The synthesis, characterization and catalytic evaluation of a series of NHC-Ni(II) complexes 1-Ni (-Me), 2-Ni (-Bu-n) and 3-Ni (-Bn) bearing a phthalimide fragment and a cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ligand is reported. The complexes were evaluated in C-S couplings of iodobenzene and a range of thiols. The reactions were carried out using a catalyst loading of 5 mol % in DMF during 0.5-19 h. Being complex 2-Ni the one exhibiting the best activity for these transformations yielding up to 96% of products in 0.5 h. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.