Abstract

The synthesis and characterization are reported of the two-electron reduced version of the [Mn12O12(O2CR)(16)(H2O)(4)] family of single-molecule magnets (SMMs). Reduction of the neutral complexes with 2 equiv. of PPh4I gives the (PPh4)(2)[Mn12O12(O2CR)(16)(H2O)(x)] (x = 3 or 4). The crystal structure shows the overall Mn-12 structure is maintained, with a 2Mn(II), 6Mn(III), 4Mn(IV) trapped oxidation state description. Magnetic characterization indicates a S = 10 ground state and retention of SMM behavior. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.