Paramagnetic Polynuclear Metallo-clusters
We are concerned with the preparation through self-assembly of small metallo-cluster species containing multiple metal atoms at their core with bridging ligands connecting metal centres. In this way we seek to understand the structure and function of similar clusters found within biology (bio-mimetic chemistry). Similarly, these species may possess interesting and novel magnetic properties (and reactivity) by virtue of the fact that the metal ions typically possess unpaired electrons. We have discovered some unusual and novel cluster species during this work and developed new methods by which to tune the way in which paramagnetic metal ions interact with each other in ferromagnetic fashion, Figure 2.
Figure 2: Molecular structure of [(H2O)2Cu4(bipy)4( m4-PO4)2(ยต2-CO3)] showing the tetra-nuclear butterfly core. Varying the nature of the bridging ligands has enabled tuning of the magnetic properties within these clusters (see Dalton Trans., 2007, 5140; Dalton Trans., 2006, 2081; Dalton Trans., 2005, 3745; Dalton Trans., 2003, 4230; Inorg. Chem., 2007, 46, 6668).
Some aspects of the synthetic work in this project are carried in collaboration with Prof Rob Doyle (Syracuse, New York) , whilst the magnetic measurements are conducted in collaboration with either Prof Miguel Julve (Valencia, Spain) or Prof Keith S Murray (Monash, Australia) both world-renowned experts in magneto-chemistry. The opportunity also exists for students to spend short stays within their laboratories.