The first structurally characterised σ-bonded organonickel(i) compound. Crystal structures of [Ni{C(SiMe3)2(SiMe2C5H4N-2)}(PPh3)], [Ni{C(SiMe3)(SiMe2C5H4N-2)(SiMe2O)}]2 and [Pd(μ-Cl){C(SiMe3)2(SiMe2C5H4N-2)}]2

The reaction between [NiCl2(PPh3)2] and [Li{C(SiMe3)2(SiMe2C5 H4N-2)}] in tetrahydrofuran gave the monomeric Ni(I) compound [Ni{C(SiMe3)2(SiMe2C5H 4N-2)}(PPh3)], which shows planar coordination at Ni with Ni–C 2.025(4) Å, together with the Ni(II) silanolato compound [Ni{C(Si- Me3)(SiMe2C5H4 N-2)(SiMe2O)}]2 as a minor product, however, the corresponding reaction with [PdCl2(PPh3)2] gave [Pd(μ-Cl){C(SiMe3)2(SiMe 2C5H4N-2)}]2, which has a chloride-bridged structure with an unusual fold angle of 60° at the Cl···Cl axis.