Insertion of a spin crossover Fe(III) complex into an oxalate-based layered material: coexistence of spin canting and spin crossover in a hybrid magnet.

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of the compounds of formula [Fe (III)(sal 2trien)] 2[Mn (II) 2(ox) 3].4H 2O.C 3H 7NO ( 1) and [In (III)(sal 2trien)] 2[Mn (II) 2(ox) 3].3H 2O.CH 3OH (2) are reported. The structure presents a homometallic 2D honeycomb anionic layer formed by Mn (II) ions linked through oxalate ligands and a cationic double layer of [Fe(sal 2trien)] (+) or [In(sal 2trien)] (+) complexes intercalated between the 2D oxalate network. The magnetic properties and Mössbauer spectroscopy of 1 indicate the coexistence of a magnetic ordering of the Mn(II) oxalate network that behaves as a weak ferromagnet and a gradual spin crossover of the intercalated [Fe(sal 2trien)] (+) complexes.