Described are the syntheses of several Ni(μ-SR) 2 Fe complexes, including hydride derivatives, in a search for improved models for the active site of [NiFe]-hydrogenases. The nickel(II) precursors include (i) nickel with tripodal ligands: Ni(PS 3 ) − and Ni(NS 3 ) − (PS 3 3-= tris(phenyl-2thiolato)phosphine, NS 3 3-= tris(benzyl-2-thiolato)amine) (ii) traditional diphosphine-dithiolates, including chiral diphosphine R,R-DIPAMP, (iii) cationic Ni(phosphine-imine/amine) complexes,