A rational synthetic route leading to 3d–3d–4f heterospin systems: self-assembly processes involving heterobinuclear 3d–4f complexes and hexacyanometallates

A novel heterospin system, [{CuL}Gd(H2O)3{Fe(CN)6}]·4H2O, is obtained by reacting the mononuclear complex, [CuL], with gadolinium( III ) nitrate, followed by the substitution of the nitrato groups with [Fe(CN)6]^3– ions (L2–=N,N-propylenedi(3-methoxysalicylideneiminato)).