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.