A structurally rigid bis(amido) ligand framework in low-coordinate Ni(I), Ni(II), and Ni(III) analogues provides access to a Ni(III) methyl complex via oxidative addition.

A structurally persistent bis-amido ligand framework capable of supporting nickel compounds in three different oxidation states has been identified. A highly unusual, isolable Ni(III) alkyl species has been prepared and characterized via a rare example of a two-electron oxidative addition of MeI to Ni(I).