Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) are molecules that function as nanoscale magnets at low temperatures, and thus represent a bottom-up, molecular approach to nanomagnetism. They also display interesting quantum properties such as quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM), and have consequently been proposed as molecular components of spin-based quantum computation and spintronics devices. For such applications, coupling of two or more SMMs to each other, or to other components of the device, is essential, but the coupling must be very weak in order to maintain the intrinsic single-molecule properties of each SMM. We have thus been exploring the linkage of two or more SMMs into supramolecular aggregates, or 'clusters-of-SMMs', that would exhibit very weak (but non-zero) inter-SMM interactions. The dual challenge has been to link multiple units together in a way that gives a sufficiently robust non-polymeric product but which does not introduce strong magnetic interactions between them. After screening several potential building-blocks, we have settled on the trinuclear SMMs with a [MnIII3(�3-O2-)]7+ triangular core and spin S = 6. We have now developed various ways to link them using specially designed dioximate bridging ligands, among others. The syntheses, structures, magnetic properties and quantum behavior of a selection of these aggregates will be described.

Supramolecular aggregates of single-molecule magnets

246th National Meeting (2013)

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