The first example of a hetero-tetranuclear [(VO)Gd]2 complex:: synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of [VOLGd(hfa)2CH3OH]2•2CH3OH•2(CH3)2CO

A cyclic tetranuclear [(VO)-O-IV-Gd-III](2) complex with VO and Gd ions alternately arrayed, behaves, from the magnetic point of view, as two independent dinuclear entities each having a S = 4 ground state, as a consequence of an active and ferromagnetic VO-Gd interaction through the double phenoxo bridge and a magnetically inactive VO-Gd interaction through the amide bridge.