Facile synthesis of a nickel(0) phosphine complex at ambient temperature

Abstract

The reaction of the bis(methoxy)-2-pyridyl-phosphine (MeO)2P(2-py) (1) with [Ni(MeCN)6](BF4)2 leads to the unexpected single-step reduction of NiII and the formation of a tetrahedral nickel(0) complex [{(MeO)2P(2-py-H)}2{(MeO)2P(2-py)}2Ni](BF4)2 (2). The redox activity is probably induced by the decomposition of the tetrafluoroborate anion; NMR spectroscopic studies point towards a fluoride-assisted oxidation of the 2-pyridyl-phosphine ligand, with associated reduction of the metal.