On the richness of supra-molecular chemistry and its openings in physics

Some branches of molecular and supra-molecular chemistry deal with magnetic ions (mainly of the 3d transition series). This leads to the subject of molecular magnetism. When magnetic molecules are sufficiently separated from each other to avoid inter-molecular exchange interactions, they form networks of spin-clusters, sometimes called 'single molecule magnets'. However, this label can only apply to high-spin molecules, with high classical energy barriers. This paper gives a short presentation of the results obtained on the low-spin molecule V-15, in collaboration with the Bielefeld group of Achim Miller. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V.