The electrochemistry of square planar macrocyclic nickel complexes and the reaction of Ni(I) with alkyl bromides: Tetradentate Schiff base complexes

The electrochemistry of nine square planar macrocyclic Schiff base complexes of Ni(II) has been investigated in aprotic solvents. It is shown that all form Ni(I) complexes, and with one exception these species may be reacted with alkyl bromides in processes which are catalytic with respect to the nickel complex. The dependence of the electrochemical parameters and the mechanism and kinetics of the coupled chemical reactions on the structure of the ligands is discussed.