New neutral nickel dithiolene complexes derived from 1,3-dialkylimidazolidine-2,4,5-trithione, showing remarkable near-IR absorption

The synthesis, solution redox properties and electronic spectra of a new series of stable, neutral nickel–dithiolene complexes [Ni(R2timdt)2](where R2timdt is the monoreduced anion of the first example of 1,3-dialkylimidazolidine-2,4,5-trithione and alkyl = Et, Pri, Bu), showing an intense electronic absorption at λ≈ 1000 nm, as well as the crystal structure of the Pri derivative are reported.