0
$\begingroup$

I know that there are 2 isomers that $\ce{Ni(PPh3)2Cl2}$ have and they exist in equilibrium. I am tempted to name them cis- and trans- but it does not sound right.

$\endgroup$
2

1 Answer 1

2
$\begingroup$

A metal phosphine complex, dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)nickel(II) exists in two isomeric forms (blue and red) based on how you prepared it (Wikipedia). The blue isomer, which is paramagnetic can be prepared by treating hydrated nickel chloride ($\ce{NiCl2.6H2O}$) with triphenylphosphine in alcohols or glacial acetic acid. When allowed to crystallize from chlorinated solvents (e.g., dicloroethane (Ref.1), dicloromethane (Ref.2)), the tetrahedral isomer converts to the square planar red isomer, which is trans and diamagnetic:

Crystal Structure

References:

  1. Benedetto Corain, Bruno Longato, Roberto Angeletti, Giovanni Valle, “trans-[Dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)nickel(II)]•$\ce{(C2H4Cl2)2}$: a clathrate of the allogon of venanzi's tetrahedral complex,” Inorganica Chimica Acta 1985, 104(1), 15–18 (https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-1693(00)83780-9).
  2. A. S. Batsanov, J. A. K. Howard, “trans-Di­chloro­bis­(tri­phenyl­phosphine)­nickel(II) bis­(di­chloro­methane) solvate: redetermination at $\pu{120 K}$,” Acta Cryst. 2001, E57, m308–m309 (https://doi.org/10.1107/S1600536801008741).
$\endgroup$

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.