A new polymorph, form C, of [1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane]-dichloronickel(II)

The title compound, [NiCl2(C26H24P2)], has arisen as a result of the unexpected reduction (hydrogenation) of the trans-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethene ligand. The hydrothermal reaction conditions have produced a third polymorphic form of the compound which has twofold symmetry, crystallizes in an enantiomer-selective manner and contains an unexpectedly short C-C (ethane) bond. Contacts of the form C-H...Cl are present, one involving alkyl and the other aryl hydrogen, with C.Cl distances of 3.556 (4) and 3.664 (6) A, respectively.