An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic study of some nickel (II) amine complexes

The X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectra of several Ni(II) diamine complexes, a Ni(II) triamine complex and several Ni(II) diimine complexes are reported in terms of the Ni 2p, Cl 2p and N 1s core level binding energies. Theoretical models are presented to account for the quadratic relationship observed between XPS Ni 2p_{$\text{3}\text{2}$}binding energy shifts and the N-H infrared rocking frequency as related to these complexes. On the basis of this correlation, it is possible to discriminate between free counter-ions coordinated to the metal or involved in cluster-ion formation. Individual XPS data for these complexes are interpreted in terms of the intrinsic nature of the metal environment and an attempt is made to calculate the metal and donor nitrogen atomic charges for selected complexes.