Synthesis, structure and solid-state electrical conductivity of bis(1,2-diphenylethylene-1,2-dithiolate)nickel(II)

One nickel(II)-dithiolene complex bis(1,2-diphenylethylene-1,2-dithiolate)nickel(II) has been synthesized and crystallographically characterized. The complex is square planar at its metal centre. The compound in its solid-state is found to conduct electricity at room temperature. Variation of conduction is also found on raising the temperature. Instead of a metal…metal orbital overlap, the electron density is expected here to pass through some other covalent and electrostatic bonds of the compound in solid-state resulting in electricity conduction. A square planar nickel(II)dithiolene complex has been synthesized and characterized. Its conductivity was measured at varying temperatures. This revealed its semiconductivity in nature. The electrical conductivity of this complex has been explained by considering the long intermolecular distance and π…π stacking interaction. Molecular orbital calculations were also done to explain its electrical conductivity.