Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) based on lanthanides have accounted for some of the most eye-catching recent advances in molecular magnetism. The overwhelming majority of Ln-SMMs have been synthesized using classical or Werner-type coordination chemistry (see Layfield et al. Chem. Rev. 2013 , ASAP), however in 2010 we reported the first organometallic SMM. In this lecture, the progress made by us and by others in the development of Ln-SMMs based on soft organometallic ligand environments, such as cyclopentadienyl, cyclo-octatetraenyl, hydride, thiolate and alkyl, will be presented. Insight into the nature of the anisotropic electronic structure of our Ln-SMMs has been obtained from combined experimental and theoretical studies, and the question of whether or not organometallic chemistry can indeed provide unique opportunities for developing the field will be discussed.

Getting to grips with anisotropy in organometallic lanthanide SMMs

246th National Meeting (2013)

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