Combination of the [Ni(bpy) 3 ] 2 + cation complex and the [Pd(dmit) 2 ] - anion (dmit=C 3 S 5 2 - =1,3-dithiole-2thione-4,5-dithiolate) has resulted in the paramagnetic [Ni(bpy) 3 ][Pd(dmit) 2 ].CH 3 CN compound, a suitable precursor for a molecular magnetic conductor. Its crystal structure consists of a Pd(dmit) 2 anion arrangement that is quite different from segregated stack layers often found for M(dmit) 2 -based compounds. The reduction of the [Pd(dmit) 2 ] - to the 2- charged anion in the title compound most probably is the result of a charge disproportionation between Pd(dmit) 2 anions.