Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of a new [ZnII6DyIII6] dodecanuclear motif

Abstract A new dodecanuclear complex, [{(HL)(L)(dmf)Zn II Dy III (dmf)(H 2 O)} 6 ]·3dmf·4.2H 2 O has been assembled using a supramolecular compartmental ligand (H 3 L results from the condensation reaction of 3-formylsalicylic acid and hydroxylamine). The six Dy III ions describe an octahedron that is inscribed into the octahedron generated by the zinc(II) ions each Dy III ion from this motif behaving as a single ion magnet.