Monomeric, low (two or three) coordinate, paramagnetic transition metal complexes of sterically bulky ligands have been synthesized and characterized in order to study their magnetic behavior. The complexes are derivatives of readily available and inexpensive transition metals (Fe, Co and Ni). These complexes are of interest because they have unusually large anisotropic internal magnetic fields. High internal fields arise from orbital magnetism which is a major factor in determining axial zero field splitting (ZFS) parameters. The axial ZFS is directly related to the energy barrier (Ueff) governing spin reversal. The ultimate goal is to synthesize compounds that have single molecule magnet (SMM) behavior and reversal of magnetization barriers (Ueff ) above kT (where T = 300 K). SMMs are a topic of intense research interest because of their potential applications in magnetic memory, high-density information storage and quantum computing technologies. Currently, the various factors that determine ZFS are not well understood but both in-state and out-of-state orbital angular momentum can be primary contributors. We have found unexpectedly large axial ZFS values in the range of -20 to -80 cm-1 for two and three coordinate cobalt (II) complexes and of -37 to -112 cm-1 for a series of iron (II) complexes. The major object of my research is to study the relationship between ligand fields and their effects on ZFS parameters. 

Seeking the single molecule magnet: Investigating magnetic characteristics of low coordinate transition metal compounds

246th National Meeting (2013)

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