A Low-dimensional Molecular Magnet with Low Dielectric Constant

A low-dimensional ion-pair compound [4-CN-Bz-4-Ph-Py] [Ni(mnt)(2)] (1, 4-CN-Bz-4-Ph-Py = (4'-cyanobenzyl)-4-phenylpridinium) and mnt(2-) = maleonitriledithiolate) was designed and synthesized. The cations and anions of 1 formed irregular segregated stacks along the a axis. 1 exhibits weak paramagnetism over the temperature range of 2 similar to 300 K. The dielectric constant of compound 1 is between 2.75 and 5.55 from 30 to 140 degrees C. 1 is a very rare metal-bis-dithiolene complex with very low dielectric constant in high temperature. Our results will shed light on the design and preparation of new multi-functional molecular materials combining magnetic and dielectric properties.