Synthesis and structures of the novel triple-decker complexes with 9-nickelafluorenyl ring

The new triple-decker compounds 2 (C32H33Ni3PF6) and 2a (C42H53Ni3PF6) were synthesised in the reaction of the oxidized 9-nickelafluorenyl sandwich complexes of Nickel (II) 1 (C27H28Ni2PF6) and 1a (C32H38Ni2PF6) in acetone. Decomposition of 1 and 1a followed by the stacking of {CpNi} species on the compounds 1 and 1a, respectively, resulted in the formation of the triple-decker complexes. The compound 2 was characterized by X-ray single crystal analysis. It crystallises from dichloromethane and diethyl ether mixture in the orthorhombic crystal system and the Pna21 space group.