Review Article, J Chem Appl Chem Eng Vol: 1 Issue: 2

Room-Temperature Spin-Transition Iron Compounds

Nayathuparambil Thomas Madhu^1,2*, Esther Theresa Knittl⁴, Tegene Desalegn Zeleke³, Alemu Gonfa Robi² and Wolfgang Linert^4*

¹Department of Chemistry, Adddis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, P.O.Box.16417, Ethiopia

²Department of Chemistry, University of Hawassa, Sidama, P. O. Box.05, Ethiopia

³Department of Chemistry, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, P. O. Box. 1888, Ethiopia

⁴Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-AC, A-1060 Vienna, Austria

*Corresponding Authors : Nayathuparambil Thomas Madhu
Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, P.O.Box.16417, Ethiopia
Tel: ++43-1-58801-15350
Fax: ++43-1-5816668-16299
E-mail: ntmadhu@hotmail.com

Wolfgang Linert
Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-AC, A-1060 Vienna, Austria
Tel: ++43-1-58801- 163613
Fax: ++43-1-58801-9-163613
E-mail: wolfgang.linert@tuwien.ac.at

Received: October 06, 2017 Accepted: October 14, 2017 Published: October 21, 2017

Citation: Madhu NT, Knittl ET, Zeleke TD, Robi AG, Linert W (2017) Room-Temperature Spin-Transition Iron Compounds. J Chem Appl Chem Eng 1:2 doi:10.4172/2576-3954.1000106

Abstract

Keywords: Iron complexes; Spin transition; Room temperature; Molecular magnetism

Introduction

The design of molecules that can be utilized for information processing and data storage is an attractive goal in present material science. Considerable efforts have been devoted to improve the performance of spin transition materials, in order, to realize their applications as molecular switches, nanosensors, data storage and display devices. However, most spin transition materials reported so far have experienced spin transition at low temperatures rather than room temperature due to the thermal equilibrium between high spin (HS) and low spin (LS) states with a moderate ligand field. However, one of the great challenges underlying the search for such moleculebased functional materials is to produce systems that exhibit properties of technological interest that can be tuned and exploited at room temperature. Thermal hysteresis is crucial to the molecular bistability and information storage, a wide hysteresis near room temperature is expected to be of practical sense for the molecular compounds. Some landmark achievements in this area are the discovery of a moleculebased magnet that displays ordering above 300K [1,2], and the preparation of molecular materials that undergo spin transitions close to room temperature [3].

In octahedral ligand fields, transition metal ions with d4– d7 configurations adopt either a high-spin (HS) or a low spin (LS) electronic arrangement, according to whether the crystal field energy is lower or higher than the mean spin pairing energy. If the two energies are comparable, transitions between the two spin states can be brought about by varying the temperature for example. In many cases, particularly for ferrous compounds, bistability takes place, in other words the LS–HS and HS–LS transitions occur at different temperatures, forming a hysteresis loop. Materials, in which thermally induced spin transitions take place near room temperature, are interesting in view of their possible use as molecular electronic devices intended for the purpose of information recording and processing [4,5].

Such spin transitions are triggered by external perturbations, such as electromagnetic radiation, magnetic fields, and pressure/ temperature variations. Within crystalline phases, the response to the spin transition may be transmitted in a cooperative manner throughout the material, leading to hysteretic behaviour [6]. Such molecular solid state systems show characteristics of bistability, and can therefore be considered for an application as molecular switches. Current efforts are aimed at integrating spin transition systems into metal organic frameworks, to combine their properties, such as chirality, conductivity, or those derived from nanoporosity. The molecular approach used to prepare hybrid materials has been mostly exploited to obtain networks that exhibit a wide range of pore size and shapes [7,8] and which have the added potential of offering a variety of other functions, in particular, because of the inclusion of transition metals [9]. This may lead to systems where the multifunctionality is manifested by the coexistence of more than one property, such as ferromagnetism and metal conductivity [10], with no mutual interdependence. The presence of different functions within a material can, however, occur in such a way that they influence each other in a synergetic manner, thereby producing effects that would not be observed, if these properties were not coupled. Remarkable examples are, for instance, the observation of a switchable dielectric constant in a material controlled by the spin state of its spin transition centers [11], or the ability to modify the spin transition properties of a nanoporous framework by changing the nature of its guest molecules [12].

Temperature-dependent Spin Transition

Definition of spin transition

Atoms of first-row transition metals with electronic configurations d⁴ –d⁷ (Cr^II, Mn^III, Fe^III, Mn^II, Fe^II, Co^III, Co^II) in an octahedral symmetry can adopt two different electronic ground states according to the occupation of the d orbitals split into the e_g and t_2g subsets. When the energy difference between these orbitals (Δ) is greater than the interelectronic repulsion energy (P), the electrons tend to occupy the orbitals of lower energy t_2g, and the configuration of the central metal ion is low spin (LS). In contrast, when Δ<P, the d electrons obey Hund’s rule, and the metal complex adopts the high-spin state (HS).

In-between these limits of high and low spin, a situation, where the crystal field energy and interelectronic repulsion energy have similar values, can occur. Here, the difference in energy between the HS and LS states is on the order of the magnitude of the thermal energy kT. The spin state of this type of molecule depends only on external conditions (T, p, B), and this kind of phenomenon is termed ‘‘spin transition’’ (ST) or ‘‘spin crossover’’ (SC) herein (Figure 1).

Classification of spin transitions

Temperature-dependent spin transitions occur in the crystalline and amorphous solid states, as well as in liquid solutions. In the latter case, the molar fraction of complex molecules in the HS state as a function of the temperature ΧHS(T) always follows a simple Boltzmann distribution law for the two states. In the solid state, however, the situation is different. Interactions between the spinstate- changing metal complexes themselves, as well as the complex molecules and the lattice may become very effective, leading to different shapes of χ(T) curves, as schematically represented in Figure 2: (a) gradual, (b) abrupt, (c) with hysteresis, (d) plateau, reflecting two (or more) stepped transitions, and (e) a transition with a residual HS fraction at low temperatures. In view of potential solidstate applications, abrupt and complete spin transitions exhibiting a wide hysteresis around room temperature would be of great interest [13,14]. In Figure 2, the state of the art for spin transitions measured against the criteria mentioned above will be reviewed and discussed.

Room-temperature spin transition systems

Iron(II)–triazole complexes: The majority of room-temperature ST-compounds reported until now are derived from the 1,2,4-triazol (trz) ligand system. Structurally, these complexes consist of linear chains, in which Fe(II) ions are linked by triple N1,N2-1,2,4-triazole bridges (Figure 3).

A series of iron(II) coordination polymers of 4-octadecyl-1,2,4- triazole have been synthesized and their spin transition properties have been investigated in detail [15,16].Thus, the introduction of the tosylate counter anion led to a sharp spin transition close to room temperature (T_1/2 ~300 K) with a rather large hysteresis of ca.ΔT_1/2 = 15 K. It is interesting to note that water has been found to be a good solvent for the synthesis of iron(II)–triazole coordination polymers. Generally, these complexes are highly cooperative and counter anion exchange has been proven to be a versatile way to fine-tune the spin transition temperature.

Kahn et al. [17] reported the spin transition properties of the compound {[Fe^II(Htrz)₂(trz-)]}_n(BF₄)_n and {[Fe^II(Htrz)₃]}_n(BF₄)_2n. (H₂O)_n, (where Htrz and trz are the protonated and deprotonated forms of 1,2,4-triazole). The ST of the first compound, {[Fe^II(Htrz)₂(trz-)]} n(BF₄)n, is strongly dependent on the parameters of the synthesis. In a water/ethanol mixture, a polymorph {[Fe^II(Htrz)₂(trz-)]} n(BF₄)_n (A) is formed, which exhibits a very abrupt spin transition, centered around 360 K, with a thermal hysteresis of 50 K, while the polymorph{[Fe^II(Htrz)₂(trz-)]}n(BF₄)_n (B) prepared in pure methanol leads to a smoother transition with a reduced hysteresis width. The spin transition parameters of polymorph (A) depend also strongly on the number of temperature cycles: In the first cycle, polymorph A shows STs at T_1/2↓ = 345 K and T_1/2↑ = 385 K (up and down), while T_1/2↑ is progressively shifted towards higher temperatures during the following four cycles, finally reaching a hysteresis loop of 50 K. This behavior is explained by some kind of “running in” of the material. The magnetic behavior of polymorph (B) exhibits a less abrupt ST with a hysteresis loop width of about. 50 K. Again, successive thermal cycles modify the ST parameters of this compound. The width of the thermal hysteresis loop is reduced by more than 50% after three cycles (Figure 4).

In fact, compound {[Fe^II(Htrz)₃]}_n(BF₄)_2n.(H₂O)_n was found to undergo an α↔β phase transition around 420 K, whereby the two phases exhibit different ST behaviors. The α phase shows a rather abrupt spin transition centered around 335 K with a thermal hysteresis of ΔT_1/2 = 22 K. The β phase is metastable at room temperature and shows an abrupt ST around room temperature with a hysteresis of ΔT_1/2 = 6K (Figure 5). The water-free compound {[Fe^II(Htrz)₃]} n(BF₄)_2n exhibits a less abrupt ST with a smaller hysteresis compared to its hydrated equivalent.

Nanoparticles of {[Fe^II(Htrz)₂(trz)]}_n(BF₄)_n have been prepared by the reverse micelle technique [18]. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that the average nanoparticle size is below 20 nm. The clear deep purple suspensions of these nanoparticles in n-octane are stable for a short period of time. In addition, the solid produced by controlled evaporation of the solvent can be resuspended to yield a bright transparent suspension. This suspension does indeed turn light pink when heated up, maintaining this color until it cools down below 70ºC. Both colors, each associated with the high- and lowspin states, respectively, are stable for a wide range of temperatures. The suspension of {[Fe^II(Htrz)₂(trz)]}_n(BF₄)_n nanoparticles was dried by removing the solvent in vacuum. Magnetic measurements were performed on the solid residue show that the spin transition of the nanoparticles is clearly preserved in the solid state, and it remains almost identical to that reported for bulk samples. The transition is very abrupt, rendering a well-shaped thermal hysteresis loop over 40 K (Figure 6).

It can also be observed that slight modifications of the synthetic procedure (eg. different ratios of the used solvents, water, and surfactants) lead to different micelle sizes, which affect the sizes of the particles and their ST properties. The critical temperatures can be lowered towards room temperature by changing the composition of the nanoparticles by doping the {[Fe^II(Htrz)₂(trz)]}_n(BF₄)_n nanoparticles with 20% Zn(II) metal ions.

The syntheses and spin transition properties of the compounds {[Fe(Htrz)₃]}₂(ClO₄)_2n and {[Fe(Htrz)₃-3x(4-NH₂trz)_3x]}_n(ClO₄)_2n. nH₂O (Htrz = 1,2,4-tiazole, 4-NH2trz =4-amino-1,2,4-triazole) have been reported [19]. The perfectly dry perchlorate analogue, {[Fe(Htrz)₃]}_n(ClO₄)_2n, shows a rather smooth ST around 265 K with a weak hysteresis of about 5 K. When a drop of water is added to 50 mg of {[Fe(Htrz)]}_n(ClO₄)_2n, the transition becomes very abrupt in the warming and cooling modes, with T_1/2(↑) = 313 K and T_1/2(↓) = 296 K. The water molecules create hydrogen bonds, which increases the cooperation between the FeII-centers. The ST is accompanied by an intense color change from purple to white. The hysteresis loop is just above room temperature and can be shifted by ligand doping with the 4-NH₂ trz ligand. Since the compound {[Fe(4-NH₂trz)]}₂(ClO₄)_2n shows a smooth transition, centered around 130 K, the authors expect that the ST properties could be controlled by the addition of the ligands 4-NH₂trz and Htrz. Consequently, the magnetic properties of the material {[Fe(Htrz)₃-3x(4-NH₂trz)_3x]}_n(ClO₄)_2n.nH₂O were investigated for compositions 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1, and the authors found the dependences T_1/2(↑) = 313 - 180x and T_1/2(↓) =296 - 160x. With x = 0.05, the transition occurs with hysteretic branches above and below room temperature, with T_1/2(↑) = 288 K and T_1/2(↓) = 304 K (Figure 7).

Kahn et al. [20] reported the spin transition properties of the compound {[Fe^II(4-NH₂trz)₃]}_n(tos)_3n.2H₂O, (tos = tosylate anion) under hydrated and dehydrated conditions. The hydrated form exhibits an abrupt spin transition in the warming regime at 361 K accompanied by the removal of the two noncoordinated water molecules. Cooling the dehydrated compound, {[Fe(NH₂trz)₃]} n(tos)_3n, causes a slightly smoother spin transition at 279 K. In the presence of humidity and at room temperature (293 K), the white {[Fe^II(4-NH₂trz)₃]}_n(tos)_3n turns back into the violet hydrated phase. The dehydration allows the isolation of a system with an exceptionally large thermal hysteresis loop of ca. 80 K. The {[Fe^II(NH₂trz)₃]} n(tos)₃.2H₂O–{[Fe^II(NH₂trz)₃]}_n(tos)_3n couple was one of the first examples of spin transition materials with a large hysteresis that exhibited up and down branches below and above room temperature.

The polymeric compound {[Fe^II(4-NH₂trz)₃]}_n(NO₃)_2n (with NH₂trz = 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole) was characterized and studied by optical response and electron spin resonance using Cu²⁺ and Mn²⁺ as dopants and paramagnetic probes [21]. In all of the doped samples the spin transition of Fe²⁺ ions was characterized by a pronounced thermochromic effect between a bright pink color (LS state) and chalky white colors (HS state), so the ST could be detected in an optical manner. It could be observed that doping with copper does not affect T_1/2(↑), while the stabilized T_1/2(↑) value is more sensitive to doping. By changing the amount of dopant from 10 % to 1 %, the hysteresis loop for the Cu/Fe-doped sample shifts its center from 312 to 307 K. Simultaneously, the hysteresis loop narrows from 36 K down to 28 K and the ST becomes less abrupt. Doping the same compound with manganese(II) has a more pronounced effect upon the characteristics of the hysteresis loop, which dramatically narrows over the course of the first three thermal cycles (from 41 K to a stabilized value of 21 K). Finally, the hysteresis loop ΔT_1/2 narrows and T_1/2 shifts to a lower temperature with increasing manganese(II) doping level.

Further anion exchange generated a series of iron(II) spin transition compounds of the general formula {[Fe^II(4-NH₂trz)₃]} nX_2n.xH₂O (X = 1-naphthalene sulfonate, 2-naphthalene sulfonate, 4-hydroxy-1-naphthalene sulfonate, 4-amino-1-naphthalene sulfonate, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthalene sulfonate), and the ST properties of these were investigated in relation to the nature of the counter anion involved [22]. These compounds are isostructurally linear chains, in which iron(II) ions are linked by N¹,N² of 1,2,4-triazole bridges, while the non-coordinating anions of naphthalene sulfonate type mediate interchain interactions. The physical properties of these compounds can be understood by the synergy between the Fe(II) spin transition behavior and by the dehydration–hydration process for interstitial water solvent molecules. In terms of room-temperature ST, the compound involving the 2-naphthalene sulfonate anion delivers a temperature-induced hysteresis centered at 290 K and with a 14 K hysteresis width. A further series of iron(II) ST compounds of the general formula {[Fe^II(hyetrz)₃]}n(X)_2nxH₂O, where hyetrz = 4-(2’-hydroxyl-ethyl)-1,2,4-triazole and X = Cl-, NO₃ -, Br-, I-, BF₄ -, ClO₄ - and PF₆ -, have been prepared [23]. Here, the ST is strongly associated with the removal of lattice water molecules, which initially stabilize the low-spin state. However, after dehydration, the perchlorate and iodide variants show clearly increased transition temperatures. In general, a correlation, where the transition temperature T_1/2 increases with increasing anion radius was found. For example, in {[Fe^II(hyetrz)₃]} n(I)_2n, the ST temperature T_1/2 gets very close to room temperature, and is accompanied by a thermal hysteresis of 12K centered in the vicinity of room temperature (291K). Thus, {[Fe^II(hyetrz)₃]}n(I)_2n represents one of the very few iron(II) spin transition materials, which show a spin transition with hysteresis and to be associated with thermochromic effects in the close vicinity of room temperature.

The synthesis, structural characterisation, Mössbauer study and magnetic properties of a trinuclear iron(II) compound containing the hyetrz ligand, [Fe₃ ^II(hyetrz)₃(H₂O)₆](CF₃SO₃) ,were reported by Gütlich et al. [24]. Single-crystal X-ray structure analysis carried out at two different temperatures (120 and 330 K) reveal that the central iron Fe1 is coordinated to six 4-(2’-hydroxyl-ethyl)-1,2,4-triazole nitrogens, while the two peripheric equivalent irons, Fe2 and Fe2’, are coordination polyhedral, contain three hyetrz nitrogens and three water oxygens (Figure 8).

Hydrogen bonding via the SO₃ oxygen atoms of the triflate anions link to the coordinated water molecules, and these anions are also linked by hydrogen bonding to the hydroxyl groups of the ethyl chain in the 4-position of each triazole ligand. The bond distances of the central iron Fe1 change with the temperature, indicating a LS state at 120 K and a HS state at 330 K. However, the bond lengths of the Fe2 and Fe2’ polyhedra remain constant with the temperature and thus are iron(II) in the HS state.

Magnetic measurements (Figures 8 and 9) reveal a gradual ST behavior, which crosses the room temperature regime. In the temperature range between 77–235 K, the χ^T value is constant and equal to 7.4 emu K mol^-1, which corresponds to two HS iron(II) centers and confirms the predictions of the X-ray structure at low temperature. Above 240 K the magnetic moment increases with the temperature, and at 360 K it reaches the value 10.92 emu K mol- 1, which is in accordance with the situation, where the molecule contains three iron(II) HS centers.

The synthesis, characterization, spin cross over characteristics and Mössbauer characterization of Fe(II) complexes of the tripoidal ligand tris[(1-benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]amine (tbta) (Fiugre 9), have been reported by Sarkar et al. [25].

The Fe center in complex [Fe(tbta)₂](BF₄)₂ (Figure 10) is bound to two triazole and one amine N atom from each tbta ligand, with the third triazole arm remaining uncoordinated. The benzyl substituents of the uncoordinated triazole arms and the triazole rings engage in strong intermolecular and intramolecular noncovalent interactions. The Fe(II) center in the complex is octahedrally coordinated by two triazole and one amine N donor from each tbta ligand. The Fe−N11 and Fe−N21 distances (Fe−N(triazole)) are 1.948(1) and 1.960(2) Å, respectively. The Fe−N1 (Fe−N(amine)) distance is 2.150(1) Å. The Fe−N distances here are typical for a LS Fe^II center.

The solvent free compound [Fe(tbta)₂](BF₄)₂ shows a spin transition near room temperature as shown by magnetic measurement at variable temperature (Figure 11) and spectral Mössbauer characterization.

Brooker et al. reported [26] spin transition properties of the Fe(II) thioether-linked PSRT (4-substituted-3,5-bis{[(2-pyridylmethyl) sulfanyl]methyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazoles) ligands (Figure 12).

Single crystal structures of the complexes revealed that these are the first examples of binuclear Fe^II complexes with a N₄S₂ coordination. In the PSPhT complex, the two equivalent iron(II) atoms are in a distorted octahedral N₄S₂ coordination sphere with the two ligands supplying all 12 donor atoms and providing two triazole bridges between each other. Each bridging triazole ligand binds the two iron(II) centers in a trans-axial mode, i.e., with one pyridine arm up and one down relative to the triazole ring. The Fe-N bonds [2.116(16)−2.1569(17) Å] and Fe-S bonds [2.5379(6) and 2.5932(6) Å] are long, the cis angles of the iron(II) coordination sphere ranges around 90° [79.56(5)−108.06(7)°], and the octahedral distortion parameter is large (Σ = 109.84°), all of which is consistent with the presence of HS iron(II) centers at 100 K. The PSMePhT complex is isomorphous with the PSPhT complex, so again the iron(II) centers are in an N₄S₂ distorted octahedral environment, and the bridging triazole ligands bind in the trans-axial mode. The Fe-N bonds [2.0885(30)−2.1171(35) Å] and Fe−S bonds [2.4996(12) and 2.5159(14) Å] are shorter than those in [Fe^II ₂(PSPhT)₂](BF₄)₄·2MeCN·H₂O, but are still within the range, expected for HS iron(II). In the PSiBuT complex, similar to the other two structures, the Fe^II centers are in a distorted octahedral N₄S₂ coordination sphere, comprising two heterocyclic nitrogen donors and one thioether sulfur donor from each of the two PSiBuT ligands. The length of the Fe-N bonds [2.1273(45)−2.1683(45) Å] and the Fe-S bonds [2.5448(14) and 2.5822(21) Å] are all consistent with the complex being in the [HS-HS] state at 100 K.

All three complexes undergo spin transitions at or near room temperature (Figure 13). It is interesting to mention that the spin transition properties vary by the exchange of the R-group in the ligand’s structure.

Hoffman-type pyrazine networks: Real et al. [27] reported about bimetallic coordination complexes of the general formula {[Fe^II(pz) MII(CN)₄]}_n.xH₂O (pz =pyrazine, CN = cyano, M = Ni, Pd, Pt). The crystal structure of this analogue can be seen in (Figure 14a).

The crystal structure displays that two-dimensional sheets of iron tetracyanoplatinum moieties, which are connected via Fe^II-pyrazine linkers to a 3D network, were formed. Magnetic measurements of this compound reveal a ST (T_1/2(↑) = 220 K and T_1/2(↓) = 240 K) with strong hysteretic behavior (ΔT_1/2 = 20 K). In another communication, Bousseksou et al. [28] describes the dependence of the ST of the same compound on the presence of interstitial water molecules. Note that the dehydrated form exhibits improved spin transition behavior, exhibiting a more complete ST that is closer to room-temperature. Moreover, the hysteresis loop becomes wider (ΔT_1/2 = 24 K), rather square-shaped, and reproducible over several cycles (Figure 14b).

Additionally, and for the first time, a reversible light induced LS ↔ HS one-shot laser excitation within the area of the hysteresis loop was observed. This is of fundamental importance, because in contrast to light-induced spin state trapping (LIESST), this experiment even works at room temperature, and does not show thermal relaxation from HS to LS. The metastable HS- or LS-states have infinite lifetimes in the thermal hysteresis loop region, which may give access to switch a behavior, which could be exploited in molecular hybrid device setups [28].

A ST around room temperature with a hysteresis can also observed for the nickel analogue of the 3D Hoffman-type pyrazine network, {[Fe^II(pz)][Ni^II(CN)₄]}_n.2H₂O, but the transition is not that abrupt and the hysteresis is smaller (T_1/2(↑) = 280 K and T_1/2(↓) = 305 K) than for the compound described before [27].

With respect to the aim to use spin transition compounds in the field of memory storage devices, Hoffman-type pyrazine networks are excellent candidates due to their unique combination of abrupt spin transitions with wide thermal hysteresis loops, which are centered around room temperature. Furthermore, Cobo et al. [29] studied the surface-assisted creation of multilayers of this class of ST compounds. The first monolayer cycle was obtained from a mercaptopyridine surface link (Figure 15a, step 1), while the conventional pyrazine ligand was used during subsequent cycles.

Alternating coordination sequences of iron(II) ions, [Pt^II(CN)₄]₂- and pyrazine finally led to an architecture of a few multilayers of water-free {[Fe^II(pz)Pt^II(CN)₄]_n} on a gold substrate (Figure 15a, step 2-4). The ST properties of the assembled thin films were subsequently studied by variable-temperature Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra of both, a powder sample and the multilayer were measured at several temperatures in the cooling and heating mode. The powder sample reveals a hysteresis loop width of 25 K centered around 290 K, corresponding closely to the magnetic susceptibility measurements (Figure 16a).

The multilayer sample displays a hysteresis loop centered around 310 K, also showing a hysteresis width of 25 K. However, the ST in the multilayers is much less abrupt and the square shape of the hysteresis loop has completely vanished (Figure 16b). The authors normalized the Raman intensity by the formula I(norm) = I(1,025 cm^-1)/ I(1,230 cm^-1), since the modes at 1,025 cm^-1 and 1,230 cm^-1 have the highest intensity, but other Raman markers provided comparable results (Figure 16c).

The ST behavior of nanoparticles made of Hoffman type pyrazine networks was reported by Larionova et al. [30]. The authors studied [Fe^II(pz)]²⁺- and [Ni^II(CN)₄]^2--chitosan composite beads (Figure 17).

The determination of the magnetic properties of the material was obtained at fields of 1T. The results reveal incomplete STs (T_1/2(↑) = 220 K and T_1/2(↓) = 240 K) for this kind of nanoparticles and a 10 K thermal hysteresis width. Variable-temperature Mössbauer investigations confirm the loss of ST in the nanoparticle material. Obviously, only one third iron(II) ions undergo a ST, while twothirds remain in the LS state at any temperature. The huge thermally inactive fraction can be related to the huge surface area to volume ratio of these small nanoparticles (3–5 nm), since 60–70% of the iron atoms are localized at the surface. Thus, most of the iron(II) centers in the nanoparticles experience a strongly modified coordination environment; and this situation leads to ST loss due to an inappropriate ligand field strengths.

In addition to the above mentioned 3D structures, two isostructural compounds expressing 2D coordination polymer networks of the formula {[Fe^II(3-Xpy)₂AgI(CN)₂] [AgI(3-Xpy)(CN)₂]}n.3-Xpy (py = pyridine; X = Br, I) were reported [31]. These compounds create 2D corrugated layers. The ST is situated in both cases close to room temperature (eg. for X = I exhibiting a thermal hysteresis, T_1/2(↑) = 261K and T_1/2(↓) = 275 K). In the bromo analogue, the ST is observed only in the heating mode (T_1/2 = 306 K); the compound remains blocked in the HS state during the cooling mode.

Iron(II) bis(pyrazol)pyridine complexes: Halcrow et al. [32-35] reported about an iron(II) complex, which contains the tridentate N donor ligand 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (1-bpp) with the formula [Fe(1-bpp)₂](BF₄)₂ (Figure 18).

This compound shows an unusually abrupt spin transition centered below room temperature (T_1/2 = 259 K) and possessing a mere 3 K thermal hysteresis. This ST is accompanied by significant thermochromism, with dark brown and mustard yellow colors, indicating the LS- and the HS-state, respectively. A substitution in the 4’-position of the pyridine ring of the bpp ligand has been found to be a useful tool to increase the ST temperature until they get close to room temperature (Figure 19) [13,36-38].

The introduction of a para-pyridyl substituent leads to the linear interconnection of the mononuclear iron(II) complexes into a chain like hydrogen-bonding polymer {[Fe^II(1-bpp-4-py-H⁺) (bpp-4-py)]}_n(ClO₄)_3n.(CH₃OH)_n (Figure 20a,c) [36] (1-bpp-4-py = 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)- 4,4’-bipyridine (Figure 19a).

The interconnecting hydrogen bonds are performed by the semiprotonation of the para-pyridine nitrogens of the ligand 1-bpp- 4-py, forming pyridinium cations that allow self-complementary N⁺-H-N hydrogen bonds together with deprotonated pyridines of neighbouring complex units, resulting in infinite one-dimensional chains of mononuclear ST Fe^II centers. The ST of this 1D polymer, which is centered exactly at room temperature, is accompanied by a 2 K hysteresis (T_1/2(↓) = 285 K; T_1/2(↑) = 287 K) and demonstrates the existence of a significant degree of cooperation mediated by hydrogen bonds and/or by the methanol molecules trapped in the lattice. The zero-field 57Fe Mössbauer spectra of the powdered sample was obtained at several temperatures. No notable difference between the cooling and heating mode was observed and the room-temperature ST of the sample was also confirmed by the data of the Mössbauer spectra.

With a similar system, a ST iron(II) complex, including the ligand 1-bpp-4-acety-ph-SAc (S-(4-{[2,6-(bispyrazol-1-yl)pyrid-4-yl] ethynyl}-phenyl)ethanethioate (Figure 19b), has also been reported [37]. The ST of the resulting complex [Fe^II(1-bpp-4-acety-ph-SAc)₂] (ClO₄)₂ is situated very close to room temperature (T_1/2(↑) = 273 K;T_1/2(↓) = 281 K). The appearance of its thermal hysteresis (ΔT_1/2 = 8 K) is attributed to intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions and sulfur–sulfur contact for acetyl protected thiol end-groups. Further substitutions explain the influence of the nature of the 4-substituents on the ST temperature. The iodo analogue, [Fe^II(1-bpp-4-I)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1-bpp-4-I = 4-iodo-2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (Figure 19c), shows an abrupt ST (T_1/2 = 333 K), while the 4-hydroxy phenyl group causes the ST in [Fe^II(1-bpp-4-ph-OH)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1-bpp-4-ph-OH = 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (Figure 19d) to be exactly at room temperature (T_1/2 = 281 K), but without a hysteresis (Figure 21a,b) [13]. Interestingly, X-ray diffraction studies, carried out at 180 K, did not reveal any intermolecular connectivity for these two compounds. The bond distances of the coordination polyhedra at this temperature confirm a low-spin state for the iron(II) in both cases, which fits to the magnetic measurements.

The synthesis, characterization, magnetic properties and Mössbauer spectra of a linear iron(II) coordination chain of the formula [Fe^II(1-bpp-ph-1-bpp)]_n(BF₄)_2n (1-bpp-ph-1-bpp = 1,4-bis{2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-4-yl}benzene) has been reported [38]. The polynuclear structure of the complex was proven by an ESI mass spectrum in a methanol–DMF–acetonitrile solution, which also gives an evidence for the presence of a pentanuclear oligomeric unit [Fe₅ ^II(1-bpp-ph-1-bpp)₅(BF₄ -)₈(OH-)₆]²⁺, together with fragmented smaller nuclear entities. However, the only partial solubility of the complex in the above mentioned solvent mixture may give a hint for the presence of higher-chain homologues that possess even more than five repeating units. Considering the linear rod-like shape of the ligand, the formation of cyclic oligomers can be excluded (Figure 22).

A magnetic investigation of [FeII(1-bpp-ph-1-bpp)]n(BF₄)_2n at variable temperature was carried out in the heating and cooling mode (Figure 22b). A thermal hysteresis with a 10 K loop width was observed, (T_1/2(↓) = 318 K and T_1/2(↑) =328 K), although the ΧT value was almost constant below 225 K, reaching a minimum value of 0.38 emu K mol^-1 at 4.5 K. This residual magnetic moment most likely comes from HS ions of the water end-capped iron(II) at the linear chain ends.

Another interesting family of iron(II) ST compounds with 2,6-bis(pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine ligands (Figure 19f) has been reported by Clemente-Leo´n et al. [39]. The complex consists of three heterometalic complexes, containing the ST cations [Fe^II(3-bpp)]²⁺ and paramagnetic [Cr^III(bpy)(ox)₂]- or [Cr^III(phen)(ox)₂]- anions (bpy = 2,20-bipyridine, phen = phenanthroline, ox = oxalate) are described. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis of the compound exhibits the formula [Fe^II(3-bpp)₂][CrIII(bpy)(ox)₂].2H₂O and reveals two non-equivalent iron(II) sites, Fe(1A) and Fe(1B) (Figure 23a,b).

The Fe(1A)–N distances are in the range of 2.146(2)-2.210(2) A° and are characteristic for the HS configuration. On the contrary, the Fe(1B)-N distances are shorter, 1.921(2)–1.976(2) A°, and are typical for LS iron(II). Thus, the structure shows the coexistence of HS and LS iron centers in the same crystalline phase. The four non-coordinating NH-groups of the center A have hydrogen-bonds to three anions [Cr^III(bpy)(ox)₂]- and one water molecule, and the diamagnetic Fe(B) centers are surrounded by four [Cr^III(bpy)(ox)₂]- anions with hydrogen-bonding distances. Due to the fact that the terminal O atoms of oxalates are better acceptors for hydrogen bonds than water, the electron density in the corresponding pyrazolyl ring of Fe(B) is increased with respect to the Fe(A) center, leading to a strengthening of the N(imine)–Fe(1B) bond, which favors the LS state for the Fe(1B) center. Additionally, one more type of intermolecular interaction was found in the supramolecular structure of this compound. The cationic [Fe^II(3-bpp)]²⁺ units are organized into layers via π−π stacking interactions between neighboring pyrazole parts (3.204 A°), and the anionic layers show aryl–aryl interactions between neighboring bispyridyl ligands (in the range 3.583(2)–3.742(1) A°). Finally, the cationic and anionic layers are interconnected by an intricate hydrogen-bonding network, involving water molecules. Note that dehydration and subsequent hydration are irreversible processes for this compound, and the crystal structure of the subsequent hydrated compound [Fe(3bpp)₂][Cr^III(bpy)(ox)₂].2H₂O exhibits only a HS type of the [Fe(3-bpp)]²⁺ cation connected by hydrogen bonds to three [Cr^III(bpy)(ox)₂]- anions and one molecule of water.

The magnetic properties of [Fe^II(3-bpp)₂][Cr^III(bpy)(ox)₂].2H₂O are shown in Figure 23c. The spin states of the iron(II) centers show a strong dependence on the presence of water molecules in the structure. The dehydrated compound shows a constant value of ΧT (5.5 emu K mol^-1) up to 320 K, which corresponds to the situation, where the Fe(A) centers are HS and the Fe(B) centers are in the LS state. Above 320 K, the χ^T value decreases due to a removal of water molecules from the structure and then reaches a plateau at 7 emu K mol^-1 at 400 K, which corresponds to a 100% HS state for all iron(II) atoms. In the anhydrous sample, all iron(II) centers undergo reversible and reproducible STs with a 16 K thermal hysteresis loop centered above room temperature (T_1/2(↓) = 353 K and T_1/2(↑) = 369 K). In the second cycle, the hydrated material shows completely different magnetic behavior: below room temperature, the Χ^T value is constant (7.5 emu K mol^-1) and in agreement with the spin-only value for a trinuclear system 2Cr^III + FeII(HS) (2X S1 = 3/2 + S2 = 4/2, χ^T spin-only = 6.76 emu K mol^-1). Above 300 K, water is removed and the ST of the dehydrated compound is identical to that before hydration. The authors also present two other compounds of the general formula [Fe^II(3-bpp)₂][Cr^III(phen)(ox)₂].nH₂O.mCH₃OH, where n = m = 1/2, which are isostructural with the previous complex. Again, the single crystal structure reveals two different iron(II) centers: Fe(A), which is HS and surrounded with three [Cr^III(phen)(ox)₂]- complexes and one molecule of water; and Fe(B)centers, which are in the LS state and hydrogen bonded with four Cr^III-complexes. There is also a similarity in terms of crystal packing: the π−π interactions are in-between pyrazolyl rings (cation part) and in-between phenanthroline rings (anion part). Equally, only the solvent-free compounds exhibit a complete spin transition, which is situated above room temperature and accompanied by a thermal hysteresis (T_1/2(↓) = 353 K and T_1/2(↑) = 369 K, ΔT_1/2 = 4 K).

Costa et al. [40] reported nonporous spin switching molecular materials, comprising of the Fe(II) complex of the formula [Fe(bpp) (H₂L)](ClO₄)₂·1.5C3H6O (bpp = 2,6-bis(pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine, H₂L = 2,6-bis(5-(2-methoxyphenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine) (Figure 24).

The Fe(II) complex occurs in its low spin state and crystallizes as compact discrete, nonporous material hosting acetone molecules in its crystal lattice. The system is able to extrude one third of lattice acetone and can switch to high spin state with a profound crystallographic change with the formula [Fe(bpp)(H₂L)](ClO₄)₂C₃H₆O (1). The solvent extruded compound can be reversed to the original compound by a reabsorption of acetone.

The compound [Fe(bpp)(H₂L)](ClO₄)₂·C₃H₆O (2) can replace acetone by MeOH and H₂O to form [Fe(bpp)(H₂L)] (ClO₄)2·1.25MeOH·0.5H₂O (3). Besides all these transformations, all three Fe(II) complexes exhibit spin transition around room temperature (Figure 25).

Miscellaneous room-temperature iron(II) ST systems: Weber et al. [41] reported Jäger-type mononuclear iron(II) complexes. [Fe^II(Ph(Imoxo)₂)(HIm)₂]⁰ (Ph(Imoxo)₂ = diethyl(E,E)-2,2’-[1,2- phenylenebis-(iminomethylidyne)]-bis[3-butanoate], HIm = imidazole) (Figure 26a) was shown to exhibit an abrupt ST centered at approximately 297 K (T_1/2(↓) = 244 K and T_1/2(↑Δ) = 314 K) and an unusually large thermal hysteresis loop with ΔT_1/2 = 70 K (Figure 26b).

The HS value of the χ^T product was found to be 3.32 emu K mol^-1 (at 325 K), which is in accordance to the pure Fe^II HS state. The HS plateau remains approximately constant until 250 K, where an abrupt transition to the LS state is observed and its value χ^T is 0.15 K (at 200 K). Upon heating, the LS state of [Fe^II(Ph(Imoxo)₂)(HIm)₂]0 stays constant up to 300 K (0.31 emu K mol^-1), when it increases abruptly to the HS value. These ST properties are resistant to grinding effects and are fully reproducible

The single-crystal X-ray structure (Figure 26a) of [Fe^II(Ph(Imoxo)₂) (HIm)₂]0 was obtained at 275 K and the bond distances of the coordination polyhedron (Fe^II–N(L) = 2.08 A; Fe^II–N(HIm) = 2.22 A; FeII–O = 2.03 A°) are in accordance to those, reported for similar HS iron(II) complexes. Due to the unusually large hysteresis, a detailed investigation of the intermolecular interactions is important for the understanding of the ST properties of this complex. A closer look at the supramolecular interactions between the mononuclear units reveals two different types of hydrogen bonds: The first one involves the NH hydrogen atom of the imidazole unit and the OCOEt oxygen atom (O₅) of the ligand Ph(Imoxo)2 (N….O = 2.841 A°), while the second connection is formed by the NH hydrogen atom of the second imidazole with the coordinated carbonyl oxygen atom (O1) of the ligand (Ph(Imoxo)₂) (N…O = 2.83 A°). The combination of the two hydrogen-bond types leads to an infinite two-dimensional layer of linked mononuclear molecules. In addition, two other short contacts between the OCOEt oxygens and the aromatic C–H groups of the imidazole and phenylene rings seem to play an important role. This hydrogen-bond/short-contact network is clearly responsible for the highly cooperative character of the ST, observed in this compound. It is interesting to note that a very similar mononuclear iron(II) complex involving the same ligands but a slightly different stoichiometry, [Fe^II((Ph(Imoxo)₂))(HIm)1.8]0, exhibits an ST above room temperature with a 4 K hysteresis, T_1/2(↓) = 328 K and T_1/2(↑) = 332 K [42]. The slight difference in stoichiometry seems to significantly disturb the subtly balanced H-bond network, leading to reduced cooperative interactions.

Another family of ST complexes, of the general formula [Fe^II(L)₂] (X)₂.nS, has been reported by BoÄ�?a et al. [43-46], where L are tridentate N-donor benzimidazole- type ligands (Figure 27).

The magnetic properties of [Fe^II(bzimpy)₂](BPh₄)₂.nH₂O show a strong dependence on the presence of water in the lattice (n = 4, 2, 0) [46]. The complex with n = 4 exhibits a spin transition in the temperature range of 280–350 K. The μeff values in the LS (ca 1.6 μB) and HS (ca 5.5 μB) states are typical of the S = 0 ↔ 2 spin crossover. Up to 323 K, the spin transition occurs without thermal hysteresis and is reproducible (Figure 28). Above 400 K, the complex loses water and stays in its HS state.

The perchlorate analogue [Fe^II(bzimpy)₂](ClO₄)2.0.25H₂O shows an abrupt spin transition centered above RT, T_1/2(↓) = 409 K and T_1/2(↑) = 397 K (Figure 29b); the hysteresis width is ΔT_1/2 = 12 K [45]. In this compound, a π -π stacking 3D network exists among the benzene rings, which probably causes and/or enhances the solidstate cooperativeness. At the transition temperature, the complex shows a reversible, first-order phase transition (as verified by DSC calorimetry) and exhibits a structural phase transition (as seen in the powder diffraction patterns).

The compound [Fe^II(tzimpy)₂](ClO₄)₂.2H₂O shows a strong temperature dependence of the effective magnetic moment, leading to the conclusion that the ST occurs above room temperature (Figure 30) [45]. Values of μeff are 1.0 μB below 250 K (LS) and 5.1 μB at 385 K (HS), which means that a ST occurs between the spin states S = 0 and 2. This ST is associated with a thermal hysteresis, centered at T_1/2 = 323 K T_1/2(↓) = 306 K, T_1/2(↑) = 340 K), and the hysteresis width is ΔT_1/2 = 35 K.

The neutral, mononuclear iron(II) complex of formula [Fe^II(bzimpy-1H)₂]0 H₂O with the deprotonated ligand bzimpy-1H shows a more complex magnetic behavior (Figure 31). The effective magnetic moment rises from its room-temperature value of 1.3 to 4.2 μB at 500 K. Around this temperature, the compound undergoes irreversible changes: Elimination of the crystal water, a color change (blue–green), followed by a structural change (as determined by TGA analysis, IR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction measurements). After that, in the cooling mode, the μ_eff gradually decreases and below 300 K, in reaches the value 2.0 μB. This value is caused by partial oxidation of the complex above 500 K (the presence of iron(III) in the sample was confirmed by Mössbauer spectroscopy).

There is another family of mononuclear iron(II) complexes of the bidentate N-donor ligand 2-(2’-pyridyl)benzimidazole (pyben) [47]. In this work, six complexes of the general formula [Fe^II(pyben)₃](X)₂. nH₂O are described. ST around room-temperature are observed for X = BPh₄ -, n = 1; X = Cr(NH₃)(NCS)₄-, n = 0 and X = BF₄, n = 2. However, due to experimental limitations, magnetic measurements of these compounds were only carried out at temperatures up to room temperature, which means that their STs were incomplete.

The ST properties of the compound [Fe^II(phy)₂](BF₄)₂ (phy = 1,10 phenanthroline-2-carbaldehyde phenylhydrazone) (Figure 32a) are reported in several papers by König et al. [48-50]. Magnetic measurements (Figure 32b) of this complex reveal a ST, T_1/2(↓) = 279 K and T_1/2(↑) = 286 K, that exhibits a hysteresis loop of ΔT_1/2 = 7 K. This thermal hysteresis is confirmed by other techniques: Mössbauer spectroscopy (T_1/2(↓) = 277 K and T_1/2(↑) = 286 K), variable-temperature X-ray powder diffraction (T_1/2(↓) = 277 K and T_1/2(↑) = 284 K) and DSC studies (T_1/2(↓) = 276 K and T_1/2(↑) = 288 K). The same group also presented a very detailed analysis of the hysteresis of this complex [49] and the effect of pressure on the thermal hysteresis [50].

Among the group of mononuclear iron(II) room-temperature ST compounds, we should mention the complexes of the formula [Fe^II(TRIM)₂](X)₂.MeOH (X = Br-, HCO₂ -; TRIM = 4-(4-imidazolemethyl)- 2-(2-imidazolylmethyl) imidazole) [51]. Both compounds exhibit very similar magnetic properties - the magnetic moments start to increase around 250 K from the low spin state, and at 380 K, they reach 5.1 μB (X = Br-) and 5.0 μB (X = HCO₂ -) respectively (the ST is not finished at this temperature). The transition temperatures were determined to be T_1/2 = 340 K for the Br- and T_1/2 = 330 K for the HCO₂ - analogue. The absence of thermal hysteresis seems to be a characteristic for this kind of compounds.

The crystal structure of the binuclear complex [(TPyA)Fe^II(DBQ²-) Fe^II(TPyA)](BF₄)₂ (TPyA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine; H2DBQ = 2,5-di-t-butyl-3,6-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone) elucidates strong π -π interactions between the iron(II) dimers, which may indicate a two dimensional sheet structure [52]. The pyridyl groups of the TPyA ligand and the benzene ring of the DBQ₂- ligand are involved in C–H–π and offset face-to-face π−π interactions between the iron(II) dimers. The X-ray crystal structure of this compound (Figure 33a) was measured at 208 K and indicates that both iron(II) ions are in their LS state. At 298 K, the bond distances indicate a mixed spin state in the crystal, higher than observed for the LS state, but smaller than observed for typical HS ions. These results agree with the results of the magnetic measurements at variable temperature in a good way (Figure 33b). The magnetic moment starts to increase from an LS value of around 200 K, reaching 6.69 μB at 380 K, which is very close to the spin-only value of the system 2 9 S = 2 (ca. 6.93 μB).

Boilot et al. [53] reported the synthesis, characterization and magnetic investigation of Fe^II complexes of the Schiff base ligands derived from pyridine-2-carbaldehyde with 2-hydroxy-5- nitroaniline(Hpap-5NO₂) and 5-nitro-salicylaldehyde with quinolin- 8-amine, respectively (Hqsal-5NO₂) (Figure 34).

The complexes are of the formulae Fe(pap-5NO₂)₂, Fe(qsal- 5NO₂)₂ and Fe(qsal-5NO₂)₂ .2H₂O (Figure 35). The structures of these complexes include the [N₄O₂] asymmetrical environment of Fe(II), chelated by five or six membered rings. The NO₂-groups of the ligands are located close to the aromatic planes. At 100K the bond lengths Fe–N₁ = 1.9570(19) and Fe–N₂= 1.8841(16) are shorter, 1.921(2)– 1.976(2) A°, and are typical for iron (II) in its LS state.

The spin crossover properties of the compounds Fe(pap-5NO₂)₂ and Fe(qsal-5NO₂)₂ H₂O were measured with crystalline powders in a range of 10-400 K. An abrupt spin transition, centered at room temperature with a hysteresis of 17K, occurs for the former, while the latter shows a gradual spin crossover above 300K (Figure 36).

Synthesis, characterization and spin crossover properties of Fe(II) complexes of the Schiff base ligand derived from 1H-imidazole-4- carbaldehyde and 2-aminobenzhydrazide have been reported by Wu et al. [54] (Figure 37).

The complexes are of the formulae [Fe(Liq)₂](BF₄)₂.(CH₃CH₂)₂O and [Fe(Liq)₂](BF₄)₂.3H₂O (Figure 38). The ligand Liq coordinates to the Fe(II) center equatorially through two imidazole nitrogens and axially by to the imine nitrogen atom. The BF₄ - remain as the counter anion. The single crystal to single crystal solvation transformation and the influence on the crystal structures and the magnetic hysteresis were investigated in an etherification–hydration cycle.

The etherified phase exhibits a spin crossover at room temperature (T_1/2 = 305K) with a negligible thermal hysteresis, however, the hydrated phase exhibit a spin transition around room temperature with an hysteresis loop (T_1/2↑ = 305K and T, T_1/2 = 326K ) (Figure 39).

Spin crossover properties of enantiomers, co-enantiomers, recemates and co-racemates of Fe(II) complexes of the Schiff base derived from Phenylethylamine and 1-R-2-imidazolecarboxaldehyde (R = C₄H₉ and C₅H₁₁) (Figure 40) have been reported by Gu et al. [55].

Enantiomeric Fe(II) complexes 4R, 4S, 5R and 5S of the general formulae [Fe(L)₃]²⁺ have been synthesized (Figure 41). The crystal structure reveals that the central iron(II) is coordinated to six nitrogen atoms, two, each from the three ligands, generating a distorted octahedral geometry around the central metal ion. The average Fe-N bond lengths of 4R and 4S (2.204 Aº) are consistent with the values of an iron(II) ion in the HS state.

The binary co-crystallization of the prior synthesized enantiomers resulted in the spin crossover co-enantiomers 4R5R and 4S5S and the recemates 4RS and 5RS and the co-recemate 4RS5RS.

Magnetic studies at variable temperature reveal that 4R remains in the high spin state throughout the measured temperature range 2-400K. The compound 5R shows a steep spin transition at 291K and the co-enantiomers 4R5R and 4RS exhibit gradual spin transition at a higher temperature of 301K. The racemic alloys show spin transitions above room temperature with a hysteresis loop (Figures 42 and 43).

Weber et al. [56] reported the synthesis, characterization and magnetic investigations of mixed ligand 1D coordination polymers of iron (II) with the general formula [FeL(pina)].xSolvent (where L = [([3,3′]-[1,2-phenylenebis-(iminomethylidyne)]bis(2,4- pentanedionato)(2-)-N,N′,O2,O2′] and pina = N-(pyrid-4-yl) isonicotinamide) (Figure 44).

L acts as a tetradentate ligand coordinating through both, the azomethine nitrogens and oxygens of the Schiff base. Pina is acting as an axial bridging ligand, generating a 1D polymeric structure for the complex (Figure 45). The average values of the bond lengths are 1.90 Å (Fe−N_eq), 1.94 Å (Fe−O_eq) and 2.01Å (Fe−N_ax). The observed O−Fe−O angle is with 88.9° clearly indicative for iron(II) in its LS state. The axial pina ligand links the iron centers as bridging bidentate ligand, generating an infinite one-dimensional chain.

Magnetic studies at variable temperature (Figure 46) show that the crystalline sample of the composition [FeL(pina)].xH₂O/MeOH exhibits a spin transition, centered around room temperature with a wide hysteresis loop of 88K (T_1/2↑ = 328 K and T_1/2↓ = 240 K). For the single crystals of [FeL(pina)].₂MeOH a spin transition with a 51 K hysteresis loop can be observed (T_1/2↑ = 296 K and T_1/2↓ = 245 K).

Conclusion

This review describes the state of the art in research about iron ST complexes in relation to their room-temperature switching, a critical criterion for the integration of ST compounds as active components in application devices. The survey showed that there is an increasing number of iron(II) and iron(III) complexes with critical temperatures around room temperature. In general, iron(II) ST complexes exhibit more abrupt transitions T_1/2 combined with occasionally very large temperature-induced hysteresis ΔT_1/2. Coexistence of the latter two ST parameters lead to bistability at ambient conditions, mostly in their solid-state bulk phases. Iron(II) ST complexes also show maximal magnetic discrimination between dia- and paramagnetic states, while iron(III) ST complexes must deal with two different paramagnetic states (and sometimes even an intermediate spin state). Such a situation complicates the spin-state picture; on the other hand, this class of ST compounds often delivers more pronounced thermochromism.

A common disadvantage of all iron ST systems is that they sometimes show extreme sensitivity to local environmental influences, including crystal packing, inclusion of solvent and anion/ cation molecules and concomitant crystalline phase transition events.

Critical switching temperatures at ambient conditions seem to be favored (1) by the use of rigid, multidentate ligand systems. Desirable wide regions of bistability around room temperature can be achieved (2) by multidimensional (1D, 2D, 3D) interlinking of the respective mononuclear ST centers through relatively weak, but multiple hydrogen bonding networks, or stronger coordination bond networks. The use of multinuclear ST compounds does not seem to be useful therein, particularly due to their potential for magnetic exchange processes that dilute the magnetic response and lead to more complex switching schemes.

However, the full process of introducing, integrating, and implementing ST complexes as active units into molecular hybrid devices still has some way to go. The recent reports that persistent ST switching has been observed even in thin nanoscale layers and particles, are important, since they provide the basis for introducing a ST into a device’s architecture. However, spin-state switching in such highly predefined device environments may require — in addition to the previously described triggers of temperature, pressure and light — the development of more suitable triggers, for example the direct application of electrical fields, or the implementation of single-molecule optical readout of the spin state. Addressing single monolayers or even molecules is yet important to be investigated as a research topic. The inherent tendency of ST compounds to respond to multiple triggers simultaneously is a problem, which will probably need to be tackled in the future. However, despite this remaining challenges, the ST phenomenon remains uniquely attractive, equally appealing to chemists, physicists, biologists and electrical engineers, since it leads to new horizons in molecular data processing and storage.

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