Search

Little is known about the mechanisms behind the bistability (memory) of molecular spin transition compounds over broad temperature ranges (100 K). To address this point, we report on a new discrete Fe

Based on two-dimensional Hofmann-type compounds, we systematically studied the regulation of the spin state by pressure combining theory and experiments. The ways of controlling the spin state under pressure have been installed.

[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.

International audience; Spin-crossover (SCO) materials exhibit thermal conversion of their electronic state from low (LS) to high (HS) spin state, which also involves both intra- and inter-molecular structural reorganisations within the crystal. The occurrence of coupled SCO and symmetry-breaking (SB), also responsible for structural reorganisations, is a current topic of interest because it can generate exotic behaviours such as unsymmetric hysteresis loops, stepwise evolution of the spin conversion, or sequences of phase transitions. Here we study the coupling and decoupling of SCO and SB during the thermal conversion of the prototypical [Fe(ptz)(6)](BF4)(2) compound diluted in the isostructural ruthenium host lattice [Ru(ptz)(6)](BF4)(2). We show that the [Ru0.35Fe0.65(ptz)(6)](BF4)(2) system undergoes a SB between the high-spin high symmetry (HShs) phase (R3 space group) and the low-spin low symmetry (LSls) phase (P1 space group). We present a structural analysis of the ferroelastic R3 -> P1 phase transition and highlight the structural SB signatures. We also study the metastable low-spin high symmetry (LShs) phase (R3 space group) reached upon fast cooling. In the framework of the Landau theory of phase transition adapted by Collet, and considering the elastic coupling between SCO and SB, we discuss the structural distortion between the HShs, LShs, and LSls phases and explain the metastable nature of the LShs phase.

Among the different types of switchable molecular compounds, sublimable Fe(II) SCO molecules provide a suitable platform to develop smart devices that respond to external stimuli. Here we report the synthesis, crystallographic structure and magnetic properties of three new neutral Fe(II) SCO molecules belonging to the {Fe[H2B(pz)2]2(L)} family with bidentate-alpha-diimine ligands L = 3-(pyridin-2-yl)-[1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine (tzpy), 5,5,6,6-tetrahydro-4H,4H-2,2-bi(1,3-thiazine) (btz) and 4,4,5,5-tetrahydro-2,2-bithiazole (bt) (1, 2 and 3, respectively), as well as two solvated forms of 1 and 3. All three desolvated compounds present thermal- and light-induced SCO transitions with different degrees of cooperativity and effectiveness. Furthermore, 1 and 2 are demonstrated to be sublimable under HV conditions affording homogeneous thin films 200 nm thick (TF1 and TF2) that retain the chemical integrity of the original molecules regardless the deposition surface. The SCO behaviour of the films is characterized by XAS technique revealing the partial retainment of both thermal- and light-induced spin transitions, yet losing the cooperativity. Finally, SCO/2D horizontal hybrid devices based on CVD-graphene are produced using these films. Being the first ones of this type utilizing molecules of {Fe[H2B(pz)2]2(L)} family, with L = tzpy and btz, the devices have allowed the successful detection of the thermal SCO transition through the electric properties of the CVD-graphene., Comment: 20 pages, 8 figures

A comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of both thermal-induced spin transition (TIST) as a function of pressure and pressure-induced spin transition (PIST) at room temperature for the two-dimensional Hofmann-like SCO polymer [Fe(Fpz)2Pt(CN)4] is reported. The TIST studies at different fixed pressures have been carried out by magnetic susceptibility measurements, while PIST studies have been performed by means of powder X-ray diffraction, Raman, and visible spectroscopies. A combination of the theory of elastic interactions and numerical Monte Carlo simulations has been used for the analysis of the cooperative interactions in TIST and PIST studies. A complete (T, P) phase diagram for the compound [Fe(Fpz)2Pt(CN)4] has been constructed. The critical temperature of the spin transition follows a lineal dependence with pressure, meanwhile the hysteresis width shows a nonmonotonic behavior contrary to theoretical predictions. The analysis shows the exceptional role of the total entropy and phonon contribution in setting the temperature of the spin transition and the width of the hysteresis. The anomalous behavior of the thermal hysteresis width under pressure in [Fe(Fpz)2Pt(CN)4] is a direct consequence of a local distortion of the octahedral geometry of the Fe(II) centers for pressures higher than 0.4 GPa. Interestingly, there is not a coexistence of the high- and low-spin (HS and LS, respectively) phases in TIST experiments, while in PIST experiments, the coexistence of the HS and LS phases in the metastable region of the phase transition induced by pressure is observed for a first time in a first-order gradual spin transition with hysteresis.

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.

Mastering nanostructuration of functional materials into electronic devices is presently an essential task in materials science. This is particularly relevant for spin crossover (SCO) compounds, whose properties are extremely sensitive to size reduction. Indeed, the search for materials displaying strong cooperative hysteretic SCO properties operative at the nanoscale close near room temperature is extremely challenging. In this context, we describe here the synthesis and characterization of 20-30 nm surfactant-free nanocrystals of the FeII Hofmann-type polymer {FeII(pz)[PtII,IVIx(CN)4]} (pz = pyrazine), which affords the first example of a robust three-dimensional coordination polymer, substantially keeping operational thermally induced SCO bistability at such a scale.

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).

Hybrid devices based on spin-crossover (SCO)/2D heterostructures grant a highly sensitive platform to detect the spin transition in the molecular SCO component and tune the properties of the 2D material. However, the fragility of the SCO materials upon thermal treatment, light irradiation or contact with surfaces and the methodologies used for their processing have limited their applicability. Here, we report an easily processable and robust SCO/2D hybrid device with outstanding performance based on the sublimable SCO [Fe(Pyrz)2] molecule deposited over CVD-graphene, which is fully compatible with electronics industry protocols. Thus, a novel methodology based on growing an elusive polymorph of [Fe(Pyrz)2] (tetragonal phase) over graphene is developed that allows us to electrically detect a fast and effective light-induced spin transition in the devices (~50% yield in 5 minutes). Such performance can be enhanced even more when a flexible polymeric layer of PMMA is inserted in between the two active components in a contactless configuration, reaching a ~100 % yield in 5 minutes., 25 pages, 5 figures

A comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of both thermal-induced spin transition (TIST) as a function of pressure and pressure-induced spin transition (PIST) at room temperature for the two-dimensional Hofmann-like SCO polymer [Fe(Fpz)2Pt(CN)4] is reported. The TIST studies at different fixed pressures have been carried out by magnetic susceptibility measurements, while PIST studies have been performed by means of powder X-ray diffraction, Raman, and visible spectroscopies. A combination of the theory of elastic interactions and numerical Monte Carlo simulations has been used for the analysis of the cooperative interactions in TIST and PIST studies. A complete (T, P) phase diagram for the compound [Fe(Fpz)2Pt(CN)4] has been constructed. The critical temperature of the spin transition follows a lineal dependence with pressure, meanwhile the hysteresis width shows a nonmonotonic behavior contrary to theoretical predictions. The analysis shows the exceptional role of the total entropy and phonon contribution in setting the temperature of the spin transition and the width of the hysteresis. The anomalous behavior of the thermal hysteresis width under pressure in [Fe(Fpz)2Pt(CN)4] is a direct consequence of a local distortion of the octahedral geometry of the Fe(II) centers for pressures higher than 0.4 GPa. Interestingly, there is not a coexistence of the high- and low-spin (HS and LS, respectively) phases in TIST experiments, while in PIST experiments, the coexistence of the HS and LS phases in the metastable region of the phase transition induced by pressure is observed for a first time in a first-order gradual spin transition with hysteresis., A comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of both thermal-induced spin transition as a function of pressure and pressure-induced spin transition at room temperature for the two-dimensional Hofmann-like SCO polymer [Fe(Fpz)2Pt(CN)4] is reported. A complete (T, P) phase diagram for compound [Fe(Fpz)2[Pt(CN)4] has been constructed. The critical temperature of the spin transition follows a lineal dependence with pressure, meanwhile the hysteresis width shows a nonmonotonic behavior contrary to theoretical predictions.

Self-assembly of [Hg(SeCN)

Mastering nanostructuration of functional materials into electronic devices is presently an essential task in materials science. This is particularly relevant for spin crossover (SCO) compounds, whose properties are extremely sensitive to size reduction. Indeed, the search for materials displaying strong cooperative hysteretic SCO properties operative at the nanoscale close near room temperature is extremely challenging. In this context, we describe here the synthesis and characterization of 20-30 nm surfactant-free nanocrystals of the Fe

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.

The asymmetric 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-triazole ligand H2V (5-amino-3-picolinamido-1,2,4-triazole) by reaction with an excess of Cu(II) perchlorate (Cu : H2V being 12 : 1) has produced a novel hexanuclear {Cu6(m3-O/H)(HV/V)3} fragment, with one triangular Cu3(m3-O/H) group connected to three peripheral single Cu(II) ions through a cis–cis–trans bridging mode of the ligand, which is the building block of the three structures described here: one hexanuclear, [Cu6(m3-O)(HV)3(ClO4)7(H2O)9]$8H2O (1), one dodecanuclear, [Cu12(m3-O)2(V)6(ClO4)5(H2O)18](ClO4)3$6H2O (2), and one tetradecanuclear 1D-polymer, {[Cu14(m3-OH)2(V)6(HV)(ClO4)11(H2O)20](ClO4)2$14H2O}n (3), the last two containing hexanuclear subunits linked by perchlorato bridges. The Cu–Cu av. intra-triangle distance is 3.352(2) A and the Cu(central) ˚ – Cu(bridged external) av. distance is 5.338(3) A. The magnetic properties of the hexanuclear ˚ “Cu3O–3Cu” cluster have been studied, resulting as best fit parameters: g ¼ 2.18(1), J(intra-triangle) ¼ 247.0(1) cm1 and j(central CuII – external CuII) ¼ 5.15(2) cm1 . This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Econom´ıa y Competitividad and FEDER (CTQ2016-78341-P), Unidadde Excelencia Mar´ıa de Maeztu (MDM-2015-0538) and Generalitat Valenciana through PROMETEO/2016/147. F. J. V.-M. thanks MINECO for a predoctoral (FPI) grant SI

[EN] Self-assembly of octahedral FeII ions, trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl) ethane (bpe) bridging ligands and [Hg(XCN)(4)](2-) (X = S (1), Se (2)) tetrahedral building blocks has afforded a new type of hetero-bimetallic Hg-II-Fe-II spin-crossover (SCO) 3D 6,4-connected coordination polymer (CP) formulated {Fe(bpe)[Hg(XCN)(4)]}(n). For X = S (1), the ligand field is close to the crossing point but 1 remains paramagnetic over all temperatures. In contrast, for X = Se (2) the complex undergoes complete thermal induced SCO behaviour centred at T-1/2 = 107.8 K and complete photoconversion of the low spin state into a metastable high-spin state (LIESST effect) with T-LIESST = 66.7 K. The current results provide a new route for the design and synthesis of new SCO functional materials with non-Hoffmann-type structures., We are very thankful for the support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21671121 and 21773006) the Spanish Ministerio de Economiay Competitividad (MINECO) and 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.

A binary reversible switch between low-temperature multi-step spin crossover (SCO), through the evolution of the population γHS(T) with high-spin (HS)-low-spin (LS) sequence: HS1LS0 (state 1) ↔ HS2/3LS1/3 (state 2) ↔ HS1/2LS1/2 (state 3) ↔ HS1/3LS2/3 (state 4) ↔ HS0LS1 (state 5), and complete one step hysteretic spin transition featuring 20 K wide thermal hysteresis centred at 290 K occurs in the three-dimensional (3D) Hofmann-type porous coordination polymer {FeII(3,8phen)[Au(CN)2]2}·xPhNO2 (3,8phen = 3,8-phenanthroline, PhNO2 = nitrobenzene), made up of two identical interpenetrated pcu-type frameworks. The included PhNO2 guest (x = 1, 1·PhNO2) acts as a molecular wedge between the interpenetrated 3D frameworks via PhNO2-3,8phen intermolecular recognition and is the source of the strong elastic frustration responsible for the multi-step regime. Detailed X-ray single crystal analysis reflects competition between spatial periodicities of structurally inequivalent HS and LS SCO centres featuring: (i) symmetry breaking (state 3) with ⋯HS–LS⋯ ordering with γHS = 1/2; and (ii) occurrence of spatial modulation of the structure providing evidence for stabilization of local or aperiodic ordered mixed spin states for states 2 and 4 (with γHS ≈ 2/3) and 4 (with γHS ≈ 1/3), respectively. Below c.a. 20 K, structural and magnetic analyses show the photogeneration of a metastable HS*, state 6. The room-temperature single-step hysteretic regime appears with release of the guest (x = 0, 1) and the elastic frustration, and reversibly switches back to the original four-step behaviour upon guest re-adsorption. Both uncommon relevant SCO events meeting in the same material represent a rare opportunity to compare them in the frame of antiferro- and ferro-elastic transitions., Reversible switch between a robust bistable two-state room temperature spin crossover (SCO) and its transformation in a four-stepped elastically frustrated SCO due to guest inclusion in a metal–organic Hofmann framework.

International audience; Three Hofmann-like metal-organic frameworks {Fe(bpac)[Pt(CN)4]}•G (bpac=1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)acetylene) were synthesized with photoisomerizable guest molecules (G = trans-azobenzene, trans-stilbene or cis-stilbene) and were characterized by elemental analysis, thermogravimetry and powder X-ray diffraction. The insertion of guest molecules and their conformation were inferred from Raman and FTIR spectra and from single-crystal X-ray diffraction and confronted with computational simulation. The magnetic and photomagnetic behaviors of the framework are significantly altered by the different guest molecules and different conformations. On the other hand, photoisomerization of the guest molecules becomes strongly hindered by the framework.

The effect of halogen functionalization on the spin crossover (SCO) properties of a family of 2-D Hofmann framework materials, [FeIIPd(CN)4(thioX)2]·2H2O (X = Cl and Br; thioCl = (E)-1-(5-chlorothiophen-2-yl)-N-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)methanimine) and thioBr = (E)-1-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-N-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)methanimine)), is reported. Inclusion of both the chloro- and bromo-functionalized ligands into the Hofmann-type frameworks (1Cl·2H2O and 2Br·2H2O) results in a blocking of spin-state transitions due to internal chemical pressure effects derived by the collective steric bulk of the halogen atoms and guest molecules. Cooperative one-step SCO transitions are revealed by either guest removal or the application of external physical pressure. Notably, removal of solvent water reveals a robust framework scaffold with only marginal variation between the solvated and desolvated structures (as investigated by powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction). Yet, one-step complete SCO transitions are revealed in 1Cl and 2Br with a transition temperature shift between the analogues due to various steric, structural, and electronic considerations. SCO can also be induced in the solvated species, 1Cl·2H2O and 2Br·2H2O, with the application of physical pressure, revealing a complete one-step SCO transition above 0.62 GPa (as investigated by magnetic susceptibility and single crystal X-ray diffraction measurements).

Integration of the ON-OFF cooperative spin crossover (SCO) properties of FeII coordination polymers as components of electronic and/or spintronic devices is currently an area of great interest for potential applications. This requires the selection and growth of thin films of the appropriate material onto selected substrates. In this context, two new series of cooperative SCO two-dimensional FeII coordination polymers of the Hofmann-type formulated {FeII(Pym)2[MII(CN)4]·xH2O}n and {FeII(Isoq)2[MII(CN)4]}n (Pym = pyrimidine, Isoq = isoquinoline; MII = Ni, Pd, Pt) have been synthesized, characterized, and the corresponding Pt derivatives selected for fabrication of thin films by liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE). At ambient pressure, variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetic, and calorimetric studies of the Pt and Pd microcrystalline materials of both series display strong cooperative thermal induced SCO properties. In contrast, this property is only observed for higher pressures in the Ni derivatives. The SCO behavior of the {FeII(L)2[PtII(CN)4]}n thin films (L = Pym, Isoq) were monitored by magnetization measurements in a SQUID magnetometer and compared with the homologous samples of the previously reported isostructural {FeII(Py)2[PtII(CN)4]}n (Py = pyridine). Application of the theory of regular solutions to the SCO of the three derivatives allowed us to evaluate the effect on the characteristic SCO temperatures and the hysteresis, as well as the associated thermodynamic parameters when moving from microcrystalline bulk solids to nanometric thin films. ispartof: ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES vol:12 issue:26 pages:29461-29472 ispartof: location:United States status: published

International audience; We report a series of meltable FeII complexes, which, depending on the length of aliphatic chains, display abrupt forward low‐spin to high‐spin transition or unprecedented melting‐triggered reverse high‐spin to low‐spin transition on temperature rise. The reverse spin transition is perfectly reproducible on thermal cycling and the obtained materials are easily processable in the form of thin film owing to their soft‐matter nature. We found that the discovered approach represents a potentially generalizable new avenue to control both the location in temperature and the direction of the spin transition in meltable compounds.

[EN] Competition between spin-crossover and structural ligand ordering is identified as responsible for multistability and generation of six different phases in a rigid two-dimensional coordination polymer formulated {Fe-II[Hg-II(SCN)(3)](2) mu-(4,4'-bipy)(2)}(n) (1) (4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine). The structure of 1 consists of infinite linear [Fe(mu-4,4'-bipy)](n)(2n+) chains linked by in situ formed {[Hg-II(SCN)(3)](2)(mu-4,4'-bipy)}(2n-) anionic dimers. The thermal dependence of the high-spin fraction, his, features four magnetic phases defined by steps following the sequence gamma(HS) = 1 (phase 1) gamma(HS) = 1/2 (phase 2) gamma(HS) approximate to 1/3 (phase 3) gamma(HS) = 0 (phase 4) These four magnetic states are consistent with structural ordering stemming from the different commensurate or incommensurate high and low-spin populations [HS] [HS:LS], approximate to [HS:2LS] [LS1] inferred from single crystal-analysis. Furthermore, two additional phases are generated at low temperature. One, LS2 (gamma(HS) = 0, phase 5); is due to spontaneous symmetry breaking of the : LS-1 state below 85 K The other results from irradiating the low-temperature-LS2 Phase at 15 K with red light to photogenerate a HS phase of low symmetry (HS*) (gamma(HS) = 1, phase 6). Detailed structural studies of the six phases-unravd the pivotal role-played by the internal dihedral angle of the 4,4'-bipy ligands in the microscopic. mechanism responsible for multistability and multistep behavior in 1., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO), FEDER (CTQ2013-46275-P and CTQ2016-78341-P), Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu (MDM-201S-0538), the Generalitat Valenciana through PROMETEO/2016/147, and the Institut Universitaire de France, the National Research Agency (ANR-13-BS04-0002), Rennes Metropole and CNRS (Post-Doc funding of E.T.). L.P.L. and F.J.V.M. thank to the Universidad de Valencia and a MINECO for a predoctoral (FPI) grant. Prof. D. Zhang thanks for the support from the Natural Science Foundation of China (21671121).

The asymmetric 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-triazole ligand H

The synthesis, structural characterization and magnetic properties of two new isostructural porous 3D compounds with the general formula {Fe

Self-assembly of octahedral FeII ions, trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpe) bridging ligands and [Hg(XCN)4]2- (X = S (1), Se (2)) tetrahedral building blocks has afforded a new type of hetero-bimetallic HgII-FeII spin-crossover (SCO) 3D 6,4-connected coordination polymer (CP) formulated {Fe(bpe)[Hg(XCN)4]}n. For X = S (1), the ligand field is close to the crossing point but 1 remains paramagnetic over all temperatures. In contrast, for X = Se (2) the complex undergoes complete thermal induced SCO behaviour centred at T1/2 = 107.8 K and complete photoconversion of the low spin state into a metastable high-spin state (LIESST effect) with TLIESST = 66.7 K. The current results provide a new route for the design and synthesis of new SCO functional materials with non-Hoffmann-type structures.

[EN] A multistable spin crossover (SCO) molecular alloy system [Fe1-xMx(nBu-im)(3)(tren)](P1-yAsyF6)(2) (M = Zn-II, Ni-II; (nBu-im)(3)(tren) = tris(n-butyl-imidazol(2-ethylamino))amine) has been synthesized and characterized. By controlling the composition of this isomorphous series, two cooperative thermally induced SCO events featuring distinct critical temperatures (T-c) and hysteresis widths (Delta T-c, memory) can be selected at will. The pristine derivative 100As (x = 0, y = 1) displays a strong cooperative two-step SCO and two reversible structural phase transitions (PTs). The low temperature PTLT and the SCO occur synchronously involving conformational changes of the ligand's n-butyl arms and two different arrangements of the AsF6- anions [T-c(1) = 174 K (Delta T-c(1) = 17 K), T-c(2) = 191 K (Delta T-c(2) = 23 K) (scan rate 2 K min(-1))]. The high-temperature PTHT takes place in the high-spin state domain and essentially involves rearrangement of the AsF6- anions [T-c(PT) = 275 K (Delta T-c(PT) = 16 K)]. This behavior strongly contrasts with that of the homologous 100P [x = 0, y = 0] derivative where two separate cooperative one-step SCO can be selected by controlling the kinetics of the coupled PTLT at ambient pressure: (i) one at low temperatures, T-c = 122 K (Delta T-c = 9 K), for temperature scan rates (>1 K min(-1)) (memory channel A) where the structural modifications associated with PTLS are inhibited; (ii) the other centered at T-c = 155 K (Delta T-c = 41 K) for slower temperature scan rates PF6- substitution, and hence of the PTLT kinetics, selectively selects the memory channel B of 100P when x = 0 and y approximate to 0.7. Meanwhile, substitution of Fe-II with Zn-II or Ni-II [x approximate to 0.2, y = 0] favors the low temperature memory channel A at any scan rate. This intriguing interplay between PT, SCO and isomorphous substitution was monitored by single crystal and powder X-ray diffractometries, and magnetic and calorimetric measurements., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO), FEDER (CTQ2016-78341-P), Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu (MDM-2015-0538), and the Generalitat Valenciana through PROMETEO/2016/147 and an EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation (RISE project number 734322). F. J. V. M. and M. M. S. thank MINECO for a predoctoral (FPI) grant.

[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] The unprecedented bimetallic 2D coordination polymer {Fe[(Hg(SCN)3)2](4,4’-bipy)2}n exhibits a thermal high-spin (HS)$low-spin (LS) staircase-like conversion characterized by a multi-step dependence of the HS molar fraction gHS. Between the fully HS (gHS = 1) and LS (gHS = 0) phases, two steps associated with different ordering appear in terms of spin-state concentration waves (SSCW). On the gHS 0.5 step, a periodic SSCW forms with a HS-LS-HS-LS sequence. On the gHS 0.34 step, the 4D superspace crystallography structural refinement reveals an aperiodic SSCW, with a HS-LS sequence incommensurate with the molecular lattice. The formation of these different long-range spatially ordered structures of LS and HS states during the multi-step spin-crossover is discussed within the framework of “DevilÏs staircase”-type transitions. Spatially modulated phases are known in various types of materials but are uniquely related to molecular HS/LS bistability in this case., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO), FEDER (CTQ2013-46275-P), Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu MDM-2015-0538, the Generalitat Valenciana through PROMETEO/2012/049. L.P.L. and F.J.V.M. thank the Universidad de Valencia and a MINECO for a predoctoral (FPI) grant. D.Z. thanks the Natural Science Foundation of China and China Scholarship Council. This work was supported by the Institut Universitaire de France, the National Research Agency (ANR-13-BS04-0002), Rennes Metropole and CNRS (Post-Doc funding of E.T.). E.C. and J.A.R. would like to thank G. Chastanet for meditations on the Devil's staircase.

[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.

[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.

We report an unprecedented series of two-dimensional (2D) spin-crossover (SCO) heterobimetallic coordination polymers generically formulated as {Fe

The spin-crossover compound [Fe(n-Bu-im)3(tren)](PF6)2shows an unusual long relaxation time of 20 h after light-induced excited spin state trapping when irradiating at 80 K. This is more than 40 times longer than when irradiating at 10 K. Optical absorption spectroscopy, magnetometry, and X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation were used to characterize and explain the different relaxation behaviors of this compound after irradiation below and above 70 K. Rearrangement of the butyl chains of the ligands occurring during the relaxation after irradiation above 70 K is thought to be responsible for the unusually long relaxation time at this temperature.

Solvated and unsolvated forms of the complex [Fe(HAT)(NCS)2]∞·(nMeOH) (1) (n = 1.5, 0; HAT = 1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaazatriphenylene) were prepared. The structure of 1·(1.5MeOH), measured at 120 K, showed that this system crystallizes in the homochiral P43 tetragonal space group. The solid is constituted of stacks of one-dimensional coordination polymers running along c-axis. All the FeII centres have the same Λ or Δ conformation and are in the LS state at 120 K. In the range of temperatures 10–300 K the magnetic properties of 1·(1.5MeOH) shows the occurrence of reversible spin crossover behaviour. However, above ca. 310 K complete desolvation of 1·(1.5MeOH) to give 1 was observed from crystal structure analysis, magnetic behaviour and thermal analysis. Compound 1 displays a two-step spin crossover behaviour characterised by a plateau 60 K wide. Simulation of the two-step behaviour in the frame of the regular solutions theory afforded, respectively, the critical temperatures (Tci), the interaction parameters (Γi), and the enthalpy (ΔHi) and entropy (ΔSi) variations for steps i = 1 and 2: Tc1(Tc2) = 172 (358) K, Γ1(Γ2) = 1.6 (3.0) kJ mol−1, ΔH1(ΔH2) = 5.7 (18.3) kJ mol−1 and ΔS1(ΔS2) = 33.4 (51.0) J K mol−1.

The complex relaxation from the photoinduced high-spin phase (PIHS) to the low-spin phase of the bimetallic two-dimensional coordination spin-crossover polymer [Fe[(Hg(SCN)3)2](4,4′-bipy)2]nis reported. During the thermal relaxation, commensurate and incommensurate spin-state concentration waves (SSCWs) form. However, contrary to the steps forming at thermal equilibrium, associated with long-range SSCW order, the SSCWs forming during the relaxation from the PIHS phase correspond to short-range order, revealed by diffuse X-ray scattering. This is interpreted as resulting from the competition between the two types of SSCW order and another structural symmetry breaking, due to ligand ordering, occurring at low temperature and precluding long-range SSCW order.

[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.

The appropriate choice of the transition metal complex and metal surface electronic structure opens the possibility to control the spin of the charge carriers through the resulting hybrid molecule/metal spinterface in a single-molecule electrical contact at room temperature. The single-molecule conductance of a Au/molecule/Ni junction can be switched by flipping the magnetization direction of the ferromagnetic electrode. The requirements of the molecule include not just the presence of unpaired electrons: the electronic configuration of the metal center has to provide occupied or empty orbitals that strongly interact with the junction metal electrodes and that are close in energy to their Fermi levels for one of the electronic spins only. The key ingredient for the metal surface is to provide an efficient spin texture induced by the spin-orbit coupling in the topological surface states that results in an efficient spin-dependent interaction with the orbitals of the molecule. The strong magnetoresistance effect found in this kind of single-molecule wire opens a new approach for the design of room-temperature nanoscale devices based on spin-polarized currents controlled at molecular level.

International audience; Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a unique biomaterial with interesting physico-chemical properties and potential technological applications (i.e. removal of heavy metals from wastewater, manufacturing electrical and electronic devices, papermaking and biomedical technologies among others). In this work, we describe the growth of well formed micro-crystals of the one-dimensional spin crossover (SCO) compound [Fe(Htrz)(2)(trz)](BF4)(n) in a matrix of BC. The thermal dependence of the magnetic, optical, calorimetric and vibrational properties associated with the SCO properties of the resulting composite material have been investigated and compare well with those of the bulk SCO. The SCO-BC composite films display reversible thermomagnetic (diamagnetic paramagnetic) and thermochromic bistability (purple pale-yellow) determined by a well-defined hysteresis in the temperature range ca. 345-380 K where these properties depend on the history of the sample (memory effect).

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.

Self-assembling iron(II), 2-fluoropyrazine (Fpz), and [M

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.

Surfactant-free nanocrystals of the model spin-crossover compound [Fe(phen)2(NCS)2] (phen: 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized applying the reverse micelle technique. The morphology of the nanocrystals, characterized by scanning electronic microscopy, corresponds to rhombohedric platelets with dimensions ranging from 203 × 203 × 106 nm to 142 × 142 × 74 nm. Variation of the concentration of the Fe(BF4)2·6H2O salt in the synthesis has been found to have little influence on the crystallite size. In contrast, the solvent-surfactant ratio (ω) is critical for a good particle growth. The spin transition of the nanocrystals has been characterized by magnetic susceptibility measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The nanocrystals undergo an abrupt and more cooperative spin transition in comparison with the bulk compound. The spin transition is centered in the interval of temperature of 175-185 K and is accompanied by 8 K of thermal hysteresis width. The crystallite quality more than the crystallite size is responsible for the higher cooperativity. The magnetic properties of the nanocrystals embedded in organic polymers such as polyethylene glycol, nujol, glycerol, and triton have been studied as well. The spin transition in the nanocrystals is affected by the polymer coating. The abrupt and first-order spin transition transforms into a more continuous spin transition as a result of the chemical pressure asserted by the organic polymers on the Fe(II) centers.