Monometallic Ni0 and Heterobimetallic Ni0/AuI Complexes of Tripodal Phosphine Ligands: Characterization in Solution and in the Solid State and Catalysis

The tridentate chelate nickel complexes [(CO)Ni{(PPh₂CH₂)₃CMe}] ( 2 ), [(CO)Ni{(PPh₂CH₂CH₂)₃SiMe}] ( 6 ), and [Ph₃PNi{(PPh₂CH₂CH₂)₃SiMe}] ( 7 ), as well as the bidentate complex [(CO)₂Ni{(PPh₂CH₂)₂CMeCH₂PPh₂}] ( 3 ) and the heterobimetallic complex [(CO)₂Ni{(PPh₂CH₂)₂CMeCH₂Ph₂PAuCl}] ( 4 ), have been synthesized and fully characterized in solution. All ¹H and ¹³C NMR signal assignments are based on 2D‐NMR methods. Single crystal X‐ray structures have been obtained for all complexes. Their ³¹P CP/MAS (cross polarization with magic angle spinning) NMR spectra have been recorded and the isotropic lines identified. The signals were assigned with the help of their chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) data. All complexes have been tested regarding their catalytic activity for the cyclotrimerization of phenylacetylene. Whereas complexes 2 – 4 display low catalytic activity, complex 7 leads to quantitative conversion of the substrate within four hours and is highly selective throughout the catalytic reaction.