Unsolved mysteries in molecule-based magnets - a personal view

Over a decade has passed since the first International Conference on Molecule-based Magnets (ICMM) was convened, with the topic attracting an increasing number of participants, and the focus of the meeting has evolved to include aspects of magnetic ordering found in single-molecule magnets and spin-crossover materials in addition to those found in molecule-based systems. Although many aspects of the observed magnetic behaviors of molecule-based magnets are understandable in terms of the models and mechanisms first used for conventional atom-based magnets, some aspects need further study to elucidate details not well understood; a few are discussed herein. In time some mysteries will be resolved, as one already has, but new ones will undoubtedly be identified and added. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.