Magneto-structural correlations in layered molecular magnets based on metal complexes with 3- imidazoline nitroxides

The structures and magnetic properties of the unique series of isostructural metal bischelates with stericaily hindered deprotonated spin-labeled enamineketones M((X)Ln)2 and M((X)Ln)2(CH3OH)2, where M = Ni, Co and Cu, containing different substituents X (CH3, H, Cl or Br) in the γ-position of the metal-chelate core, were investigated. Weak ferrornagnetism is inherent in solid M((X)L1)2(CH3OH)2 at low temperatures (5–7 K). It has been shown that changing the γ-substituent practically does not affect the magnetic properties of the solid and has a considerable effect on the accepting ability of the metal ion and, hence, on the chemical behavior of the compound. The results are important in designing molecule-based magnetic materials, since the above change strengthens the accepting ability of the metal ion, which is favorable for the formation of 2-D structures.