Spin-orbit driven magnetic insulating state with Jeff=1/2 character in a 4d oxide

The unusual magnetic and electronic ground states of 5d iridates have been shown to be driven by intrinsically enhanced spin-orbit coupling (SOC). The influence of appreciable but reduced SOC in creating the manifested magnetic insulating states in 4d oxides is less clear, with one hurdle being the existence of such compounds. Here, we present experimental and theoretical results on Sr4RhO6 that reveal SOC dominated behavior. Neutron measurements show the octahedra are both spatially separated and locally ideal, making the electronic ground state susceptible to alterations by SOC. Magnetic ordering is observed with a similar structure to an analogous J(eff) = 1/2 Mott iridate. We consider the underlying role of SOC in this rhodate with density functional theory and x-ray absorption spectroscopy, and find a magnetic insulating ground state with J(eff) = 1/2 character.