Protocol Synthesis and characterization of highly diluted polyanionic iron(II) spin crossover systems

Spin crossover (SCO) complexes, through their reversible spin transition under external stimuli, can work as switchable memory materials. Here, we present a protocol for the synthesis and characterization of a specific polyanionic iron SCO complex and its diluted systems. We describe steps for its synthesis and the determination of crystallographic structure of the SCO complex in diluted systems. We then detail a range of spectroscopic and magnetic techniques employed to monitor the spin state of the SCO complex in both diluted solid-and liquid-state systems. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Gala ' n-Mascaros et al.1