Introduction to the themed issue on molecular magnets

The study of magnetic cluster complexes, from the fundamental chemistry and physics that governs their properties to their potential applicability in a range of technologies, is a topic that transcends traditional scientific boundaries, with current research producing ground-breaking science. With the Molecular Magnets themed issue, Dalton Transactions continues its efforts in covering all areas represented by the subject including synthesis, structural characterisation, functional properties, physics and materials science, theory and application.

The issue has collected exciting contributions from leading experts in all these areas in an attempt to highlight the current state-of-the-art and future challenges in the field. The five perspective articles reflect this diversity: Jürgen Schnack summarises the effects of frustration in magnetic molecules such as the icosidodecahedron (Fig. 1); the molecular recipes required for making magnetic coolers are described by Marco Evangelisti; the physical properties of single Ln ion single molecular magnets SMMs deposited on gold are described by Masahiro Yamashita; a theoretical examination of the powerful tools available to scientists seeking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the magnetic properties of molecular magnets are outlined by Larry Engelhardt and Marshall Luban; and Stephen Hill discusses the current state of knowledge of quantum tunnelling of the magnetisation in single-molecule magnets. The communications and articles highlight recent achievements in areas ranging from the design, synthesis and magneto-structural characterisation of beautiful zero dimensional nanomagnets using both flexible and rigid linker ligands (such as the [M^II₇] discs shown in Fig. 2), to strategies for the design of homo- and heterometallic 1D chains and 2–3D ferromagnets, the synthesis and surface deposition of molecular wheels and the use of MCD, EPR and NMR spectroscopies as powerful analytical tools.

Fig. 1 Structure of the icosidodecahedron. See: J. Schnack, Dalton Trans., 2010, 39, DOI: 10.1039/b925358k.

Fig. 2 Crystal packing in [Ni₇(OH)₆(L₁)₆](NO₃)₂·3MeNO₂ showing the molecular cavities accommodating guest MeNO₂ (red spheres), and MeCN (grey/blue spheres) solvent molecules. See: L. Jones et al., Dalton Trans., 2010, 39, DOI: 10.1039/b926704b.

The issue contains original contributions originating from researchers all over the world and we hope that it serves not only as a valuable reference highlighting recent progress and perspectives in the field, but stimulates new and exciting research that will foster cross-disciplinary international partnerships and generate cutting-edge science.

We would like to thank all the authors for their efforts in producing outstanding contributions. We also thank the staff members of the RSC and Dalton Transactions for their hard work in ensuring the timely publication of this issue and for their continued support for molecular magnetism. We also take this opportunity to remember Dr Ian Hewitt who sadly passed away in 2009; Annie Powell dedicates her papers on pages 4736, 4739, 4910 and 4917 to Ian's memory.

Euan K. Brechin

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