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

The 3d-4f heterometallic polymeric complex, namely [Yb(tpa)(H2O)(2)Co(CN)(6)](n)center dot 7n H2O [tpa = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)-amine], was synthesized and characterized. Its polymer structure is formed of [Yb(tpa)(H2O)(2)Co(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 (Delta E/k(B)) of 42 K.