A method for the synthesis of nickel(0) bis(carbene) complexes.

A new method leading to Ni(NHC)2 (NHC = IMes, IPri, SIPr(i), SIBu(t)) complexes in moderate to good yields, involves the reaction of NHC (pre-formed or generated in situ) with Ni(CH3)2(tmed), tmed = N,N'-tetramethylethylenediamine; in one case, the intermediate Ni[I(Me2)Pr(i)]2(CH3)2, I(Me2)Pr(i) = N,N'-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene, has been isolated and structurally characterised.