Clusters and ions in {TR6}X12R (T=Fe, Co, Ru, Os, Ir, R=Dy, Ho, Er, X=Br, I)-A magnetic study

Eight cluster complex compounds with the composition {TR6}X12R (T=Fe, Co, Ru, Os, Ir, R=Dy, Ho, Er, X=Br, I) exhibiting the same crystal structure, {BSc6}Cl12Sc type, were investigated by magnetometry. A diversity of magnetic properties was recorded depending on chemical compositions. Long range spin order is suggested for {CoHo6}I12Ho, {FeHo6}I12Ho and {OsDy6}I12Dy below 40, 20 and 17 K, respectively. The occurrence of 1-10% magnetic energy losses at lower temperatures with strong frequency dependence makes several of the compounds comparable with molecular magnets. Both the {TR6} cluster and the single R3+ ion contribute to out-of-phase susceptibility; these effects appear separately and can be investigated individually by employing an AC-magnetic field.