Cobalt single-molecule magnet

Abstract

A cobalt molecule that functions as a single-molecule magnet, [Co4(hmp)4(MeOH)4Cl4], where hmp− is the anion of hydroxymethylpyridine, is reported. The core of the molecule consists of four Co(II) cations and four hmp− oxygen atom ions at the corners of a cube. Variable-field and variable-temperature magnetization data have been analyzed to establish that the molecule has a S=6 ground state with considerable negative magnetoanisotropy. Single-ion zero-field interactions (DSz2) at each cobalt ion are the origin of the negative magnetoanisotropy. A single crystal of the compound was studied by means of a micro-superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer in the range of 0.040–1.0 K. Hysteresis was found in the magnetization versus magnetic field response of this single crystal.