Synthesis, Structure and Magnetic Properties of New Ionic Ni–Yb Nitrate Complexes with 2,2'-Bipyridine and 1,10-Phenanthroline

Abstract New heterometallic nitrate complexes, namely [Ni(bipy) 3 ][Yb(NO 3 ) 5 ]·0.58MeOH ( I ), [Ni(phen) 3 ][Yb(NO 3 ) 5 ] ( II ) and [Ni(phen) 3 ][Yb(NO 3 ) 5 ]·MeOH ( II ·MeOH), have been prepared and studied. Anions [Yb(NO 3 ) 5 ] 2– in these complexes are the first examples of homoleptic ten-coordinatied Yb complexes. The magnetic behavior of single-phase I and II has been studied in static and dynamic modes. A field-induced slowdown of magnetic relaxation, i.e., properties of single-ion magnets (SIMs), was revealed for I and II . Thus, I and II are rare examples of 3 d −4 f -coordination compounds possessing a discrete structure rather than a joint metal core and demonstrating a slowdown in the relaxation of magnetization. The interplay between the properties of SIM and structural features of I and II was established (CIF CCDC files no. 2103796 ( I ), 2103797 ( II ), 2103798 ( II ·MeOH)).