Pd, Pt, and Ru complexes of a pincer bis(amino)amide ligand

An improved synthesis of pincer ligand bis[(2-dimethylamino)phenyl]amine (MeN2NH) was reported. Reaction of the Li complex of MeN2N with suitable Pd, Pt, and Ru precursors gave the corresponding metal complexes. The structures of the Pd, Pt, and Ru complexes were determined. The Ru complex showed activity in catalytic transfer hydrogenation of aryl and alkyl ketones.