An Anionic Zerovalent Nickel Carbonyl Complex Supported by a Triphosphine Borate Ligand:  An Ni−C⋮O−Li Isocarbonyl

An anionic zerovalent nickel carbonyl complex, [Ni(PhBP₃)(CO)][Li(TMED)] (1), supported by a triphosphine borate ligand was prepared and structurally characterized. The solid state structure shows the coordination of Li⁺ to the O atom of the CO ligand. The isocarbonyl structure indicates strong electron donor ability of the [PhBP₃] ligand and charge redistribution to the carbonyl oxygen. Results of a DFT calculation support this view. Complex 1 represents the first example of a Lewis acid O atom adduct of a Ni(0) carbonyl complex.