Theoretical Study on the Structural Aspects of CuII Hybrid-Spin Complexes

• Published in: European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 2010, Vol.2010 (3), p.379-390
• Main Authors: Miteva, Tsveta, Romanova, Julia, Ivanova, Anela, Tadjer, Alia, Baumgarten, Martin
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Subjects: Conformation analysis; Density functional calculations; Hybrid-spin molecular systems; Magnetic properties; Nitroxide radi­cals
• ISSN: 1434-1948; 1099-0682
• DOI: 10.1002/ejic.200900836

Theoretical approaches to hybrid‐spin systems aim at clarification of the nature of spin exchange between the metal ion and the organic radicals. This aids the molecular design of novel materials based on studies of the relevant molecular fragments. The current investigations were focused on two isomeric complexes of CuII with acetylacetonate and organic radicals (3‐ and 4‐N‐oxyl‐tretbutylaminopyridine), whose geometry and magnetic properties were known from experimental data. A DFT approach based on the UB3LYP functional and basis sets of different size and quality were used in order to elaborate a computational protocol providing a reliable quantitative estimate of the spin–spin interaction. The computational scheme allows the elucidation of the role of various structural factors on the type and magnitude of the spin coupling, such as symmetry, spatial orientation of the radicals and type of the magnetic orbital of the metal ion. Proper symmetry assignment of the wavefunction proved to be critical for correct description of the magnetic behaviour of the complexes. The introduction of extended basis sets did not justify the computational cost, as the 6‐31G* results were sufficiently accurate for the purpose of the study. Detailed analysis of the energies, the natural orbitals and the spin density distribution upon conformational changes was carried out. The paper offers theoretical analysis of the factors governing the exchange interaction in hybrid‐spin systems chosen as models of molecular magnets. The effect of molecular conformation and the importance of symmetry are brought up for the first time.