A heptanuclear {Dy₂Cu₅} complex as a single-molecule magnet

The structure and magnetic properties of a complex containing a {Dy2Cu5} core are presented. In 1, the Dy(iii) are 9- and the Cu(ii) are 4-, 5- and 6-coordinated. Antiferromagnetic interactions cause an irregular energy spectrum with the ground state J = 25/2. The complex is a single molecule magnet exhibiting slow magnetic relaxation in zero magnetic field.