New Directions for Small Cyano Anions

New families of small cyano anions (SCAs) will be produced in this project using powerful new synthetic techniques. These remarkably versatile anions will then be used as building blocks for a range of advanced materials, including magnetically ordered materials and porous materials capable of adsorbing gases such as hydrogen or carbon dioxide. Single molecule magnets composed of homometallic and heterometallic clusters will also be made, as will discrete and polymeric species displaying magnetic switching behaviour. Ionic liquids that are either purely organic or contain metal complexes will also obtained; it is expected that the later will have unusual magnetic, luminescent and chemical properties.