  We investigated the magnetic properties of two isostructural Ni(II) metal
complexes [Ni4Lb8] and [Ni4Lc8]. In each molecule the four Ni(II) centers form
almost perfect regular squares. Magnetic coupling and anisotropy of single
crystals were examined by magnetization measurements and in particular by
high-field torque magnetometry at low temperatures. The data were analyzed in
terms of an effective spin Hamiltonian appropriate for Ni(II) centers. For both
compounds, we found a weak intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling of the four
Ni(II) spins and sizable single-ion anisotropies of the easy-axis type. The
coupling strengths are roughly identical for both compounds, whereas the
zero-field-splitting parameters are significantly different. Possible reasons
for this observation are discussed.
