Salen-based [Zn2Ln3] complexes with fluorescence and single-molecule-magnet properties.

A family of four isostructural complexes with a V-shaped pentanuclear [Zn(2)Ln(3)] core of general formula [Zn(2)Ln(3)(m-salen)(3)(N(3))(5)(OH)(2)] [Ln(III) = Tb(III) (1), Eu(III) (2), Ho(III) (3), Dy(III) (4); m-salen = N,N'-ethylenebis(3-methoxysalicylideneamine)] were isolated and structurally characterized. The fluorescence and magnetic measurements of the four compounds were investigated. Complex 1 exhibits strong fluorescence properties, while single-molecule-magnet behavior is seen in complex 4.