Linear Bis-Perfluoroalkyl Complexes of Nickel Bipyridine

Three new complexes were prepared: [(dtbpy)- Ni(CF3)2] (1), [(dtbpy)Ni(CF2CF3)2] (2), and [(dtbpy)Ni- (CH3)2] (3) (dtbpy = 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine). Remarkable differences in the structure, electronics, reactivity, and absorption of visible light for the alkyl versus perfluoroalkyl complexes were observed and are detailed in this report.