Investigation of Spin Transition Processes and Magnetic Exchange Interactions in Discrete Transition Metal Complexes

• Applicant: Professor Hans-Jörg Krüger, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2002 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5369538

A detailed study of the magnetic properties of coordination compounds is crucial for understanding the underlying principles of molecular magnetism, a field of research that is currently of growing importance to science and industry. In this proposal the preparation and characterization of homo- and heteronuclear complexes, which contain 1-4 metal ions and which display distinct molecular topologies of the magnetic centers, are described. The objective of the present research proposal is a systematic study of the magnetic properties as a function of d electron configurations of the metal ions, steric and electronic properties of the ligand, type of bridging ligand, and molecular topology of the magnetic centers. In particular, this investigation focusses on the characterization of spin crossover properties of metal ions with d4-d6 electron configurations and on the magnetic exchange interactions between metal ions as well as between metal ions and p-radical ligands in discrete molecules. Special consideration is given to the study of switching the magnetic properties of the complexes by changing temperature or pressure, by irradiation of light, or by changing the redox state of the bridging ligand. The compounds serve as models for testing and refining current theoretical concepts which describe these facts of molecular magnetism.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1137: Molecular Magnetism