Synthesis of novel organonickel(II) complexes with thiosalicylaldehyde as a chelate ligand

• Synthesis and characterization of sulfur-coordinated acyl nickel(II) complexes.
• C–H bond activation.
• Trimethylphosphine ligands.
• C,S-coupling.

Two sulfur-coordinated acyl nickel(II) complexes 3 and 4 Ni(S^CO)(PMe3)3 (^ = phenyl (3), 5-methylphenyl (4)) were synthesized by reactions of thiosalicylaldehyde (1) and 5-methylthiosalicylaldehyde (2) with NiMe2(PMe3)3. Complex 3 reacted with excess iodomethane affording (2-methyl-mercapto-phenyl)nickel(II) complex 5. The mechanisms of formation of 3–5 were proposed and discussed. The molecular structures of 4 and 5 were determined by X-ray diffraction.

The reaction of 2-mercaptobenzaldehyde 1 (or 2-mercapto-5-methylbenzaldehyde 2) with NiMe2(PMe3)3 delivered the corresponding (acylthiophenolato)nickel(II) complexes 3 (or 4). Treatment of complex 3 with excess iodomethane afforded (2-methyl-mercapto-phenyl)nickel(II) complex 5 and no related Ni(IV) complex was found. The related mechanisms of formation of complexes 3–5 were proposed. The molecular structures of complexes 4 and 5 were determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide