Novel Magnetism of Ir5+(5d4) ions in the Double Perovskite Sr2YIrO6

We synthesize and study single crystals of a new double-perovskite Sr2YIrO6. Despite two strongly unfavorable conditions for magnetic order, namely, pentavalent Ir5+ (5d(4)) ions which are anticipated to have J(eff) = 0 singlet ground states in the strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC) limit and geometric frustration in a face-centered cubic structure formed by the Ir5+ ions, we observe this iridate to undergo a novel magnetic transition at temperatures below 1.3 K. We provide compelling experimental and theoretical evidence that the origin of magnetism is in an unusual interplay between strong noncubic crystal fields, local exchange interactions, and "intermediate-strength- SOC. Sr2YIrO6 provides a rare example of the failed dominance of SOC in the iridates.