Dichloro[1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane]nickel(II)

Dichloro[1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane]nickel(II) is used as a catalyst for allylic alkylation of stable enolates, dialkylation of dithioacetals and electrochemical carboxylation of terminal alkynes.

Dichloro[1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane]nickel(II) is prepared by adding a solution of NiCl2.6H2O in n-butanol to a solution of 1,4- bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (dppb) in n-butanol and refluxing until the complex drops out of solution as a light purple powder.

Dichloro[1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane]nickel(II) should be stored in dry, dark-colored bottles under an inert atmosphere.