Highly efficient [Ni{iPrHNC(S)NP(S)(OiPr)2-1,3-N,S'}2]/PR3 (R3 = Me3, Me2Ph) complexes for the generation of Ni(0) for catalysis

We have developed new complexes of the type [Ni{iPrHNC(S)NP(S)(OiPr)(2)-1,3-N,S'}(2)]/PR(3) (R(3) = Me(3), Me(2)Ph) for the generation of Ni(0) catalysts which can be used for the catalytic addition of Ph(2)S(2) to 1-, 2- and 3-hexynes. A detailed study of the catalytic reaction mechanism suggests two possible pathways for the in situ formation of Ni(0) species, depending on the presence or absence of water.