Insights into D 4h @metal-symmetry single-molecule magnetism: the case of a dysprosium-bis(boryloxide) complex

We report the synthesis of the lanthanide-(bis)boryloxide complex [Dy{OB(NArCH)2}2(THF)4][BPh4] (2Dy, Ar = 2,6-Pri2C6H3), with idealised D4h@Dy(iii) point-group symmetry. Complex 2Dy exhibits single-molecule magnetism (SMM), with one of the highest energy barriers (Ueff = 1565(298) K) of any six-coordinate lanthanide-SMM. Complex 2Dy validates electrostatic model predictions, informing the future design of lanthanide-SMMs.