CuLn complexes with a single μ-oximato bridge

Two original dinuclear (LnYb, 3 and LnEr, 4) and one trinuclear CuIILnIIICuII (LnGd, 5) complexes derived from a polydentate non symmetrical Schiff base ligand H2L have been prepared. The ligand possesses two functions (phenol and oxime) able to coordinate the Ln ions, but structural studies (X-ray diffraction and powder X-ray diffraction) show that the CuII and LnIII ions are only bridged by the oximato (NO) pair. The missing phenoxo bridge is replaced by a surprising pseudo-bridge involving one oxygen atom of the nitrato anion linked to the Cu and Ln ions according to a η2: η1: μ mode. Although this latter contact has no role from the magnetic point of view, it introduces a large deformation of the unique bridging network. The CuYb complex 3 and the trinuclear CuGdCu complex 5 present antiferromagnetic interactions, with a JCuGd interaction equal to −1.25 cm−1 in 5. The genuine single bridge can be considered as responsible for the antiferromagnetic character of the interaction.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide