Novel halogen-bridged bisphosphine nickel(II) complexes

► We synthesized nickel halogen-bridged complexes which are catalyst precursors. ► Degradation of a BF4− and halide abstraction reactions afford dinuclear Ni complexes. ► In our syntheses we used bulky 1,2-bis(di-tert-butylphosphino)ethane ligand. ► No Ni-Ni-interaction was observed in dinuclear halogen-bridged complexes. ► Changing the solvent from THF to MeCN in reaction gives mononuclear nickel complex.