Preparation and properties of [NiII(BEES)(Cl)](BPh4): a NiII complex in a mixed nitrogen/thioether coordination environment

The synthesis and properties of the NiII complex [NiII(BEES)(Cl)](BPh4) are described. The ligand bis-2-β-benzylthioethylaminoethylsulfide·HCl (BEES·HCl) was prepared in good yield in three steps from bis-ethylaminosulfide and acetyl chloride. Complexation of NiII in the presence of chloride affords [NiII(BEES)(Cl)](BPh4), which contains high-spin NiII in a pseudo-octahedral coordination environment, ligated by amine nitrogens, thioether sulfurs, and a chloride. The complex is irreversibly reduced at a potential of −1.24 V vs. SCE. The complex displays four d→d bands in the UV–Vis. Reduction of NiII→NiI by Na/acenaphthylene leads to complete decomposition of the complex.