Magnetic measurements and neutron diffraction study of the layered hybrid compounds Mn(C8H4O4)(H2O)2 and Mn2(OH)2(C8H4O4)

► Magnetic study of Mn(C8H4O4)(H2O)2 and Mn2(OH)2(C8H4O4). ► Two compounds with common features (interlayer linker/distance, S=5/2 spin). ► Magnetic measurements quantitatively analyzed to deduce exchange constants. ► Magnetic structures determined from neutron powder diffraction experiments.