Magnetic and structural properties of Mn(SCN${)}_2$(${\mathrm{CH}}_3$OH${)}_2$: A quasi-two-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnet

The magnetic behavior of Mn(SCN${)}_2$(${\mathrm{CH}}_3$OH${)}_2$ in single-crystal form has been studied, and the crystal structure has also been determined. The system is monoclinic, C2/c, Z=4 with a=14.467(5) Å, b=5.927(2) Å, c=10.979(3) Å, and β=93.19(3)°. Manganese ions, of distorted octahedral coordination, are coupled together into quasi-two-dimensional arrays by bridging thiocyanate groups, and also by some hydrogen bonding. Potential interlayer-superexchange pathways are substantially less efficient, though probably not insignificant either. The magnetic properties seem consistent with the structural features. The single-crystal susceptibility exhibits uniaxial anisotropy in the paramagnetic regime, with ${\mathrm{\chi }}_{\mathit{a}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ somewhat larger than ${\mathrm{\chi }}_{\mathit{b}}$≊${\mathrm{\chi }}_{\mathit{c}}$. A broad maximum appears at 12.6(4) K in ${\mathrm{\chi }}_{\mathit{b}}$ and ${\mathrm{\chi }}_{\mathit{c}}$, and a sharper maximum at 10.5 K in ${\mathrm{\chi }}_{\mathit{a}}^{\mathrm{*}}$.