Preparation and magnetic properties of Mn12 clusters with 4-cyanobenzenecarboxylate ligand, [Mn12O12(O2CC6H4-p-CN)16(H2O)4] and its tetraphenylphosphonium salts

► A new Mn12-based cluster with 4-cyanobenzenecarboxylate ligand was synthesized. ► We report its characterization and magnetic properties. ► We conduct a comparative study of the initial and its (1), (2) reduced complexes. ► Strong dipole-dipole interactions between the clusters affect the magnetic behavior.