A rational route for large spin molecules based on cyanometalate complexes

Polynuclear molecules with large-spin state and high anisotropy are discret e entities situated at the frontier between quantum and classical systems. These well defined complexes displaying uniform shape, magnetic moment and anisotropy can behave as single-molecule magnets. Following a bottom-up app roach of nanomaterials, we present a rational synthetic route of such molec ules based on hexacyanometalates [M(CN)(6)](3-)cores. Thus, were built and fully characterised (mass spectroscopy, crystallographic structure, magneti c susceptibility,...) polynuclear species such as [M(CNM'L)(6)](9+) or [M(C N)(4)(CNM'L)(2)](+) (with M = Cr-III, Co-III, Fe-III M' = Ni-II, Co-II, Cu- II,....; L = polydentate ligand) showing large ground spin states.