What is "single-molecule magnet"

alt. (context chemistry physics English) A complex compound, typically containing clusters of transition elements, each molecule of which acts as a small magnet. n. (context chemistry physics English) A complex compound, typically containing clusters of transition elements, each molecule of which acts as a small magnet.

Single-molecule magnets (SMM) are a class of metalorganic compounds, that show superparamagnetic behavior below a certain blocking temperature at the molecular scale. In this temperature range, SMMs exhibit magnetic hysteresis of purely molecular origin. Contrary to conventional bulk magnets and molecule-based magnets, collective long-range magnetic ordering of magnetic moments is not necessary.