New chain polymer [Yb(tpa)(H2O)2Co(CN)6]n · 7n H2O: synthesis, structure, and magnetic characteristics

The 3d– 4f heterometallic polymeric complex, namely [Yb(tpa)(H₂O)₂Co(CN)₆]_n·7n H₂O [tpa = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)- amine], was synthesized and characterized. Its polymer structure is formed of [Yb(tpa)(H₂O)₂Co(CN)₆] chains and crystallization water molecules with a two-capped trigonal prism Yb³⁺ coordination polyhedron; the Yb³⁺ coordination number is 8, and the coordination site is YbN₆O₂. Magnetic characteristics indicate that the complex exhibits the properties of a single-chain magnet with a magnetization reversal barrier(!E/k_B) of 42 K.