Viswanathan Baskar

Bio: Viswanathan Baskar is an academic researcher from University of Hyderabad. The author has contributed to research in topics: Lanthanide & Chemistry. The author has an hindex of 18, co-authored 38 publications receiving 1340 citations. Previous affiliations of Viswanathan Baskar include Free University of Berlin & University of Manchester.

3d–4f Clusters with large spin ground states and SMM behaviour

Abstract: Three new Cu–Ln cage complexes bridged by phosphonates and acetates are reported; one—a Cu24Dy8 cage—is a new single molecule magnet (SMM).

Lanthanide hydroxide cubane clusters anchoring ferrocenes: model compounds for fixation of organometallic fragments on a lanthanide oxide surface

Abstract: The reaction of the lanthanide trichloride hexahydrates [LnCl3·6H2O] (Ln = Yb, Lu) with two equivalents of benzoylferrocenoylmethane resulted in the tetranuclear lanthanide hydroxo clusters [Ln4(μ3-OH)4(FcacacPh)8] (Ln = Yb (1), Lu (2); FcacacPh = benzoylferrocenoylmethanide). Compounds 1 and 2 are made up of a distorted tetranuclear lanthanide Ln4O4 cubane core consisting of four μ3-oxygen atoms while the eight FcacacPh ligands build up the peripheral part of the cluster. These compounds contain the maximum number of ferrocene units anchored to any molecular metal–heteroatom framework reported so far and for which the X-ray structures are known.

Mechanochemistry: opportunities for new and cleaner synthesis

Abstract: The aim of this critical review is to provide a broad but digestible overview of mechanochemical synthesis, i.e. reactions conducted by grinding solid reactants together with no or minimal solvent. Although mechanochemistry has historically been a sideline approach to synthesis it may soon move into the mainstream because it is increasingly apparent that it can be practical, and even advantageous, and because of the opportunities it provides for developing more sustainable methods. Concentrating on recent advances, this article covers industrial aspects, inorganic materials, organic synthesis, cocrystallisation, pharmaceutical aspects, metal complexes (including metal–organic frameworks), supramolecular aspects and characterization methods. The historical development, mechanistic aspects, limitations and opportunities are also discussed (314 references).

Solvent-free synthesis of metal complexes

Abstract: Avoiding the use of solvents in synthesis can reduce environmental contamination and even be more convenient than using solvent-based synthesis. In this tutorial review we focus on recent research into the use of mechanochemistry (grinding) to synthesise metal complexes in the absence of solvent. We include synthesis of mononuclear complexes, coordination clusters, spacious coordination cages, and 1-, 2- and 3-dimensional coordination polymers (metal organic frameworks) which can even exhibit microporosity. Remarkably, in many cases, mechanochemical synthesis is actually faster and more convenient than the original solvent-based methods. Examples of solvent-free methods other than grinding are also briefly discussed, and the positive outlook for this growing topic is emphasised.

A Polynuclear Lanthanide Single-Molecule Magnet with a Record

Abstract: The magnet-like behavior can beobserved by slow relaxation of the magnetization below theblocking temperature. Since the discovery of SMMs in theearly 1990s, this assumption has formed the basis for theunderstanding of the origin of the anisotropic barrier.However, in recent years the development of novel lantha-nide-only SMMs that challenge and defy this theory pose anumber of questions:

Relaxation dynamics of dysprosium(III) single molecule magnets

Abstract: Over the past decade, lanthanide compounds have become of increasing interest in the field of Single Molecule Magnets (SMMs) due to the large inherent anisotropy of the metal ions. Heavy lanthanide metal systems, in particular those containing the dysprosium(III) ion, have been extensively employed to direct the formation of a series of SMMs. Although remarkable progress is being made regarding the synthesis and characterization of lanthanide-based SMMs, the understanding and control of the relaxation dynamics of strongly anisotropic systems represents a formidable challenge, since the dynamic behaviour of lanthanide-based SMMs is significantly more complex than that of transition metal systems. This perspective paper describes illustrative examples of pure dysprosium(III)-based SMMs, published during the past three years, showing new and fascinating phenomena in terms of magnetic relaxation, aiming at shedding light on the features relevant to modulating relaxation dynamics of polynuclear lanthanide SMMs.