The Ni(0)–CO2 System: Structure and Reactions of [Ni(PCy3)2(η-CO2)]

Abstract

The reactions of a variety of bis(tricyclohexylphosphine)nickel species with CO2 have been studied. The product of the reaction is solvent dependent: in toluene the known complex [NiL2(η2-CO2)] · toluene (L = PCy3) is formed while in ether or pentane a binuclear complex [(NiL2)2(η-CO2)] results through the intermediacy of the solvent free species [NiL2(η2-CO2)] the structure of which has been determined by X-ray crystallography.