Metallosupramolecular Coordination Complexes: The Design of Heterometallic 3d-4f Gridlike Structures

A series of mixed metal 3d-4f gridlike structures, [Dy-4(H2L')(4)Zn-4(SCN)(4)] (1) and [Dy-4(H2L')(4)M-x(SCN)(8)] (M-x = Co-3 (2); M-x = Cu-5 (3)), showing Chinese hieroglyph like [2 X 2], [3 X 2], and [3 X 3] matrixes, were assembled and magnetically characterized. Remarkably, the empty cage constructed by the oblique organic ligands and SCN- ions in complex 1 were filled with the large inorganic ions [Co-3(SCN)(4)](2+) and [Cu-5(SCN)(4)](6+) in complexes 2 and 3, respectively, forming the first [3 X 2] and [3 X 3] 3d-4f gridlike structures. Additionally, magnetic studies show that complex 1 exhibits field-induced SMM behavior and double magnetic relaxation, while complexes 2 and 3 display typical SMM behavior at zero applied field.