Reaction of bis(trichlorosilyl)bipyridylnickel(II) with diphenylacetylene

A violet complex, possibly [trans-α,α′-bis-(trichlorosilyl)stilbene]bipyridylnickel(0), was obtained from the reaction of bis(trichlorosilyl)bipyridylnickel(II) with diphenylacetylene, and converted into trans-α,α′-bis(trimethylsilyl)stilbene by methylation.