A Tetranuclear Cr^IIINi^II₃ Cyano-Bridged Complex Based on M(tacn) Derivative Building Blocks

The reaction of Cr(Bztacn)(CN)3 (Bztacn is 1,4,7-trisbenzyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) with Ni(iPrtacn)Cl2 (iPrtacn is 1,4,7-trisisopropyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) affords a CrNi3 tetranuclear complex. Variable temperature and magnetization versus field measurements show a S = 9/2 ground state and an appreciable magnetic anisotropy with a negative D9/2 value equal to −0.54 cm-1. Magnetization studies on one single crystal using a micro-SQUID show a fast tunneling process at zero field at very low temperature.