Self-assembly Synthesis, Structure, Topology, and Magnetic Properties of a Mononuclear Fe(iii)-violurate Derivative: a Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

A new iron(iii) complex [Fe(H2Vi)3]·py·4H2O (1) {H3Vi = violuric acid, py = pyridine} was self-assembled and characterized. In the crystal structure, adjacent [Fe(H2Vi)3] blocks are H-bonded into a complex 3D network, which was topologically classified as a pcu [alpha-Po primitive cubic] network. Importance of π-stacking interactions was also highlighted and analyzed computationally. Magnetic studies confirmed antiferromagnetic exchange coupling, while ZFCM/FCM experiments indicated an ordering temperature Tc = 50 K. Finally, magnetic hysteresis at 5 K possesses the coercive field of Bc = 69 mT.