Preparation of nickel(0) nanoparticles by arene-catalysed reduction of different nickel chloride-containing systems

Nickel(0) nanoparticles with diameters < 6 nm have been prepared in a straightforward manner by reduction of different nickel(II) chloride-containing systems with lithium powder and a catalytic amount of an arene in THF at room temperature. The properties and reactivity of the different nickel nanoparticles have been studied and compared.