Design of molecular magnetic materials based on a new family of mixed-lanthanide Co-Ln clusters by the use of the 1,3-Bis[tris(hydroxymethyl)-methylamino]propane ligand

A new family of tetranuclear Co-Ln clusters, including both single and mixed-lanthanides, was synthesized by the use of a bis-tris propane ligand. Our studies showed that although single-lanthanide {Co3Ln} compounds assembled from lanthanide elements heavier than Nd are not accessible, mixed-lanthanide analogues retaining the original structure can be obtained. An array of magnetic measurements was used to reveal the single-molecule magnet behaviors and magnetocaloric effect of Co-Ce/Dy and Co-Ce/Gd clusters, respectively. Thus, this study may open up new avenues for the design of molecular magnetic materials by synthesizing mixed-lanthanide 3d-4f clusters.