A new nickel(II) complex [NiL
1] 2+ (L 1 = 1-(2-aminoethyl)-3-(N-{2-aminoethyl}aminomethyl-1,3-diazacyclohexane) containing one 1,3-diazacyclohexane ring has been prepared selectively by the metal-template condensation of formaldehyde with N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine and ethylenediamine at room temperature. The complex reacts with nitroethane and formaldehyde to yield the pentaaza macrocyclic 2+ is strongly influenced by the ligand structure and the nature of the solvent. Synthesis, spectra, and chemical properties of the nickel(II) complexes of L 1 -L 4 are described.