[Ni(NHC) ] as a Scaffold for Structurally Characterized trans [H-Ni-PR ] and trans [R P-Ni-PR ] Complexes.

The addition of PPh H, PPhMeH, PPhH , P(para-Tol)H , PMesH and PH to the two-coordinate Ni N-heterocyclic carbene species [Ni(NHC) ] (NHC=IiPr , IMe , IEt Me ) affords a series of mononuclear, terminal phosphido nickel complexes. Structural characterisation of nine of these compounds shows that they have unusual trans [H-Ni-PR ] or novel trans [R P-Ni-PR ] geometries. The bis-phosphido complexes are more accessible when smaller NHCs (IMe >IEt Me >IiPr ) and phosphines are employed.