Synthesis of novel organonickel(II) complexes with thiosalicylaldehyde as a chelate ligand

Two sulfur-coordinated acyl nickel(II) complexes 3 and 4 Ni(S^CO)(PMe3)3 (^ = phenyl (3), 5-methylphenyl (4)) were synthesized by reactions of thiosalicylaldehyde (1) and 5-methylthiosalicylaldehyde (2) with NiMe2(PMe3)3. Complex 3 reacted with excess iodomethane affording (2-methyl-mercapto-phenyl)nickel(II) complex 5. The mechanisms of formation of 3–5 were proposed and discussed. The molecular structures of 4 and 5 were determined by X-ray diffraction.