Heterometallic Cu/Ln cluster chemistry: ferromagnetically-coupled {Cu4Ln2} complexes exhibiting single-molecule magnetism and magnetocaloric properties

A new family of {Cu4Ln2} (Ln = Gd, Tb and Dy) complexes bearing the gem-diol form of di-2-pyridyl ketone [(py)2CO] ligand is reported. Magnetic studies reveal the presence of predominant ferromagnetic exchange interactions between the metal ions. As a result, the hexanuclear compounds exhibit single-molecule magnetism behavior and large magnetic entropy changes, depending on the 4f-metal ion present.