Multiple rotor modes and how to trigger them: complex cation ordering in the family of relaxing hybrid formates.

A combination of structural, dielectric and calorimetric studies is used to describe a highly atypical behaviour of novel hybrid formate [NH3(CH2)3NH2(CH2)3NH3][Mn(HCOO)3]3, incorporating large triprotonated molecular cations. Two successive phase transitions, switching between fast multiple rotor modes, and the surprising probable coexistence of static and dynamic disorder are discussed for this compound.