Preparation, properties and crystal structures of new nickel(II) complexes of 1,2-asymmetrically substituted dithiolenes for third-order non-linear optical applications

Three new nickel(II) complexes of 1-alkyl-2-phenyl asymmetrically substituted dithiolenes [Ni(SCR1CR2S)2](R1= Ph; R2= Bun, cyclopentylmethyl or 4-pentylcyclohexyl) have been prepared and their electrochemical properties and near-IR spectra studied. The crystal structures of the complexes in which R2= Bun or cyclopentylmethyl have been determined. The presence of bulky substituents adjacent to the ring has no affect upon the electrochemical or near-infrared properties. Third-order non-linear optical coefficients were measured by degenerate four-wave mixing.