[M(NMesBMes2)2] (M = Cr, Ni) : Stable, Distorted, Two‐Coordinate d4 and d8 Complexes

The structures of the two title complexes are surprisingly different: The chromium complex 1 has an angular (ca. 112°) and the nickel complex an almost linear (ca. 168°) NMN arrangement. The two complexes can be prepared from LiNMesBMes2 and [CrCl2(thf)2] or NiBr2·5/3THF, respectively. The angular arrangement in 1 is presumably due to a widening of the Cr coordination by CrC contacts. Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenly.