The crystal and molecular structure of the coordinatively unsaturated Ni(0) species Ni(PPh3)3
The disproportionation of the complex (Et2N)3Ti(μ-PCy2)Ni(PPh3) affords the coordinatively unsaturated species Ni(PPh3)3, 1. This compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group [Formula: see text], with a = 18.483(4) Å, b = 16.203(3) Å, c = 17.783(4) Å, α = 105.85(2)°, β = 117.33(3)°, γ = 92.33(3)°, Z = 4, and V = 4464(2) Å3. Full-matrix least-squares refinement of 1042 variables using 6484 data (Fo2 > 3σFo2) gave R = 0.0441 and Rw = 0.0438. The two crystallographically independent molecules are essentially identical, each exhibiting a trigonal planar coordination sphere at Ni. The most interesting feature of the structure is the close approach (2.744–3.094 Å) of three ortho hydrogens of the PPh3 groups to the Ni centres. The implications of the structural data regarding ortho metallation and the known instability of 1 are discussed. Keywords: coordinatively unsaturated, nickel phosphine complex.