Synthesis and characterisation of thiolato Schiff base nickel(n) complexes. X-Ray structures of Ni(η⁵-C₅H₅)(PPh₃)(SC ₆H₄N=CHC₆-H₄Br-4′) and Ni(η₅-C₅H₅)(PBu₃)(SC ₆H₄N=CHC₆H₄CH₃-4′)

A series of complexes of formula Ni(η⁵-C₅H₅)(PR₃)(SC ₆H₄N=CHC₆H₄X-4′) (R = Ph, Bu; X = F, Cl, Br, CH₃, OH, H) has been isolated from the reactions of Ni(η⁵-C₅H₅)(PPh₃)Cl or the bromo derivative, the thiol Schiff base ligands, 4-HSC₆H₄N=CHC₆H₄X-4′, and triethylamine. Preliminary thermal analysis data indicate that the PBu₃ complexes could exhibit liquid crystalline behaviour. Electrochemistry of the PPh₃ compounds gave irreversible redox couples, in contrast to the quasi-reversibility of the PBu₃ compounds.