Bis(2,3-pyrazinedithiolate)nickel complex Na[Ni(pdt)(2)] center dot 2H(2)O formed one-dimensional stacks of the Ni(pdt)(2) units and showed strong antiferromagnetic interactions along the stacking direction. A first-order phase transition between the paramagnetic and diamagnetic states, which was driven by dimerization of the Ni(pdt)(2) units, accompanied by coordination bond formation, was observed.