Abstract
Structurally unique {Cu-12} and {Fe-8} cluster complexes were synthesized using 2,2,6,6-tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) cyclohexanol (thcH(5)) ligand. The polyalcohol thcH(5) ligand consists of a six membered ring in a chair confirmation and five pendant alcohol arms providing pentadentate-anchoring points for coordination chemistry. A wide range of reaction conditions was explored with transition metal ions in order to isolate large cluster complexes. Obtained {Cu-12} and {Fe-8} complexes exhibit unprecedented core topologies where thcH(5) encapsulate and bridge between metal centers and mediate magnetic interactions via the superexchange pathways. Both complexes exhibit dominant intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions leading to singlet spin ground state. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.