Exploring through-bond and through-space magnetic communication in 1,3,2-dithiazolyl radical complexes.

Reaction of the methyl-benzodithiazolyl radical (MBDTA) with M(hfac)(2) complexes (M = Mn, Co, Zn) affords the complexes M(hfac)(2)(MBDTA)(2). Strong antiferromagnetic exchange interactions are observed between M(ii) ions and the two S = 1/2 radicals (M = Mn, Co), whereas weak antiferromagnetic interactions are observed between radicals when using the diamagnetic Zn(ii) ion. Strong intermolecular exchange coupling is also evident in Mn(hfac)(2)(MBDTA)(2) and attributed to pi*-pi* contacts between MBDTA radicals which are absent for the Co and Zn derivatives.