Fe(II)triazole derivatives are spin cross-over compounds with various
Te (-30-->+150 degrees C), large thermal hysteresis (Delta T-c approxi
mate to 50 K) and an important thermochromic effect. These promising p
roperties, which are already used in experimental imaging and memory d
evices, are probably due to their polymeric structures. We have studie
d these structures by EXAFS and X-Ray diffraction (in spite of the imp
ortant long distance disorder observed). The key result of this study
is me alignment of a long chain of Fe(II) ions in the Low Spin CLS) st
ate of the polymeric species, proved by the presence of a characterist
ic double Fe-Fe distance multiple scattering EXAFS signal (analysed by
FEFF code). New results have been obtained recently on new members of
the Fe(II) triazole family and nickel glyoxime model compounds presen
ting similar metal-metal alignment, proving definitely the assumed ali
gnment in the LS state. Systematic study of the temperature dependence
of the multiple-scattering signal amplitude were performed in order t
o explain the apparent vanishing of the alignment in me High Spin (HS)
state.