A Mixed Valent Trinuclear Nickel Complex

The reaction of Ni(PPh3)2Cl2 with hexahydro‐1,4‐diaza‐2,3,5,6‐tetraphosphorine in toluene leads to a trinuclear mixed valent nickel complex. Crystal structure analysis confirms three nickel atoms which are connected via two bridging chain‐like PNPPNP ligands. Moreover it indicates some remaining electron density at two central phosphorus atoms. DFT calculations on the electronic structure of the title complex suggest either a slightly delocalized unpaired electron at the relevant metal coordinated phosphorus atom or a PHPh entity.