Formation of [(L)Ni(μ2-S)x{Fe(CO)3}x] adducts (x=1 or 2):: analogues of the active site of [NiFe] hydrogenase

The binuclear [Ni(L)Fe(CO)(3)], 1, and trinuclear [Ni(L){Fe(CO)(3)}(2)], 2, complexes adopt unusual structural motifs whereby Fe(CO)(3) units bind to [Ni(L)] via mu(2)-S bridging modes, C=N imine pi-bonds and potential Ni-Fe bonding interactions.