  Graphene is expected to complement todays Si-based information technology. In
particular, magnetic molecules in contact with graphene constitute a
tantalizing approach towards organic spin electronics because of the reduced
conductivity mismatch at the interface. In such a system a bit is represented
by a single molecular magnetic moment, which must be stabilized against thermal
fluctuations. Here, we show in a combined experimental and theoretical study
that the moments of paramagnetic Co-octaethylporphyrin (CoOEP) molecules on
graphene can be aligned by a remarkable antiferromagnetic coupling to a Ni
substrate underneath the graphene. This coupling is mediated via the \pi\
electronic system of graphene, while no covalent bonds between the molecule and
the substrate are established.
