in dichloromethane Ni-complex in dry CH2Cl2 was treated dropwise under N2 with CF3COOH (2 equiv); evapd., washed with dry ether, recrystd. from CH2Cl2/hexane to give bis(trifluoroacetate) complex (identified by its (31)P NMR spectrum), etherext. was evapd. to dryness, sublimed at 65°C/0.01 mm to give PhCOOH (identified by m.p.);