The Effect of Localized Magnetic Fields on the Spatially Controlled Crystallization of Organometallics and Transition Metal Complexes

The crystallization of nickel (II) bis-phosphine and nickel and zinc cluster complexes have been carried out in localized magnetic fields set up using neodymium magnets, including custom made Magnetic Crystallization Towers (MCTs). In all cases, whether the product complex is diamagnetic or paramagnetic, a complex spatial patterning of the crystals occurs based on the orientation of the magnetic field lines. The effects of nucleation, and solution concentration gradients on the crystallization process are also explored. These observations therefore show how the crystallization process is affected by magnetic fields and thus these results have far-reaching effects which most certainly will include crystallization and ion migrations in biology.