Ni(3,5-CF3stb)₂(Et₂O): A “Super-Naked” Nickel Complex

Here, we report how the reduction of Ni(acac)2 in the presence of an electron-deficient stilbene (3,5-CF3stb (stb = trans-stilbene)) results in the formation of a heteroleptic 16-electron bis-(stilbene)Ni(0) complex supported by a labile Et2O ligand. The complex is highly reactive toward ligand exchange with even weakly coordinating species like arenes. While its reactivity in ethereal solvents is analogous to that of other tris-(stilbene)Ni(0), the ability to undergo ligand exchange with aromatic solvents permits access to currently inaccessible (stilbene)(η6-arene)Ni(0) complexes.