Ligand design for multifunctional molecule-based magnetic materials

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Molecule-based materials, in the broad sense, is a term coined essentially to make a distinction between classic inorganic atom-based solids and materials built from pre-designed molecular entities. Thus, instead of high temperature synthesis typical of solid state chemistry, molecule-based materials are obtained through soft routes, traditionally from organic chemistry, coordination chemistry and supramolecular chemistry. As in biological systems, molecule-based materials can be built from several specifically designed unique molecules, where the sum of functions could yield new or non-existing properties. My research program is directed towards the realization of molecule-based magnetic materials where there is interplay between two or more physical properties. Research will focus on the preparation and study of two classes of compounds namely, spin bearing tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) donors and spin crossover (SCO) compounds. In the first project, TTF donors covalently appended with spin bearing verdazyl radicals will be combined together with anions to form solids with magnetic and/or conducting properties. Detailed structural and physical studies of new spin bearing donors will enable us to assess whether or not they are suitable building blocks for the preparation of ferromagnetic conductors. In the second project, a new family of switching materials known as spin crossover compounds will be prepared and studied. These are materials in which for example you can apply light or a change in temperature in order to switch their magnetic behavior. We are particularly interested in preparing systems where two or more switching units are covalently linked together, since in this way we can investigate how the cooperativity between the units through different linkers affects their switching properties. The greatest challenge is to develop systems that switch at or around room temperature since this would be cheaper for device applications. This program represents a unique approach for the development and understanding of two classes of multifunctional molecule-based magnetic materials that could lead to commercial applications.