Template Synthesis of Clusters using the Tripod Ligand HC(PPh2)3 Ni3(CO)6(tripod)

The stepwise synthesis of the nickel cluster (3) from Ni(CO)4 and the “Tripod” ligand illustrates a possible application of this tris(phosphane). The first trinuclear nickel(0) complex is formed via (1) (with chelated Ni(CO)2 and a free PPh2 group) and (2) (with Ni(CO)3 attached to this group). equation image