Heterometallic Mixed 3d-4f Metallacrowns: Structural Versatility, Luminescence, and Molecular Magnetism

摘要

The synthesis of metal-containing coordination complexes has relevance in a number of applications, including catalysis, gas separations and storage, data storage, contrast agents, and drug delivery. As such, methods towards the a priori design of these materials are of great importance. Unlike organic synthesis, which is governed by well-known and understood reaction mechanisms, inorganic synthesis is dominated by labile metal-ligand dative bonds, whose reversibility in solution can lead to unanticipated molecules. However, the metallamacrocycles known as metallacrowns (MCs) provide the opportunity to investigate controllable inorganic syntheses, which can lead to systematic alterations of these molecules. Thus, entire classes of inorganic molecules may be designed with specific properties. In this review, 3d-4f metallacrowns will be examined, with emphasis on (1) synthetic and design aspects; (2) luminescence properties; and (3) magnetic behavior.