Contrasting single-molecule magnet behaviour in dysprosium and terbium bis(stannolediide) complexes
Xiaofei Sun1, Alexander Hinz1, Stefanie Maier1
1Institute for Inorganic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.
Nature Chemistry
|April 13, 2026
Summary
New bis(stannolediide) ligands show promise for high-density data storage. These lanthanide complexes exhibit excellent single-molecule magnet properties, advancing magnetic materials research.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
Background:
- Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) are crucial for high-density data storage.
- Lanthanide complexes, particularly dysprosium bis(cyclopentadienide) systems, have shown significant advancements in SMM performance.
- Dianionic heavy group 14 cyclopentadienides offer higher charge density, making them attractive ligands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel homoleptic bis(stannolediide) lanthanide complexes.
- To evaluate the single-molecule magnet properties of these new complexes.
- To explore the potential of bis(stannolediide) ligands in developing high-barrier SMMs.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of isostructural homoleptic bis(stannolediide) complexes of Tb(III) and Dy(III).
- Magnetic characterization including measurement of energy barriers to magnetic reversal (Ueff) and blocking temperatures (TH).
- Investigated modified complexes by removing the potassium cation.
Main Results:
- The Dy(III) bis(stannolediide) complex demonstrated SMM behavior with a high Ueff of 1,502(4) K and a blocking temperature of 55 K.
- The Tb(III) analogue exhibited Raman-dominated relaxation below 6 K.
- Modified complexes, including a Dy(II) species, showed varied magnetic anisotropy.
Conclusions:
- Bis(stannolediide) ligands represent a promising new class for designing lanthanide single-molecule magnets with high energy barriers.
- These findings contribute to the development of advanced magnetic materials for data storage applications.
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