The structural and functional modeling of the active site of [NiFe]-hydrogenases has been proved to be challenging to a great extent. Herein, we report the synthesis, structures, and some properties of the NiFe-based dicarbonyl, terminal hydride, and μ-hydroxo models for the active site of [NiFe]-hydrogenases.
![Graphical abstract: Dithiolato-bridged nickel–iron complexes as models for the active site of [NiFe]-hydrogenases](http://hg.y866.cn/compound/lib/scimg/usr/1/C7CC00149E.jpg)