First structurally characterized mixed-halogen nickel(III) NCN-pincer complex

A square-pyramidal mixed-halogen nickel(III) NCN-pincer complex (PipeNCN)NiClBr (where PipeNCN = 2,6-bis(piperidinomethyl)phenyl) was structurally characterized. Bromine occupies apical position; pincer ligand and chlorine atom are in the basal plane. EPR detects that complex in solution exists as a mixture of two structural isomers with bromine or chlorine atoms in the top of pyramid.