The reaction of 3.5-diphenyl-1.2-dithiolium chloride with (thio)benzoylhydrazine in the presence of nickel acetate gives bis(thiodibenzoylmethanato)nickel(II). In the presence of zinc acetate 3.5-diphenyl-2-benzoylimino-isothiazole is received instead of the expected metal chelate. Structural data: Bis(thiodibenzoylmethanato)nickel(II), a = 954,9(1); b = 993,5(1); c = 1488,3(1) pm; α = 83,003(4)°; β = 80,541(5)°; γ = 64,011(5)°; space group Pl̅, Z = 2; 3.5-Diphenyl-2-benzoylimino-isothiazole: a = 976,9(1) b = 846,3(2); c = 2126,9(5) pm; β = 93,24(5)°; space group P 21/c; Z = 4.