Synthesis and Reactivities of Novel η2-(C,O) Methylphenylketene Complex of Nickel

Abstract

Abstract Bis(triphenylphosphine)(methylphenylketene)nickel complex (1) was cleanly isolated from the reaction of bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)nickel with methylphenylketene in the presence of triphenylphosphine. The spectroscopic analyses of 1 suggest to be η2-(C,O) ketene structure being close to oxanickelacyclopropane structure. Based on the chemical reactivities of 1, it is proposed that the ketene moiety of 1 switches its coordination mode from η2-(C,O) to η2-(C,C) type prior to undergoing further reactions.