Three different functions of a phosphinic amidato ligand in LNi(LLi)(LH) {L = [tBu2P(O)NEt]-}

The title paramagnetic compound, chloro-2 kappa Cl-[di-tert-butylphosphinic ethylamide-1 kappaO]bis[mu -di-tert-butylphosphinic ethylamidato(1-)-1:2 kappa O-4:N]lithium(I)nickel(II), [NiLiCl-(C-10 H23NOP)(2)(C10H24NOP)], revealed an incomplete bischelation of Ni2+ by L- {L = [(Bu2P)-Bu-t(O)NEt](-)}, with the formation of a pseudo-tetrahedral NiON2Cl chromophore. The Ni atom is coordinated by Cl-, bidentate L- and monodentate LLi (via N).