Strong Supramolecular-Based Magnetic Exchange in π-Stacked Radicals. Structure and Magnetism of a Hydrogen-Bonded Verdazyl Radical:Hydroquinone Molecular Solid

The X-ray crystal structure and magnetic properties of a molecular crystal consisting of 1,5-dimethyl-3-(2-pyridyl)-6-oxoverdazyl radical and hydroquinone (pyvd:hq) are presented. The structure contains a two-dimensional network of hydrogen bonds involving the hydroquinones and the pyridine ring of the pyvd radical.
The radicals adopt an unusual head-over-tail (antiparallel) π-stacked array perpendicular to the hydrogen-bonded planes. The variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data can be modeled using a one-dimensional
antiferromagnetic chain model, with J = −58 cm-1. The strength of the magnetic coupling is very unusual
because there are no close intermolecular radical−radical contacts to provide conventional pathways for magnetic
interactions. A pathway for coupling is proposed involving the mediation of magnetic exchange interactions
between radical centers by the pyridine rings. Density functional calculations on the pyvd radical, as well as
aggregates thereof based on the X-ray structure, have been employed in attempts to understand the possible
mechanisms by which the strong magnetic interactions are achieved.