Strategies to Design Single-Molecule Toroics Using Triangular {Ln3}n Motifs

Abstract

In this mini-review, we highlight the research advanced in the field of single-molecule toroics (SMTs) with a specific focus on the triangular Ln3-based SMTs. SMTs are molecules with a toroidal magnetic state and are insensitive to homogeneous magnetic fields but cooperate with charge and spin currents. The rapid growth in the area of SMTs witnessed in recent years is correlated not only to the interest to understand the fundamental physics of these molecules but also to the intriguing potential applications proposed, as the SMTs have several advantages compared to other classes of molecules such as single-molecule magnets (SMMs). The important chemico-structural strategy in SMT chemistry is to choose and design ligand and bridging species that will help to attain toroidal behavior. Considering this primarily, all the Dy3 SMTs reported so far are summarized, showing how utilizing different peripheral ligands influences the toroidal nature beyond the role of the symmetry of the molecule and stronger dipolar interactions. Likewise, linking Dy3 toroidal units through 3d ions with suitable peripheral/bridging ligands enhances the toroidal magnetic moment and leads to fascinating physics of ferrotoroidal/antiferrotoridal behavior. Further, we have also summarized the recently reported non-Dy triangular SMTs.