Heterometallic hexanuclear NiM (M = Dy, Y) complexes: structure and single-molecule magnet for the Dy(iii) derivative.

To achieve a heterometallic single-molecule magnet with novel topologies, two isostructural hexanuclear clusters [NiLn(μ-OH)L(OAc)]·HO [Ln = Dy, 1; Y, 2] were prepared from the reactions of 1,3-diamine-2-propanol (HL) with MCl·6HO (M = Dy, Y) and Ni(OAc)·4HO in acetonitrile, in which the studies for 2 with the diamagnetic metal ion of Y(iii) are just for further understanding of the magnetic properties of 1. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that both heterometallic hexanuclear complexes possess an S-shaped double-pocket skeleton with the two M(iii) ions separated by a chair-like NiO moiety. The temperature- and frequency-dependent alternating-current (ac) susceptibility measurements under zero dc fields revealed a single-molecule magnet for 1. Its magnetic properties can be further understood based on the magnetic analysis of 2.