Odd and Even Numbered Ferric Wheels

The structurally related odd and even numbered wheels [(Fe11Zn4II)-Zn-III(tea)(10)(teaH)(1)(OMe)Cl-8] (1) and [(Fe12Zn4II)-Zn-III(tea)(12)Cl-8] (2) can be synthesized under ambient conditions by reacting Fe-III and Zn-II salts with triethanolamine (teaH(3)), the change in nuclearity being dictated by the solvents employed. An antiferromagnetic exchange between nearest neighbors, J = -10.0 cm(-1) for 1 and J = -12.0 cm(-1) for 2, leads to a frustrated S = 1/2 ground state in the former and an S = 0 ground state in the latter.