Activation of Polymerization Catalysts: Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Dinuclear Nickel(I) Diimine Complexes

Abstract

The reaction of 1,4-bis(diisopropylphenyl)-aza-1,4-butadienenickel dibromide (1a) with stoichiometric amounts of phenyl Grignard or trimethylaluminum affords the purple Ni(I) complexes 1b and 1c, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals dinuclear species in the solid state for both compounds. UV/vis spectroscopy supports this rare oxidation state of nickel.