The physical properties of the partially oxidised complexes [(n-Bu)(4)N](2) [M(dcbdt)(2)](5)with M = Au and Ni (dcbdt = 4,5-dicyanobenzene-1,2-dithiolate) are compared and related to the different electronic bandfilling and their slightly different structure. Both compounds present a triclinic structure, space group P-1, with pentamerised segregated stacks of the complex along [-210]. The lower electrical conductivity with a larger activation energy, as well as the larger magnitude of thermopower and paramagnetic susceptibility, of the Ni compound are a consequence of both its different electronic bandfilling and more pronounced modulation of the stacking. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
