Linear trinuclear Zn(ii)–Ce(iii)–Zn(ii) complex which behaves as a single-molecule magnet

Abstract

Linear Zn(II)-Ce(III)-Zn(II) complex, which involves only one 4f electron as a spin source, behaves as an SMM. Easy-axis magnetic anisotropy for the ground (2)F(5/2) state of Ce(III) was achieved by a uni-axial crystal field, which is formed with four phenoxo oxygens as axial donors with the other five oxygens as equatorial donors.