Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026

Author Spotlight: Experimental Approaches for the Synthesis of Low-Valent Metal-Organic Frameworks from Multitopic Phosphine Linkers
Published on: May 12, 2023
Metallosupramolecular Coordination Complexes: The Design of Heterometallic 3d-4f Gridlike Structures
Jianfeng Wu1,2, Lang Zhao1, Li Zhang1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
A series of mixed metal 3d-4f gridlike structures, [Dy4(H2L')4Zn4(SCN)4] (1) and [Dy4(H2L')4Mx(SCN)8] (Mx = Co3 (2); Mx = Cu5 (3)), showing Chinese hieroglyph like [2 × 2], [3 × 2], and [3 × 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 [Co3(SCN)4](2+) and [Cu5(SCN)4](6+) in complexes 2 and 3, respectively, forming the first [3 × 2] and [3 × 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.
Related Concept Videos
Metal-Ligand Bonds
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...
Valence Bond Theory
Coordination Number and Geometry
Coordination Compounds and Nomenclature
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Structural Isomerism
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can...

