The Synthesis And Characterisation Of A Molecular Sea-Serpent: Studies Of A {Cr24cu7} Chain

A finite chain of thirty-one paramagnetic centers is reported, synthesized by reaction of hydrated chromium fluoride, copper carbonate and pivalic acid in the presence of 1,4,7,10-tetrazacyclododecane (cyclen). Magnetic studies show predominantly anti-ferromagnetic exchange leading to a high density of low-lying spin states and large saturation field.