Synthesis and properties of new nickel-1,2-dithiolenes, Ni(phdt)2 and Ni(dphdt)2

Phenyl-substituted Ni(dddt)2, Ni(phdt)2 and Ni(dphdt)2, were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and UV spectroscopy. The ligand precursors were prepared by the [2+4] cycloaddition reaction between oligo(1,3-dithiole-2,4,5-trithione) and styrene or t-stilbene, respectively. [Ni(dphdt)2]1− shows rhombic esr g-values (gt = 2.099, g2 = 2.039, g3=2.006) at 77K. It exhibits a cyclic voltamogram with a reversible oxidation potential at 0.34 V(vs. Ag/AgCl) and quasi- reversible one at −0.38V (ΔV12=0.72V).