Synthesis, crystal structure and reactivity of η2-thiophyne Ni complexes.

The first synthesis and crystal structures of five-membered ring aryne complexes, Ni(dcpe)(η2-thiophyne) and Ni(dcpe)(η2-benzo[b]thiophyne), are described. The aryne fragments retain considerable aromatic character and the two coordinated carbon atoms exhibit distinct reactivity due to their asymmetric nature.