mol(-1) (4), and 81 J K(-1) mol(-1) (5).

[EN] Two novel bis(oxo)-bridged dinuclear manganese(IV) complexes with the binucleating ligand o-phenylenebis(oxamate) (opba), formulated as (Me4N)(4)[Mn2O2(opba)(2)] (1a) and (Me4N)(2)(Ph4P)(2)[Mn2O2(opba)(2)] (.) 8H(2)O (1b), have been synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. Like the parent complex (Ph4P)(4)[Mn2O2(opba)(2)] (.) 4H(2)O (1c), they possess unique Mn-2(mu-O)(2) bridging cores with two additional o-phenylenediamidate bridges which lead to exceptionally short Mn-Mn distances (2.63-2.67 angstrom) and fairly bent Mn-O-Mn angles (93.8-95.5 degrees). Complexes 1a-c show a moderate to strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the two high-spin Mn-IV ions through the bis(oxo)bis(o-phenylenediamidate) quadruple bridge (-J = 70-164 cm(-1); H = -JS(1) (.) S-2) Along this series, the -J values increase with the shortening of the Mn-Mn distance and/or the lessening of the Mn-O-Mn angle. Electronic structure calculations on model complexes reproduce the observed dependence of -J with the Mn-O-Mn angle at short intermetallic distances, and reveal that the magnetic coupling is dominated by the in-plane 3d(x2-y2) type superexchange pathway via the oxo bridges with a small but nonnegligible contribution from direct 3d(x2-y2) type Mn-Mn sigma-bond., This work was supported by the Oficina de Ciencia i Tecnología de la Generalitat Valenciana (Spain) through the Plan Valenciano de Investigación Científica, Desarrollo Tecnológico e Innovación (PVIDI) (CTIDIA2002-131) and the Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología (MCYT) (Spain) through the Ramón y Cajal program. R.R.-G. thanks all his colleagues in the research group of Prof. José R. Pedro at the Universitat de València where he has developed the work on the biomimetic chemistry of high-valent transition metal complexes in the last years. He is specially thankful to Dr. X. Ottenwaelder (Stanford University) for very stimulating talks and unselfish help during this period.

The synthesis, crystal structures, magnetic behavior, and electron paramagnetic resonance studies of five new FeIII spin crossover (SCO) complexes are reported. The [FeIIIN5O] coordination core is constituted of the pentadentate ligand bztpen (N5) and a series of alkoxide anions (ethoxide, propoxide, n-butoxide, isobutoxide, and ethylene glycoxide). The methoxide derivative previously reported by us is also reinvestigated. The six complexes crystallize in the orthorhombic Pbca space group and show similar molecular structures and crystal packing. The coordination octahedron is strongly distorted in both the high- and low-temperature structures. The structural changes upon spin conversion are consistent with those previously observed for [FeIIIN4O2] SCO complexes of the Schiff base type, except for the Fe−O(alkoxide) bond distance, which shortens significantly in the highspin state. Application of the Slichter−Drickamer thermodynamic model to the experimental SCO curves afforded reasonably good simulations with typical enthalpy and entropy variations ranging in the intervals ΔH = 6−13 kJ mol−1 and ΔS = 40−50 J mol−1 K−1 , respectively. The estimated values of the cooperativity parameter Γ, found in the interval 0−2.2 kJ mol−1 , were consistent with the nature of the SCO. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed the transformation between the high-spin and low-spin states, characterized by signals at g ≈ 4.47 and 2.10, respectively. Electrochemical analysis demonstrated the instability of the Fe(II) alkoxide derivatives in solution., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO) and FEDER funds (CTQ2013-46275-P) and Generalitat Valenciana (PROME-TEO/2012/049). L.P.-L. thanks the Generalitat Valenciana and Universitat de Valencia for a predoctoral fellowship.

Deprotonation of the ionogenic tetradentate ligand 6,6′-bis(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2,2′-bipyridine [H2bipy(ttr)2] in the presence of FeII in solution has afforded an anionic mononuclear complex and a neutral two-dimensional coordination polymer formulated as, respectively, NEt3H{Fe[bipy(ttr)2][Hbipy(ttr)2]}·3MeOH (1) and {Fe[bipy(ttr)2]}n (2). The anions [Hbipy(ttr)2]− and [bipy(ttr)2]2– embrace the FeII centers defining discrete molecular units 1 with the FeII ion lying in a distorted bisdisphenoid dodecahedron, a rare example of octacoordination in the coordination environment of this cation. The magnetic behavior of 1 shows that the FeII is high-spin, and its Mössbauer spectrum is characterized by a relatively large average quadrupole splitting, ΔEQ = 3.42 mm s–1. Compound 2 defines a strongly distorted octahedral environment for FeII in which one [bipy(ttr)2]− anion coordinates the equatorial positions of the FeII center, while the axial positions are occupied by peripheral N-tetrazole atoms of two adjacent {Fe[bipy(ttr)2]}0 moieties thereby generating an infinite double-layer sheet. Compound 2 undergoes an almost complete spin crossover transition between the high-spin and low-spin states centered at about 221 K characterized by an average variation of enthalpy and entropy ΔHav = 8.27 kJ mol–1, ΔSav = 37.5 J K–1 mol–1, obtained from calorimetric DSC measurements. Photomagnetic measurements of 2 at 10 K show an almost complete light-induced spin state trapping (LIESST) effect which denotes occurrence of antiferromagnetic coupling between the excited high-spin species and TLIESST = 52 K. The crystal structure of 2 has been investigated in detail at various temperatures and discussed., The research reported here was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO) and FEDER funds (CTQ2013-46275-P) and Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2012/049). L.P.-L. thanks the Generalitat Valenciana and the Universidad de Valencia for a predoctoral fellowship. M.S. thanks the EU for a Marie Curie fellowship (IIF-253254).

The influence of the charge and steric hindrance on the spin state of a series of four monomeric Fe-II complexes derived from the tridentate tigands 2-(1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (Hphenbi) and 2-(1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl-9-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Hmphenbi) and their deprotonated forms (phenbi(-), mphenbi(-)) are investigated. The crystal structure and magnetic properties show that [Fe(Hphenbi)(2)](BF4)(2)center dot 1.5C(6)H(5)NO(2)center dot H2O (1) and its neutral form [Fe(phenbi)(2)]center dot 2CHCl(3)center dot H2O (2) are low-spin complexes at 400 K due to the strong ligand field imparted by the terpyridine-like tigand. In contrast, the steric hindrance induced by the methyl group in [Fe(Hmphenbi)21(BF4)2 (3) stabilizes the high-spin state of the Fe-II ion at all temperatures. Application of a hydrostatic pressure of 0.43 GPa shows that 3 displays incomplete thermal-induced spin crossover behaviour. However, upon deprotonation of the ligand the resulting neutral complex [Fe(mphenbi)(2)]center dot 2CHCl(3) (4) shows a complete two-step spin crossover behaviour at ambient pressure., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO) and FEDER funds (CTQ2013-46275-P), and the Generalitat Valenciana through PROMETEO/2012/049. MS thanks the EU for a Marie Curie fellowship (IIF-253254).

The synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of [Fe(bpe)4(H2O)2](TCNQ)2 (1) are reported. 1 crystallizes in the triclinic P space group, a = 13.481(5), b = 14.887(3), c = 16.663(4) A, α = 101.048(18), β = 112.84(2), γ = 90.92(2)°, V = 3009.6(14) A3, Z = 2. The iron atom defines a compressed octahedron with the equatorial positions occupied by the bpe molecules which act as monodentate ligands and the two axial positions occupied by water molecules. The TCNQ− radical counterions are uncoordinated and interact by pairs defining (TCNQ)22− units strongly coupled antiferromagnetically. The iron(II) atoms are in the high spin state and its magnetic behaviour indicates the occurrence of zero-field splitting of the S = 2 ground state.

The dinuclear iron(II) complex {[Fe(CH3bipy)(NCS)2]2bpym} has been synthesised and its crystal structure determined at 293 K. The magnetic properties display intramolecular antiferromagnetic coupling at 1 bar (J = −4.2 cm−1), and the onset of a pressure-induced spin conversion is observed at 11 kbar. Magnetic field Mossbauer measurements have been carried out at 4.2 K, and indicate that the HS species correspond to [HS-HS] pairs. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)

[EN] A new dinuclear iron(III) complex with the tetradentate ligand N,N'-o-phenylenebis(oxamate) (opba) has been synthesised, and structurally, magnetically and electrochemically characterised. It possesses an unprecedented triply bridged Fe-2(mu-O)(mu-RCO2...H2O...O2CR)(2) core, whereby two N-amides from the opba ligand complete the square-pyramidal coordination sphere of the O-carboxylate rich iron site (Fe-N = 2.053 Angstrom and Fe-O = 2.015 Angstrom), The antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between the two high-spin Fe-III ions through the oxo bridge (J = -190 cm(-1); H = -JS(1)(.)S(2)) is weaker than that found in related mu-oxo singly bridged diiron(III) complexes. The lessened antiferromagnetic coupling correlates to the remarkably long Fe-O distance (R = 1.808 Angstrom), which is associated to the relatively bent Fe-O-Fe angle (alpha = 131.8degrees) in the Fe2O unit. It experiences an irreversible one-electron oxidation process in acetonitrile at 25degreesC (E = 0.63 V versus SCE) to give the putative mixed-valent diiron(III, IV) species which is unstable under the experimental conditions. The reactivity of this unique oxo-bridged diiron(III) oxamate complex toward hydrogen peroxide activation and hydrocarbon oxidation in the presence of dioxygen has been examined. It catalyses the oxidation of alkanes like cyclohexane and adamantane to the corresponding alcohols and ketones by H2O2 and O-2 in acetonitrile at room temperature with limited catalytic activities (total yields of ca. 5% after 24 h) and modest selectivities (A/K = 0.9, KIE = 2.4, tert/sec = 3.0). Overall, these results are more in line with a mechanism involving alkyl radicals as transient intermediates, although they do not exclude the possibility that a metal-based active oxidant is also involved in this C-H bond oxidation chemistry., This work was supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnologı́a (MCYT) (Spain) through the Plan Nacional de Investigación Cientı́fica, Desarrollo e Innovación Tecnológica (I + D + I) (BQU2001 2928) and the Ramón y Cajal programme. Further support from the Oficina de Ciencia i Tecnologı́a de la Generalitat Valenciana (Spain) through the Plan Valenciano de Investigación Cientı́fica, Desarrollo Tecnológico e Innovación (PVIDI) (CTIDIA2002 131) is also acknowledged. E.P. thanks the Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte (Spain) for a FPU grant. We are specially thankful to Dr. E. Anxolabèhere-Mallart for the assistance with the electrochemical measurements and Dr. J. Cano for very stimulating talks and unselfish help during the realisation of this work.

[EN] In the present article we discuss the cooperative nature of the spin crossover phenomenon in iron(II) complexes, providing a perspective of the state of the art in this area. The first aspect we discuss is the role of the intermolecular interactions, more precisely the ¿-interactions, in mononuclear complexes. We show that by playing with the nature of the ligands, aliphatic, aromatic, or extended aromatic, it is possible to create stronger cohesive forces and receive a more cooperative response from the compound. In the next step the singular family of bipyrimidine-bridged iron(II) dinuclear compounds is presented as the simplest example of polynuclear spin crossover complexes exhibiting a rich variety of magnetic behaviours, which stem from the synergistic effect between intramolecular and cooperative intermolecular interactions. Finally, a number of polymeric 1-3D architectures of varying dimensionality and topology are discussed in terms of the search for strong cooperative spin crossover systems., We are grateful for financial support from the European Commission through the TMR-Network project Thermal and Optical Switching of Spin States (TOSS) , Contract No. ERB-FMRX-CT98-0199EEC/TMR. Some important results here reviewed have been carried out in collaboration with other TOSS groups, in particular, pressure and Mössbauer experiments in presence of strong magnetic combined with LIESST effect, were performed together with Professor P. Gütlich and Dr. V. Ksenovontov and photomagnetic measurements with Professor O. Kahn and Dr. J.F. Létard to whom we are deeply grateful. We thank the financial assistance from the Ministerio Español de Ciencia y Tecnología (project BQU 2001-2928).

[EN] The suitability of the system [Fe(4,4`-bipy)(H2O)2(NCX)2]·(4,4`-bipy), where 4,4`-bipy stands for 4,4`-bipyridine and X = S (1) and Se (2), as a precursor for the synthesis of new polymeric spin-crossover compounds has been studied. The reaction of 1 or 2 with bt (2,2`-bithiazoline) afforded the polymeric compounds of formula [Fe(4,4`-bipy)(bt)(NCX)2] (X = S (3), Se (4)). Compounds 3 and 4 are isostructural, but only the crystal structure of 3 has been fully determined. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, Fdd2 space group, Z = 24, with a = 38.962(8) Å, b = 11.545(2) Å, c = 30.889(6) Å, V = 13895(5) Å3. The structure consists of linear chains constituted by trans-4,4`-bipy linked iron(II) ions; two cis equatorial positions are occupied by two pseudohalide ligands, and the remaining positions are filled by the bidentate bt ligand. Investigation of their magnetic properties and Mössbauer spectra has revealed the occurrence of a low-spin (LS) ¿ high-spin (HS) conversion involving 12% (3, S) and 20% (4, Se) of the Fe(II) ions. The thermal variation of the HS fraction is gradual with onset temperatures as low as 60 K. A theoretical approach based on the Ising-like model, completed with molecular vibrations, through harmonic oscillators, fits the data successfully, leading to an energy gap of 65 cm-1 (3) and 86 cm-1 (4) between the lowest LS and HS levels, and an average vibration frequency ¿¿LS of 382 cm-1 (3) and 365 cm-1 (4) in the LS state. The ca. 1.05 ¿LS(3)/¿LS(4) ratio is close to the ca. 1.09 Se/S molar mass ratio. The simple electrovibrational Ising-like model permits us to explain, for the first time, a mass effect through the molecular vibrations in a spin-crossover complex that is in the unusual situation of equienergy among the HS and LS states., We thank the financial assistance from the Ministerio Español de Ciencia y Tecnología (Project BQU 2001-2928). We acknowledge the European Commission for granting the TMR-Network Thermal and Optical Switching of Molecular Spin States (TOSS) , Contract noERB-FMRX-CT98-0199EEC/TMR.

[EN] The new complexes of formulae PPh4[Cr(dpa)(ox)(2)] (1), AsPh4[Cr(dpa)(OX)(2)] (2), Hdpa[Cr(dpa)(ox)(2)]-4H(2)O (3), Rad[Cr(dpa)(ox)(2)] . H2O (4) and Sr[Cr(dpa)(ox)(2)](2) . 8H(2)O (5) [PPh4 = tetraphenylphosphonium cation; AsPh4 = tetraphenylarsoniurn cation; dpa = 2,T-dipyridylamine; ox = oxalate dianion; Rad = 2-(4-N-methylpyridinium)4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-a-oxyl-3-N-oxide] have been prepared and characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structures of 1-4 consist of discrete [Cr(dpa)(ox)(2)](-) anions, tetraphenylphosphonium. (1), tetraphenylarsonium (2), monoprotonated Hdpa (3) and univalent radical (4) cations and uncoordinated water molecules (2-4). The chromium environment in 1-4 is distorted octahedral with Cr-O bond distances between 1.982(2)-1.946(2) Angstrom and Cr-N bonds of 2.0716(17)-2.048(3) Angstrom. The angles subtended at the chromium atom by the two oxalates are 83.6(2)-81.71(8)degrees, whereas the N-Cr-N angles are 87.76(7)-86.24(9)degrees. The [Cr(dpa)(ox)(2)](-) unit of 1-4 is also present in 5 but it acts as a chelating ligand through its two oxalato groups towards divalent strontium cations, yielding heterobimetallic zig-zag chains that run parallel to the a axis. Each chain is formed of diamond-shaped units sharing the strontium atoms, while the two other corners are occupied by two crystallographically independent chromium atoms. The [Cr(dpa)(ox)(2)](-) unit in 5 retains the environment observed in 1-4 and the strontium atom is coordinated to eight oxalate oxygens from four oxalate ligands. The two crystallographycally independent chromium centres within each double chain have opposite chirality. However, the adjacent double chains are related by an inversion centre resulting in achiral layers parallel to the ac plane. The magnetic properties of 1-5 have been investigated in the temperature range 1.9-290 K. A quasi Curie law behaviour is observed for 1-3 and 5 in agreement with their crystal structures, whereas a significant antiferromagnetic interaction between the chromium(m) and the radical centre occurs in the case of 4. The synthetic possibilities offered by the use of the heteroleptic species [CrL(ox)(2)](-) (L = alpha -diimine-type ligand) as a ligand towards metal ions is analysed and discussed in the fight of the available structural results., Financial support from the Spanish Dirección General de Investigación Científica y Técnica (DGICYT) through Projects PB97-1397 and PB98-1044, the Romanian Ministry of Education (Grants 30C/CNCSIS and 1D/CNCSIS) and the TMR Program from the European Union (Contract ERBFMRXCT98-0181) is acknowledged. Thanks are also extended to the Centre d'Informàtica de la Universitat de València for computer resource support.

[EN] The new bimetallic nickel(II) compound (PPh4)4[Ni2(2)]·6H2O (3), where H8[2] stands for N,N',N'',N'''-1,2,4,5-benzene-tetrayltetrakis(oxamic acid), has been synthesized and its crystal structure determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of 3 consists of [Ni2(n4:n4-2)]4- anions, tetraphenylphosphonium cations, and water molecules. Facile one-electron oxidation of the square-planar diamagnetic dinickel(II) complex [Ni2(n4:n4-2)]4- generates the metallo-radical species [Ni2(n4:n4-2·+)]3- with characteristic intra-ligand ¿cation radical transitions in the visible region (475-550 nm) as well as a typical quasi-isotropic EPR signal at g ¿ 2.0., This work was supported by the CNRS (France) and the DGICYT (Spain) through project PB9421002. B. Cervera thanks the Conselleria de Educació i Ciència de la Generalitat Valenciana (Spain) for a grant.

[EN] Two new heterobimetallic complexes [Cu(pdmg)Ni(Me-3[12]N-3)(CH3CH2OH)](ClO4)(2)(2) and [Cu(pdmg) Mn(bipy)(2)]-ClO4)(2) . H2O (3) (H(2)pdmg = 3,9-dimethyl-4,8-diazaundeca-3,8-diene-2 10-dione dioxime; Me-3[12]N-3 = 2,4,4-trimethyl-1,5,9-triazacyclododeca-1-ene; bipy = 2,2'-bipyridyl) have been prepared and characterized. The structure of 2 has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. It consists of [Cu(pdmg)Ni(Me-3[12]N-3)(CH3CH2OH)](2+) cations and non-coordinated perchlorate anions. The [Cu(pdmg)(CH3CH2OH)] complex coordinates to the [Ni(Me-3[12]N-3)](2+) fragment to afford the binuclear unit doubly-bridged by oximato groups in cis arrangement. The coordination geometry around the copper atom is square-pyramidal, whereas the nickel atom exhibits a trigonal-bipyramidal surrounding The intramolecular Cu-Ni distance is 3.810(6) Angstrom. In the crystal, two [(CuNII)-N-II] dimeric units are related through an inversion center, giving rise to a bis-binuclear entity with a relatively short intermolecular Cu-Cu separation of 4.175(6) Angstrom. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements (2.0-300 K) for 2 correspond to an almost isolated Cu(II)Ni(Ir) pair with an intrapair interaction parameter J= -143.6(2) cm(-1). However, the EPR spectrum at 4.2 K is that of a triplet spin state arising from the interaction between the two doublet spin states within the [(CuNiII)-Ni-II](2) bis-binuclear entity. The magnetic properties of 3 unambiguously reveal the bis-binuclear nature of this compound, as is the case for the related homometallic complex [Cu(pdmg)Cu(bipy)(H2O)(2)](ClO4)(2). H2O (1). The intra- (J) and interpair (j) interaction parameters for 3, as deduced from the analysis of its magnetic susceptibility data in the temperature range 2.0-300 K, are - 50.9(2) and 1.50(2) cm(-1), respectively. The field dependence of the magnetization of 3 at 2.0 K corresponds to that of a nonet state arising from the interaction between two quintuplet spin states within the [(CuMnII)-Mn-II](2) bis-binuclear entity. The interaction between the heterobinuclear Cu(II)Mn(II) molecules and its influence on the nature of the ground spin state for 3 are analyzed and discussed in the framework of a spin polarization scheme., This work was supported by the Dirección General de Investigación Cientı́fica y Técnica (DGICYT) (Spain) through Project PB97-1397 the Spanish French Integrated Actions and the TMR program of the European Union through project ERBFMRXCT-980181. B. Cervera and R. Ruiz acknowledge the Conselleria de Cultura, Educació i Ciència de la Generalitat Valenciana and the Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (Spain) for doctoral and post-doctoral grants, respectively. We are very indebted to Dr Ally Aukauloo for fruitful discussions during the preparation of the manuscript and continuous interest in this work.

[EN] The iron(II) compounds of formulae [Fe(DPQ)2(NCS)2]·CO(CH)3)2(DPQ = 2,3-bis-(2¿-pyridyl)-quinoxaline) (1) and [Fe(ABPT)2-(NCX)2] (ABPT = 4-amino-3,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole) X = S (2) and Se (3) were synthesized and the crystal structure of 1 determined by X-ray diffraction methods. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system . The structure is made up of discrete [Fe(DPQ)2(NCS)2] units. Each metal atom is in a distorted FeN6 octahedral environment, the Fe¿N bonds ranging from 2.013(8) Å to 2.425(8) Å. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data in the temperature range 290¿4.2 K revealed that 1 is high spin, in contrast to 2 and 3 which show a moderately cooperative high spin ¿ low spin (HS ¿ LS) transition, centred at and 224 K for 2 and 3 respectively. The thermodynamic model of Slichter and Drickamer was applied to account for the magnetic data. The intermolecular interaction parameter, the enthalpy and entropy changes associated with the spin transition of 2 were estimated as ¿ = 2.3 kJ mol¿1, ¿H = 10.7 kJ mol¿1 and ¿S = 58 J mol¿1K¿1 respectively., We thank the Dirección General de lnvestigación Científica y Técnica (DGICYT) (Spain) for financial support through Project PB95-1002.

The tetranuclear copper(II) complex of formula [Cu2(dmg)(Hdmg)(terpy)]2(ClO4)2 (1) (H2dmg = dimethylglyoxime and terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) has been synthesized and its crystal structure determined by X-ray diffraction methods. It crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P(−1), with a = 14.382(3), b = 13.728(3), c = 8.979(2) A, α = 96.99(2), β = 111.85(2), γ = 111.22(3)°, V = 1465.0(9) A3, Z = 1, Dc = 1.607 g cm−3, Mr = 1418.0, F(000) = 719, λ(Mo Kα) = 0.71073 A, μ(Mo Kα) = 16.61 cm−1 and T = 298 K. A total of 4891 reflections were measured over the range 2 ≤ θ ≤ 25° and 4393 of them were unique (I > 2.5σ(I) and used in the structural analysis. The structure of 1 may be described as two dimeric [Cu2(dmg)(Hdmg)(terpy)]+ units linked by relatively long out-of-plane oxime bonds building a cationic centrosymmetric tetrameric entity with a linear Cu4(NO)8 core, and uncoordinated perchlorate anions. Within each dinuclear unit, the partially deprotonated [Cu(dmg)(Hdmg)]− complex unit coordinates to the [Cu(terpy)]2+ fragment through in-plane oxime bonds in an asymmetric fashion. The coordination geometry around both copper atoms is square pyramidal. The intra- and interdimer copper separations within the tetranuclear complex are 3.674(5) and 3.994(6) A, respectively. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements (4.2–300 K) have been interpreted on the basis of the tetranuclear nature of the compound. The nature and magnitude of the magnetic couplings are discussed on the basis of the structural features and compared with that of related oximato-bridged copper(II) dinuclear complexes.

[EN] Two new chromium(III)-containing complexes of formula AsPh4[Cr(bipy)(ox)(2)]. H2O 1 and [NaCr(bipy)(ox)(2)(H2O)]. 2H(2)O 2 (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine and ox = oxalate dianion) have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of 1 consists of discrete [Cr(bipy)(ox)(2)](-) mononuclear anions, tetraphenylarsonium cations and uncoordinated water molecules. The structure of 2 reveals a novel two-dimensional framework which is made up of oxalato-bridged bimetallic Cr-III-Na-I helical chains which are interconnected through centrosymmetric Na2O2 units. Within the chain, a regular alternation of the metal ions is observed, the oxalate group acting as a bis(chelating) ligand. In addition to this coordination mode, two oxalates each act as monodentate ligands towards a sodium atom of a neighbouring chain thus leading to a sheetlike polymeric structure. The chromium environment is distorted octahedral in both complexes: two nitrogen atoms from a bidentate bipy ligand and four oxygen atoms from either two chelating (1) or two bis(chelating) (2) oxalate groups build the coordination polyhedron around the chromium atom. The Cr-N bond lengths [values in the ranges 2.077(3)-2.057(3) (1) and 2.067(4)-2.058(4) Angstrom (2)] are somewhat longer than the Cr-O ones [values in the ranges 1.960(2)-1.946(2) (1) and 1.968(3)-1.949(3) Angstrom (2)]. The sodium atom in 2 is also six-coordinated: a coordinated water molecule [2.371(5) and 2.325(4) Angstrom for Na(1)-O(17) and Na(2)-O(18), respectively] and five oxygens from three oxalate groups [values of the Na-O (ox) bonds in the ranges 2.511(4)-2.331(4) and 2.481(4)-2.364(4) Angstrom around Na(1) and Na(2), respectively] build a distorted octahedral NaO6 environment. The intralayer chromium-sodium and sodium-sodium distances through bridging oxalate in 2 vary in the ranges 5.657(4)-5.579(2) and 3.534(3)-3.497(4) Angstrom, respectively. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1 and 2 reveal the occurrence of very weak antiferromagnetic interactions together with zero-field splitting effects in both compounds. The use of the [Cr(bipy)(ox)(2)](-) unit as a ligand towards different univalent and divalent metal ions aimed at designing new heterobimetallic systems is analysed and discussed in the light of available structural data., Financial support from the Spanish Dirección General de Investigación Científica y Técnica (DGICYT) (Project PB94- 1002), the Training and Mobility Research Program from the European Community (TMR Contract ERBFMRXCT980181) and the COST Program (Action 518) is gratefully acknowledged.

Pressure effect studies on the spin crossover behaviour of the mononuclear compounds {Fe[H2B(pz)2]2(bipy)}(1) and {Fe[H2B(pz)2]2(phen)}(2) have been performed in the range of 105 Pa–1.02 GPa at variable temperatures (100–310 K). Continuous spin transitions and displacement of its characteristic temperature has been observed for 1 with increasing pressure. Meanwhile the response of 2 under applied pressures is quite unexpected, and can only be understood in terms of a crystallographic phase transition or change in the bulk modulus of the compound. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)

The electrochemical behaviour of a family of monomeric copper(II) complexes of the related tetraanionic chelating ligands N,N′-o-phenylenebis(oxamate) (L 1 ) and its methylamide (L 2 ) and bis(methylamide) (L 3 ) has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry in acetonitrile at 25 °C and 0.1 mol dm -3 NEt 4 ClO 4 as supporting electrolyte. The copper(III)–copper(II) reduction potentials have been found to span a potential range from +0.41 to -0.02 V (vs. saturated calomel electrode), being reversible for all cases except the copper(II)–L 1 complex. The trend in formal potentials along this series is explained in terms of the stronger donor properties of the deprotonated-amido nitrogen atoms than those of the carboxylate oxygen ones. Hence, the stabilization of the trivalent oxidation state of copper is attributed to the increasing number of deprotonated-amido donor groups. A perfect correlation has been observed within this family between the Cu III –Cu II potentials and the visible absorption maxima of the copper(II) complexes. The relative gain in crystal-field stabilization energy for the change from the d 9 (Cu II , square planar) to the low-spin d 8 (Cu III , square-planar) electronic configuration is the main factor in the overall thermodynamic stability of the copper(III) complexes. The molecular structure of the stable copper(III) complex [PPh 4 ][CuL 3 ]·MeCN has been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The metal is in a nearly square-planar environment formed by the four amido nitrogen atoms of the chelating ligand, with short Cu–N bond distances (1.84–1.88 A) typical of trivalent copper.

The synthesis and the crystal structures of the complexes [Cu(LI)2](ClO4) (1) and [Cu(LI)(CH3CN)2(ClO4)2] (2) are reported. 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with the unit cell dimensions a = 13.169(4), b = 12.289(3), c = 14.732(3) A, β = 109.03(2)° and Z = 4. Copper(I) is coordinated to four N atoms of the two 1,10-Phenanthroline-5,6-dione (LI) ligands with a two-fold axis passing between the ligands. The copper(II) compound 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbn21 with unit cell dimensions of a = 7.498(5), b = 23.492(7), c = 12.363(4) A and Z = 4. Copper(II) coordination can be described as a distorted octahedron with the N donor atoms of one LI ligand and of two molecules of CH3CN occupying the equatorial positions completed by two oxygen atoms of the two perchlorate molecules in the axial positions.