An "end-on" Ni
2+-superoxo adduct has been prepared via two independent synthetic routes and its structure ascertained by spectroscopic and computational methods. The new structure type in nickel coordination chemistry is supported by resonance Raman and EPR spectroscopic features, the former displaying a high frequency
(O-O) mode (1131 cm
-1) consistent with significant superoxo character. The Ni
2+-superoxo adduct oxidizes PPh
3 to OPPh
3 in quantitative yield.