Reversible CO binding at a nickel complex supported by an ambiphilic PBiP tridentate ligand

Abstract

A nickel chloride complex supported by a bismuthide diphosphine tridentate ligand reversibly binds CO to afford a nickel dicarbonyl species. Interestingly, this metal–ligand cooperative transformation occurs with chloride migration to the Bi center, highlighting the ambiphilicity of organobismuth donors. Chloride substitution with nitroxide weakens the Ni–Bi interaction and inhibits CO dissociation.