Abstract

The cationic complexes, [Tp^RNi(bpym)]⁺ {Tp ^R = tris(3,5-diphenylpyrazolyl)borate, R = Ph<inf>2</inf> 1; tris(3- phenyl-5-methylpyrazolyl)borate, R = Ph,Me 2} were synthesized by reacting [Tp^RNiBr] (R = Ph<inf>2</inf>; Ph,Me)with bipyrimidine followed by subsequent addition of KPF<inf>6</inf> in CH<inf>6</inf>Cl<inf>2</inf>. The green solids have been characterized by IR, UV-Vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Crystallographic studies of [Tp^Ph,MeNi(bpym)]PF <inf>6</inf> reveal a five-coordinate square pyramidal nickel centre with a κ³-coordinated Tp^Ph,Me ligand and a chelating bipyrimidine ligand. Cyclic voltammetric studies show irreversible reduction with the degree of reversibility dependent on the type of TpR ligand. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010.