Investigation of the stability of Mn12 single molecule magnets

The stability of single crystals and monolayers of Mn-12 single molecule magnets under the influence of X-ray radiation and other possibly disruptive influences has been investigated by means of synchrotron radiation. Clear evidence for radiation induced sample degradation was found for both single crystals and monolayers. The comparison with spectra obtained after damaging the molecules by Ar+ sputtering, metal evaporation or water moistening indicates a possibility to distinguish between radiation damage and other external influences. The results clarify some of the previous conflicting reports on the integrity of Mn-12 molecules deposited on surfaces and are linked to the investigations aiming at studies of the electronic and magnetic properties of individual Mn-12 clusters.