A new polymorph,form C,of [1,2‐­bis­(di­phenyl­phosphino)­ethane]­dichloronickel(II)

The title compound, NiCl₂(C₂₆H₂₄P₂)], has arisen as a result of the unexpected reduction (hydrogenation) of the trans‐1,2‐bis­(di­phenyl­phosphino)­ethene ligand. The hydro­thermal reaction conditions have produced a third polymorphic form of the compound which has twofold symmetry, crystallizes in an enantiomer‐selective manner and contains an unexpectedly short C—C (ethane) bond. Contacts of the form C—H?Cl are present, one involving alkyl and the other aryl hydrogen, with C?Cl distances of 3.556 (4) and 3.664 (6) Å, respectively.