Structural and spectroscopic comparison of five-coordinate cobalt(II) and nickel(II) thiolato complexes with the related four-coordinate complexes

Five-coordinate thiolato complexes, [L1M(SMeIm)] (M = Co and Ni) (L1 = hydrotris(3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate anion and HSMeIm = 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole), were synthesized. These complexes were compared with the corresponding Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with the same ligands and were also compared with the related four-coordinate complexes [L1M(SC₆F₅)] (HSC₆F₅ = pentafluorobenzenthiol). All the complexes were characterized by X-ray crystallography and UV-Vis absorption, IR, ¹H NMR, and other spectroscopic techniques. All five-coordinate thiolato complexes, [L1M(SMeIm)] (M = Co, Ni, and Cu), form a distorted square pyramidal structure with a high spin state, and only [L1Zn(SMeIm)] takes a four-coordinate structure with a distorted tetrahedral configuration. The N21-M-S bond angles of the obtained five-coordinate complexes were proportional to the corresponding d value, which comes from between the equatorial basal plane with N4S ligand donor sets and metal ion. These observations and M-S bond distances affect on UV-Vis and far-IR spectral behavior.     

Cationic (tripyrrinato)palladium(II) complexes

The formation of cationic palladium(II)complexes [TrpyPd^II]⁺X⁻ by salt metathesis of the respective trifluoroacetates with different salts of weakly coordinating anions X⁻ was investigated. With non-hydrolizable counterions, cationic mono- and dinuclear complexes are observed depending on the nature of the anion X⁻ and the solvent. The mononuclear cations, which are only formed with X = BAr^F, most probably carry a weakly bound molecule of dichloromethane at the fourth coordination site of Pd^II. When treated with diazoalkanes, only these are sufficiently reactive to form carbene complexes. Four- and five coordinate Lewis base adducts [TrpyPd^IIL]⁺ with L = CH₃NC, tBuNH₂, PMe₃, PEt₃ and PiPr₃ and [TrpyPd^IIL₂]⁺ with L = PMe₃ were prepared from the mononuclear cations [TrpyPd^II]⁺BAr^F−. From structural studies it becomes apparent, that the formation of stable five coordinate Pd^II species is restricted to medium size ligands and depends on the delicate balance between the steric influence of L and the strain, which is induced on the TrpyPd^II unit.     

Novel halogen-bridged bisphosphine nickel(II) complexes

Reaction of [NiCl₂(dtbpe)] (dtbpe = 1,2-bis(di-tert-butylphosphino)ethane) with one equivalent of NaBAr^F₄ (BAr^F₄ = tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate) gives the dinuclear chloro-bridged nickel complex [Ni₂(μ-Cl)₂(dtbpe)₂](BAr^F₄)₂ (1). [Ni(solv)₆](BF₄)₂ reacts with dtbpe to give, depending on the solvent, the fluoro-bridged complex [Ni₂(μ-F)₂(dtbpe)₂](BF₄)₂ (2) (solv = THF) or the mononuclear chelate complex [Ni(MeCN)₂(dtbpe)](BF₄)₂ (3) (solv = MeCN). In 1-3, nickel cations are coordinated in a square-planar fashion according to X-ray crystallography. No Ni-Ni interaction was observed in dinuclear halogen-bridged complexes 1 and 2.     

Imidazole-based nickel(II) and cobalt(II) coordination complexes for potential use as models for histidine containing metalloproteins

It has been established that small molecule model complexes have been useful in studying more complex biological systems of metalloproteins. Because many metalloproteins have active sites that contain multiple histidine residues bound to a metal center, a series of imidazole-containing scorpionate ligands and the associated Co and Ni complexes have been developed to investigate the bonding parameters of histidine containing active sites. The tris(2-imidazolyl) carbinol (2-TIC, 6) and tris[2-(N-methylimidazolyl)] carbinol (2-^MeTIC, 7) complexes of Ni²⁺ and Co²⁺, namely [Co(2-^MeTIC)₂]Cl₂ (8), [Co(2-^MeTIC)₂](NO₃)₂ (9), [Ni(2-^MeTIC)₂]Cl₂ (10), [Ni(2-^MeTIC)₂](NO₃)₂ (11), [Co(2-TIC)₂](NO₃)₂ (12), and [Ni(2-TIC)₂](NO₃)₂ (13), have been prepared from the reaction of the appropriate ligand and appropriate metal salt in polar solvent. These complexes have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic techniques, and magnetic susceptibility. In each solid-state structure the metal center in the cation coordinates to three N atoms from two ligands and adopts a pseudo-octahedral coordination geometry. The X-ray characterization of tris[2-(N-methylimidazolyl)] carbinol is also reported.     

Octahedral nickel(II) hexamethyleneimine-dithiocarbamato complexes involving bidentate N,N-donor ligands

The nickel(II) complexes of the compositions [Ni(hmidtc)(bpy)₂]ClO₄ (I), [Ni(hmidtc)(phen)₂]ClO₄ (II), [Ni(hmidtc)(phen)₂]SCN (III), [Ni(hmidtc)(phen)₂]PF₆ (IV), [Ni(hmidtc)(phen)₂]BPh₄ (V), [Ni(hmidtc)(phen)₂]AcO·2H₂O (VI) and [Ni(hmidtc)(phen)₂]Br·H₂O (VII), involving a combination of one hexamethyleneimine-dithiocarbamate anion (hmidtc) and two bidentate N,N-donor ligands (2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) for I or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) for II-VII), have been prepared. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity measurements, UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy, magnetochemical measurements and thermal analysis. A single-crystal X-ray analysis of the complex I revealed a distorted octahedral geometry with the nickel(II) ion coordinated by four nitrogen atoms (from two bidentate-coordinated bpy molecules) and two sulfur atoms (from one bidentate-coordinated hmidtc anion), together giving an NiN₄S₂ donor set.     

Nickel(II) complexes bearing a pincer ligand containing thioamide units: Comparison between SNS- and SCS-pincer ligands

Nickel(II) complexes bearing a κ³SNS pincer ligand, 2,5-bis(benzylaminothiocarbonyl)pyrrolyl (L1) and a κ³SCS-pincer ligand, 2,6-bis(benzylaminothiocarbonyl)phenyl (L2), were synthesized, and their structures and electrochemical properties were elucidated. The crystal structures of [Ni(SNS)Br] (2) and [Ni(SCS)Br] (5) were determined by X-ray crystallography. The electrochemical and crystallographic data obtained from the complexes revealed that the κ³SCS ligand has a stronger electron-donating ability than the κ³SNS ligand.     

Synthesis and characterization of Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes of a tripodal ligand containing imidazoles

Two complexes of the formula [MH₃L](ClO₄)₂ [M = Cu(II) (1), Ni(II) (2)] have been prepared by the reaction of M(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O with the ligand (H₃L) formed by the Schiff base condensation of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) with three molar equivalents of 4-methyl-5-imidazolecarboxaldehyde and structurally and magnetically characterized. The structures of 1 and 2 are isomorphous with each other and with the iron(II) complex of H₃L which has been reported previously. The ligand, while potentially heptadentate, forms six coordinate complexes with both metal centers forming three M-N_imine and three M-N_imidazole bonds. The tren central N atom is at a nonbonded distance from M of 3.261 Å for 1 and 3.329 Å for 2. The neutral complex CuHL 3 was prepared by reaction of H₃L with Cu(OCH₃)₂ and the ionic complex Na[NiL] 4 was prepared by deprotonation of 2 with aqueous sodium hydroxide. Magnetic measurements of 1-3 are consistent with the spin-only values expected for S = 1/2 (d⁹, Cu(II)) and S = 1 (d⁸, Ni (II)) systems.     

Coordination chemistry of the heterotopic 1,2-phenylenebis(thio)diacetic acid ligand: Rhodium(I), palladium(II) and nickel(II) complexes

Starting from the heterotopic multidentate ligand 1,2-phenylenebis(thio)diacetic acid (1), cis-rac-[PdCl₂{1,2-(HOOCCH₂S)₂C₆H₄-κ²S,S′}] (2), cis-rac-[Rh{1,2-(HOOCCH₂S)₂C₆H₄-κ²S,S′}(cod)]BF₄ (3) and cis-rac-[Ni{1,2-(OOCCH₂S)₂C₆H₄-κ⁴O,O′S,S′}{cis-(C₃H₄N₂)}₂] (4) were prepared and characterised by X-ray diffraction and conventional spectroscopic techniques. Compounds 1-4 show extensive hydrogen-bonded networks (XH?O, X = O, N) in the solid state.     

Dinuclear terephthalato-bridged nickel(II) complexes. Structural characterization and magnetic properties

The dinuclear terephthalato-bridged nickel(II) complexes [Ni₂(cyclen)₂(μ-tp)](ClO₄)₂ (1) [Ni₂(trpn)₂(μ-tp)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2) and [Ni₂(3,3,3-tet)₂(μ-tp)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O (3), where tp = terephthalate dianion, cyclen = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane, trpn = tris(3-aminopropyl)amine and 3,3,3-tet = 1,5,9,13-tetraazatridecane, were synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Their magnetic susceptibilities were also determined at variable temperatures over the range 2-300 K. The structures of these complexes consist of μ-tp bridging two Ni(II) centers in a bis(bidentate) bonding fashion in 1 and in bis(monodentate) bonding fashion in 2 and 3. The coordination geometry around the Ni(II) ions in these compounds has a distorted octahedral geometry with four nitrogen atoms from the amine ligand (cyclen, trpn or 3,3,3-tet) and two coordinated oxygen atoms supplied by the chelated carboxylate group of the bridged terephthalate ligand in 1, and by one tp-carboxylate-oxygen in 2 and 3. The sixth coordination site in the last two complexes 2 and 3 is achieved via an oxygen atom from a coordinated water molecule. The intradimer Ni…Ni distances in these complexes are 10.740, 11.428 and 11.537 Å for 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The electronic spectra of the complexes in aqueous solutions are in complete agreement with the assigned X-ray geometry around the Ni(II) centers. Also, the analysis of the infrared spectral data for the ν(COO⁻) stretching frequencies of the tp-carboxalato groups reveals the existence of the bis(bidentate) and bis(monodentate) coordination modes for the bridged terephthalate ligand in 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Despite the different coordination modes of the tp bridging ligand in these complexes, they all exhibit very weak antiferromagnetic coupling. The coupling constants J were found to be −2.2, −0.6 and −1.5 cm³ K mol⁻¹ for the complexes 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The structural and magnetic results of 1-3 are discussed in relation to the other related published μ-terephthalato dinuclear Ni(II) compounds.     

Squarato-metal(II) complexes. 1: Structural and magnetic characterization of squarato-bridged dinuclear nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes

A new series of dinuclear squarato-bridged nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes [Ni₂(2,3,2-tet)₂(μ_1,3-C₄O₄)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Ni₂(aepn)₂(μ_1,3-C₄O₄)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Cu₂(pmedien)₂(μ_1,3-C₄O₄)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂.4H₂O (3) and [Cu₂(DPA)₂(μ_1,2-C₄O₄)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (4) where is the dianion of 3,4-dihydroxycyclobut-3-en-1,2-dione (squaric acid), 2,3,2-tet = 1,4,8,11-tetraazaundecane, aepn = N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine, pmedien = N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine and DPA = di(2-pyridylmethyl)amine were synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The spectral and structural characterization as well as the magnetic behaviour of these complexes is reported. In this series, structures consist of the groups as counter ions and the bridging the two M(II) centers in a μ-1,3- (1-3) and in a μ-1,2-bis(monodentate) (4) bonding fashions. The coordination geometry around the Ni(II) ions in 1 and 2 is six-coordinate with distorted octahedral environment achieved by N atoms of the amines and by one or two oxygen atoms from coordinated water molecules, respectively. In the Cu(II) complexes 3 and 4, a distorted square pyramidal geometry is achieved by the three N-atoms of the aepn or DPA and by an oxygen atom from a coordinated water molecule. The electronic spectra of the complexes in aqueous solutions are in complete agreement with the assigned X-ray geometry around the M(II) centers. The complexes show weak antiferromagnetic coupling with ∣J∣ = 1.8-4.2 cm⁻¹ in the μ-1,3- bridged squarato compounds 1-3, and J = −16.1 cm⁻¹ in the corresponding μ-1,2- bridged squarato complex 4. The magnetic properties are discussed in relation to the structural data.     

Structural studies on novel Ru(II)-Binap complexes

The solid-state structures for two complexes, 7 and 8, are reported. Complex 7 was prepared by treating Ru(OAc)₂(Binap) with two equivalents of HBArF in toluene solution, and represents only the second solid-state structure of a Binap complex, in which the Binap is a 6e donor to the Ru(II). The bonding is maintained in solution as shown via ¹³C NMR studies. The unusual cation 8, as an salt, arises from prolonged reaction of Ru(OAc)₂(Binap) with wet HBF₄ (and, subsequently, added HSbF₆) in 1,2-dichloroethane.     

Imidazole derivatives of binuclear copper (II) and nickel (II) complexes incorporating bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-yl) ligands

A series of new binuclear copper (II) and nickel (II) complexes of the macrocyclic ligands bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-yl)butane (L^but) and bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-yl)-m-xylene (L^mx) have been synthesized: [Cu₂L^butBr₄] (1), [Cu₂L^but(imidazole)₂Br₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Cu₂L^mx(μ-OH)(imidazole)₂](ClO₄)₃ (3), [Cu₂L^but(imidazole)₄](ClO₄)₄ · H₂O (4), [Cu₂L^mx(imidazole)₄](ClO₄)₄ (5), [Ni₂ L^but(H₂O)₆](ClO₄)₄ · 2H₂O (6), [Ni₂L^but(imidazole)₆](ClO₄)₄ · 2H₂O (7) and [Ni₂L^mx (imidazole)₄(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₄ · 3H₂O (8). Complexes 1, 2, 7 and 8 have been characterized by single crystal X-ray studies. In each of the complexes, the two tridentate 1,4,7-triazacyclononane rings of the ligand facially coordinate to separate metal centres. The distorted square-pyramidal coordination sphere of the copper (II) centres is completed by bromide anions in the case of 1 and/or monodentate imidazole ligands in complexes 2, 4 and 5. Complex 3 has been formulated as a monohydroxo-bridged complex featuring two terminal imidazole ligands. Complexes 6-8 feature distorted octahedral nickel (II) centres with water and/or monodentate imidazole ligands occupying the remaining coordination sites. Within the crystal structures, the ligands adopt trans conformations, with the two metal binding compartments widely separated, perhaps as a consequence of electrostatic repulsion between the cationic metal centres. The imidazole-bearing complexes may be viewed as simple models for the coordinative interaction of the binuclear complexes of bis (tacn) ligands with protein molecules bearing multiple surface-exposed histidine residues.     

Presence of edge-to-face aromatic interaction in bis[1,2-bis(4-alkylphenyl)ethanedione dioximato]nickel(II) complexes and evaluation of the fastener effect

Bis[1,2-bis(4-methylphenyl)ethanedione dioximato]nickel(II), [Ni{(C₁)₂dpg}₂] (1), was found to exhibit shift in diffuse reflectance spectra from the corresponding non-methyl species. Characterization by X-ray crystal structural analysis on 1 and bis[1,2-bis(4-n-hexylphenyl)ethanedione dioximato]nickel(II), [Ni{(C₆)₂dpg}₂] (2), revealed the presence of the edge-to-face aromatic interactions caused by the electron-donating effect of the methyl and hexyl groups. The Ni(dpg)₂ units of complex 2 stack (staggered by 90°) at alternate intervals of 3.151 Å and 3.253 Å. Thus, the shift in the d-p transition of 2 was found to contain 43% of the effect of the edge-to-face aromatic interaction, together with 57% of the reported fastener effect.     

Polynuclear nickel (II) and copper (II) complexes of hexaazamacrocycles incorporating pairs of diethylenetriamine subunits separated by aromatic spacers

A series of Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of the hexaaza macrocycles, 3,6,9,17,20,23-hexaazatricyclo[23.3.1.1^11,15]triaconta-1(29),11(30),12,14,25,27-hexaene (L¹) and 3,6,9,16,19,22-hexaazatricyclo[22.2.2.2^11,14]triaconta-1(26),11(29),12,14(30),24(28),25-hexaene (L²), have been prepared and the crystal structures determined for [Ni₂L¹(O₂CCH₃)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Ni₂L²(DMF)₆](ClO₄)₄ · 2H₂O (2), {[Cu₂L²Br(O₂CCH₃)](ClO₄)₂}_n (3), [Cu₂L²(μ-CO₃)(H₂O)₂]₂(ClO₄)₄ · 8H₂O (4), [Cu₂L²(O₂CCH₃)₂](BF₄)₂ (5), and [Cu₂L¹(μ-imidazolate)Br]₂Br₄ · 6H₂O (6). In these complexes, two metal centers are bound per ligand; in 1 and 3-6, the N₃ subunits of L¹ or L² coordinate meridionally to the metal centers, whilst in 2, each N₃ subunit in L² adopts a facial mode of coordination. The binuclear cations in 1 and 2 have chair-like conformations, with the distorted octahedral Ni(II) coordination spheres completed by terminal water and a bidentate acetate ligand in 1 and three DMF ligands in 2. The Cu(II) centers in 3-6 generally reside in square planar environments, although a weakly binding ligand enters the coordination sphere in some cases, generating a distorted square pyramidal geometry. The binuclear [Cu₂L²]⁴⁺ units in 3, 4 and 5 adopt similar bowl-shaped conformations, stabilized by H-bonding interactions between pairs of amine groups from L² and a perchlorate or tetrafluoroborate anion. In 3, the binuclear units are linked through acetate groups, bridging in a syn-anti fashion, to produce a zig-zag polymeric chain structure, whilst 4 incorporates a tetrameric cation consisting of two binuclear units linked via a pair of carbonate bridges. Compound 6 features an imidazolate bridge between the two Cu(II) centers bound by L¹. Pairs of [Cu₂L¹(μ-imidazolate)]³⁺ units are then weakly linked through a pair of bromide anions.     

Nickel(II)dicyanamide complexes containing a diamine as end-capping ligand: Composition tailored architectures and magnetic properties

One 0D monomer trans-[Ni(pn)₂(dca)₂] (1), one neutral 2D polymer [Ni(pn)(dca)₂]_n (2) and one polycationic 1D polymer [Ni(pn)₂(dca)]_n(PF₆)_n (3) (pn = 1,3-propanediamine; dca = dicyanamide) have been synthesized and X-ray crystallographically characterized. 1 has terminal trans-Ni(dca)₂ unit, 2 contains both double bridged Ni-(NCNCN)₂-Ni and single bridged Ni-(NCNCN)-Ni units in alternate fashion and 3 consists of single Ni-(NCNCN)-Ni bridge by covalent bonds. The nickel(II) centers are six-coordinated with distorted octahedral geometry. Multiple lateral N-H···N, C-H···N, N-H···F and C-H···F hydrogen bondings promote dimensionality. Variable-temperature magnetic measurements indicate weak antiferromagnetic interactions through μ_1,5 bridge(s).     

Steric and counterion effects on the structure of dipicolylamine nickel complexes

Four nickel complexes each containing an R-2,2′-dipicolylamine ligand species (RDPA; R = benzyl, isopropyl, or tert-butyl) were synthesized and structurally characterized. In the absence of an interfering coordinating counterion, BzDPA and iPrDPA form 1:2 nickel:ligand complexes, with two facial ligands completing an pseudooctahedral nickel(II) coordination environment. In contrast, the sterically hindered tBuDPA ligand instead forms 1:1 metal:ligand complexes, even in the absence of associating counterions. Two novel tBuDPA nickel complexes with different counterions are described: nickel(II) chloride gives rise to an unusual 2Ni-3Cl dimer complex, while nickel(II) nitrate affords a 1:1 nickel:ligand complex which crystallizes with both fac and mer conformations in the same unit cell.     

Heterobimetallic assemblies of Ni(II) complexes with a tetradentate amine ligand and diamagnetic cyanidometallates

Syntheses and crystal structures of nickel(II) complexes containing teta (teta = N,N′-bis(2-aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine) as a tetradentate blocking ligand and cyanidometallic bridging complexes are described. The complexes [Ni(teta)(cis-μ²-Ni(CN)₄)] (1) and [{Ni(teta)}₃(μ⁶-Co(CN)₆)] (ClO₄)₃ (2) exhibit a 1D-polymeric structure whereas the heterometallic trinuclear complex [Ni(teta)(μ¹-Ag(CN)₂)₂] (3) forms a unique network. The weak antiferromagnetic exchange was found in polymeric species 1 and 2 by analyzing the magnetic data with several models in which either only susceptibility was treated or simultaneous fitting of temperature and magnetic field dependences of the magnetization was applied using the finite-size closed ring approach. Moreover, an effect of the zero-field splitting phenomenon (ZFS) was considered for 2 by advanced modeling of magnetic properties for varying axial ZFS parameter/isotropic exchange (D/J) ratios.     

Palladium(II) complexes of the chiral pinBPI ligand

The chiral bis(pyridylimino)isoindoline derivative 5 (pinBPI) was prepared from the chiral pool reagent α-pinene 1 in three steps and an overall yield of 12%. Upon treatment with palladium(II) acetate and palladium(II) chloride, pinBPI 5 forms the nonracemic chiral complexes [(pinBPI)Pd(OAc)] 6 and [(pinBPI)PdCl] 7, respectively, as the only isolated species in good yield. The synthesis of a related thiazole-based ligand failed for the incompatibility of the four-membered carbocycle of the pinene subunit with the conditions of the thiazole-forming reaction. Both pinBPI chelates crystallize in chiral space groups but with different molecular conformations and intermolecular interactions. A triclinic system with space group P1 is found for the acetato derivative 6 which organizes pseudosymmetrically as a chloroform solvate with one helical and one (almost) planar molecule in the asymmetric unit. The chloro derivate 7 on the other hand crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁ with Z = 8 and four independent molecules in the unit cell. Here, all molecules are in a pseudoplanar configuration with convex ligand conformations, but differ significantly in bond lengths and angles. The structures unravel two different possible scenarios for intermolecular association of such chiral BAI ligands.     

Cyanoscorpionates: Co(II), Mn(II), and Ni(II) complexes coordinated only through the cyano group

New complexes have been synthesized of scorpionate ligands with cyano substituents in the 4-positions of the pyrazoles and tert-butyl substituents in the 3-positions of the pyrazoles. Reaction of Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Ni(cyclam)²⁺ (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) with Tp^t-Bu,4CN in a 1:2 ratio produced new octahedral metal complexes of the form (Tp^t-Bu,4CN)₂ML₄ (L₄ = (H₂O)₄, (H₂O)₂(MeOH)₂, or cyclam). Unlike the sandwich complexes previously isolated with Tp^Ph,4CN, the crystal structures showed none of the pyrazole nitrogen atoms coordinated to the metal. Rather, the metal is coordinated to one CN nitrogen atom from each ligand, with two Tp anions coordinated trans to each other around the metal center. This leaves the Tp pyrazole nitrogen atoms open for another metal to coordinate, which could to lead to heterometallic complexes, new coordination polymers, as well as the framework for supramolecular complexes.     

Lightinduced sulfur-dealkylation of phosphino-thioether nickel(0) complexes

The observation of homolytic S---CH₃ bond cleavage in (Ph₂P(o-C₆H₄)SCH₃)₂Ni⁰ under photochemical conditions has prompted further investigation of nickel(0) complexes and their stability. Tetradentate P₂S′₂ donor ligands (S′ = thioether type S donor) with aromatic rings incorporated into the P to S links, Ph₂P(o-C₆H₄)S(CH₂)₃S(o-C₆H₄)PPh₂ (arom-PSSP), or the S to S links, Ph₂P(CH₂)₂SCH₂(o-C₆H₄)CH₂S(CH₂)₂PPh₂ (PS-xy-SP), have been used to form four-coordinate, square planar nickel(II) complexes, [(arom-PSSP)Ni](BF₄)₂ (2) and [(PS-xy-SP)Ni](BF₄)₂ (3). The bidentate and tetradentate ligands, Ph₂P(o-C₆H₄)SCH₂CH₃ (arom-PSEt) and Ph₂P(CH₂)₂S(CH₂)₃S(CH₂)₂PPh₂ (PSSP), give similar complexes, [(arom-PSEt)₂Ni](BF₄)₂ (1) and [(PSSP)Ni](BF₄)₂ (4), respectively. Cyclic voltammograms of the Ni¹¹ complexes in CH₃CN show two reversible redox events assigned to and . The one-electron reduction product produced by stoichiometric amounts of Cp₂Co can be characterized by EPR. At 100 K rhombic signals show hyperfine coupling to two phosphorus atoms. Complete bulk chemical reduction of complexes 1, 2, 3 and 4 with Na/Hg amalgam provided the corresponding nickel(0) complexes 1^R, 2^R, 3^R and 4^R which were isolated as red solutions or solids characterized by magnetic resonance properties and reaction products. Photolysis of these nickel(0) complexes leads to S-dealkylation to produce alkyl radicals and dithiolate nickel(II) complexes. Complex 3 crystallized in the monoclinic space group P_2t/c with a=20.740(5), B=9.879(3), C=17.801(4) åA, ß=92.59(2)°, V=3644(2) ų and Z=4; complex 4: P2₁/c with A=13.815(4), B=13.815(4), C=15.457(5) åA, V=3365.4(14) ų and Z=4.