This critical review surveys factors involved in the convergent self-assembly of square [n x n] (n = 2-5) polymetallic grids, using ligands with encoded coordination information appropriate to the metal ion's coordination algorithm. While entropic factors drive these reactions, other effects, including metal ion CFSE, ligand conformational character, electrostatic factors etc., can lead preferentially to non-grid oligomers. It will be of interest to the general supramolecular community, particularly coordination chemists attempting to create predetermined architectures, with applications oriented molecular based properties (86 references).

Polytopic hydrazone-based ligands are discussed in the context of the design attributes of the ligand and the power of self-assembly as a methodology for the synthesis of polymetallic systems with specific and predetermined organization of the metal centers in a closely spaced bridged arrangement. Magnetic exchange coupling occurs as a result of the close proximity of the metal ions. Homometallic, heterometallic, and mixed-spin-state [n x n] (n = 2-5) square grids are highlighted and discussed in terms of their structural and magnetic properties. Antiferromagnetic, ferromagnetic, and ferrimagnetic examples are described.

A high yield, one-pot synthesis of the 1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolyl radical NC-(CF2)4-CNSSN radical by reduction of the corresponding 1,3,2,4-dithiadiazolium salt is reported. In the solid state, the title compound is dimerized in trans-cofacial fashion with intra-dimeric Sdelta+...N(delta-) interactions of ca. 3.2 angstroms, and the dimeric units are linked by electrostatic -C triple bond N(delta-)...Sdelta+ interactions forming an infinite chain. Magnetic susceptibility measurements performed on the solid state sample indicate a magnetic moment of 1.8 microB per dimer (1.3 microB per monomer) at 300 K and a good fit to the Bleaney-Bowers model in the temperature range 2-300 K with 2J = -1500 +/- 50 cm(-1), g = 2.02(5), rho = 0.90(3)%, and TIP = 1.25(4) x 10(-3) emu mol(-1). The [NC-(CF2)4-CNSSN radical]2 dimer is the second example of a 1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolyl radical dimer with an experimentally detected triplet excited state as probed by solid-state EPR [2J = -1730 +/- 100 cm(-1), |D| = 0.0278(5) cm(-1), |E| = 0.0047(5) cm(-1)]. The value of the singlet-triplet gap has enabled us to estimate the "in situ" dimerization energy of the radical dimer as ca. -10 kJ mol(-1). The diradical character of the dimer was calculated [CASSCF(6,6)/6-31G*] as 35%. The title radical shows magnetic bistability in the temperature range of 305-335 K as probed by the solid-state EPR presumably arising from the presence of a metastable paramagnetic supercooled phase. Bistability is accompanied by thermochromic behavior with a color change from dark green (dimeric solid) to dark brown (paramagnetic liquid).

[ClCNSSS]2(2+) is the first example of a thiazyl radical dimer where population of a thermally excited spin triplet state has been detected, as is proved by VT-powder and single-crystal EPR spectroscopy.