Slow relaxation in a one-dimensional rational assembly of   antiferromagnetically-coupled [Mn4] single-molecule-magnets
  Four discrete MnIII/MnII tetra-nuclear complexes with double-cuboidal core were synthesized. dc magnetic measurements show that both Mn2+ - Mn3+ and Mn3+ - Mn3+ magnetic interactions are ferromagnetic in three samples leading to an S = 9 ground state for the Mn4 unit. Furthermore, these complexes are Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) clearly showing both thermally activated and ground state tunneling regimes. Slight changes in the [Mn4] core geometry result in an S = 1 ground state in fourth sample. A one-dimensional assembly of [Mn4] units was obtained in the same synthetic conditions with the subsequent addition of NaN3. Double chair-like N3- bridges connect identical [Mn4] units into a chain arrangement. This material behaves as an Ising assembly of S = 9 tetramers weakly antiferromagnetically coupled. Slow relaxation of the magnetization is observed at low temperature for the first time in an antiferromagnetic chain, following an activated behavior with 47 K and tau_0 = 7x10^-11 s. The observation of this original thermally activated relaxation process is induced by finite-size effects and in particular by the non-compensation of spins in segments of odd-number units. Generalizing the known theories on the dynamic properties of poly-disperse finite segments of antiferromagnetically coupled Ising spins, the theoretical expression of the characteristic energy gaps were estimated and successfully compared to the experimental values. 
L. Lecren, O. Roubeau, C. Coulon, Yang-Guang Li, X. Le Goff, W.   Wernsdorfer, H. Miyasaka, R. Clerac