In-Depth Magnetic Characterization of a [2 × 2] Mn(III) Square Grid Using SQUID Magnetometry, Inelastic Neutron Scattering, and High-Field Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

A tetranuclear [2 × 2] grid-like manganese­(III) Schiff base complex, Mn₄, has been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Direct-current magnetization measurements were performed on the system and proved to be insufficient for an accurate magnetic model to be deduced. Combined inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments provided the necessary information in order to successfully model the magnetic properties of Mn₄. The resulting model takes into account both the magnitude and the relative orientations of the single-ion anisotropy tensors.