Triangular Geometrical and Magnetic Motifs Uniquely Linked on a Spherical Capsule Surface

Sphere we go: A spherical capsule is prepared simply by the interaction of linkers to pentagonal structural units. The metal centers (M) of the {(MoVI)MoVI5}12M30 type Keplerates formed (M=VIV, FeIII) describe an icosidodecahedron (see picture). For M=FeIII the magnetic configuration of the 30 spin centers (colored spheres) can be pictured geometrically in terms of three sets, each of 10 spins, with different angular orientations (arrows). With M=VIV the compound behaves according to the demands of quantum mechanics and a clear geometrical picture of the magnetism is not possible.