Influence of methyl group position in bipyridine ligand on structure and luminescence of related zinc(II) nitrate complexes

Three new zinc(II) complexes of [Zn(6-mbipy)(η²-NO₃)₂] (1), [Zn(6,6′-dmbipy)(η²-NO₃)₂] (2) and [Zn(5,5′-dmbipy)(η²–NO₃)(H₂O)₂](NO₃).H₂O (3) were prepared from the reaction of 6-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine (6-mbipy), 6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (6,6′-dmbipy) and 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (5,5′-dmbipy) with Zn(NO₃)₂·4H₂O in methanol, respectively. These three complexes were thoroughly characterized by elemental analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, infrared, UV–Vis, ¹H NMR and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, and their structures have all been determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The luminescence spectra of the title complexes show that the intensity of their emission bands is stronger than the bands for the free ligands.     

Desymmetrizing Heteroleptic [Cu(P^P)(N^N)][PF6] Compounds: Effects on Structural and Photophysical Properties,and Solution Dynamic Behavior

The preparation, characterization and electrochemical and photophysical properties of a series of desymmetrized heteroleptic [Cu(P^P)(N^N)][PF₆] compounds are reported. The complexes incorporate the chelating P^P ligands bis(2-(diphenylphosphanyl)phenyl)ether (POP) and (9,9-dimethyl-9H-xanthene-4,5-diyl)bis(diphenylphosphane) (xantphos), and 6-substituted 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) derivatives with functional groups attached by –(CH₂)_n– spacers: 6-(2,2′-bipyridin-6-yl)hexanoic acid (1), 6-(5-phenylpentyl)-2,2′-bipyridine (2) and 6-[2-(4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3,triazol-1-yl)ethyl]-2,2′-bipyridine (3). [Cu(POP)(1)][PF₆], [Cu(xantphos)(1)][PF₆], [Cu(POP)(2)][PF₆], [Cu(xantphos)(2)][PF₆], and [Cu(xantphos)(3)][PF₆] have been characterized in solution using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and the single crystal structure of [Cu(xantphos)(3)][PF₆]^.0.5Et₂O was determined. The conformation of the 6-[2-(4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3,triazol-1-yl)ethyl]-substituent in the [Cu(xantphos)(3)]⁺ cation is such that the α- and β-CH₂ units reside in the xanthene ‘bowl’ of the xantphos ligand. The 6-substituent desymmetrizes the structure of the [Cu(P^P)(N^N)]⁺ cation and this has consequences for the interpretation of the solution NMR spectra of the five complexes. The NOESY spectra and EXSY cross-peaks provide insight into the dynamic processes operating in the different compounds. For powdered samples, emission maxima are in the range 542–555 nm and photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) lie in the range 13–28%, and a comparison of PLQYs and decay lifetimes with those of [Cu(xantphos)(6-Mebpy)][PF₆] indicate that the introduction of the 6-substituent is not detrimental in terms of the photophysical properties.     

Nickel(II) complex containing 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine: Crystal structure and luminescent properties

[Ni(5,5′-dmbipy)₂Cl₂]·3H₂O (1) complex was obtained from the reaction of NiCl₂·6H₂O with 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (5,5′-dmbipy) in a mixture of CH₃OH/CH₃CN. This complex was characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis and luminescence spectroscopy, and its structure was determined by the single-crystal diffraction method. The Ni atom has a distorted octahedral coordination by four N atoms from two 5,5′-dmbipy ligands and two Cl^– anions.     

Heterobimetallic platinum–copper and platinum–silver transition metal complexes based on cis-[Pt](CCPh)2: an overview

The reaction of cis-[Pt](CCPh)₂ {[Pt]=(bipy)Pt, (bipy′)Pt; BIPY=2,2′-bipyridine, bipy′=4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine} with different copper(I) and silver(I) salts [M′X] (M′=Cu, Ag; X=inorganic or organic ligand) produces alkynyl-bridged (hetero)bi-, tri-, tetra- or pentametallic transition metal complexes. The structural aspects and reaction chemistry of such species and the preference for one coordination mode over another is discussed. The interconversion and mechanistical aspects in the formation of the latter complexes is also reported.     

Iron(III) mixed-ligand complexes: Synthesis,characterization and crystal structure determination of iron(III) hetero-ligand complexes containing 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2′-bipyridine,chloride and dimethyl sulfoxide, [Fe(phen)Cl3(DMSO)] and [Fe(bipy)Cl3(DMSO)]

Treatment of [Fe(bipy)Cl₄][bipy · H] (1) and [Fe(phen)Cl₄][phen · H] (3) (where bipy is 2,2′-bipyridine and phen is 1,10-phenanthroline) with dimethyl sulfoxide in methanolic solution produced [Fe(bipy)Cl₃(DMSO)] (2) and [Fe(phen)Cl₃(DMSO)] (4) (where DMSO is dimethyl sulfoxide), respectively. The resulting complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–Vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopies and by the X-ray diffraction method. These complexes are high spin with a spin multiplicity of 6.     

Electrochemical behaviour of [Ru(L)(CO)2Cl2] [Ru(L)(CO)Cl3][Me4N] and [Ru(L)(CO)2(CH3CN)2][CF3SO3]2 complexes (L = 2,2′- bipyridine or 4,4′-isopropoxycarbonyl-2,2′-bipyridine)

The clectrochemical behaviour of the complexes [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂Cl₂], [Ru^II(L)(CO)Cl₃][Me₄N] and [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂(CH₃CN)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ (L = 2,2′-bipyridine or 4,4′-isopropoxycarbonyl-2,2′-bipyridine) has been investigated in CH₃CN. The oxidation of [Ru(L)(CO)₂Cl₂] produces new complexes [Ru^III(L)(CO)(CH₃CN)₂Cl]²⁺ as a consequence of the instability of the electrogenerated transient Ru^III species [Ru^III(L)(CO)₂Cl₂]⁺. In contrast, the oxidation of [Ru^II(L)(CO)Cl₃][Me₄N] produces the stable [Ru^III(L)(CO)Cl₃] complex. In contrast [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂(CH₃CN)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ is not oxidized in the range up to the most positive potentials achievable. The reduction of [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂Cl₂] and [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂(CH₃CN)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ results in the formation of identical dark blue strongly adherent electroactive films. These films exhibit the characteristics of a metal-metal bond dimer structure. No films are obtained on reduction of [Ru^II(L)(CO)Cl₃][Me₄N]. The effect of the substitution of the bipyridine ligand by electron-withdrawing carboxy ester groups on the electrochemical behaviour of all these complexes has also been investigated.     

The C–HCl2Cu(II) synthon in the structural direction and assembly of supramolecular complexes with the 3,3′-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)-2,2′-dipyridine ligand and its N-substituted derivatives

Three new Cu(II) supramolecular complexes [Cu(L₁)Cl₂]·2DMF (1), [Cu(L₂)Cl₂] (2) and [Cu(L₃)Cl₂]·DMF (3) (L₁ = 3,3′-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)-2,2′-dipyridine, L₂ = 3,3′- bis(N-ethyl-2-benzimidazolyl)-2,2′-dipyridine and L₃ = 3,3′-bis(N-benzyl-2-benzimidazolyl)-2,2′-dipyridine) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray structural analysis of L₁, L₂·3.5H₂O and L₃·H₂O indicates that all three ligands adopt the trans conformation with the two benzimidazole fragments located on opposite sides of the dipyridyl backbone. While in complexes 1–3, all the ligands display the cis conformation and behave as bidentate chelating reagents to coordinate with Cu(II). The inorganic chloride ions always act as a reliable hydrogen bonded acceptor in these structures, and the resulting C–HCl₂Cu supramolecular synthons play a significant role in the formation and stabilization of the structures. Moreover, additional non-covalent interactions, such as C–Hπ, are also identified to extend the discrete (0-D) or low-dimensional (1-D) motifs into high-dimensional architectures.     

Approaches to wired terpyridine: Bithienyl alkynyl derivatives of 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine and their ruthenium(II) complexes

Two approaches to the formation of ruthenium(II) complexes containing ligands with conjugated 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (tpy), alkynyl and bithienyl units have been investigated. Bromination of 4′-(2,2′-bithien-5′-yl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine leads to 4′-(5-bromo-2,2’-bithien-5′-yl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (1), the single crystal structure of which has been determined. The complexes [Ru(1)₂][PF₆]₂ and [Ru(tpy)(1)][PF₆]₂ have been prepared and characterized. Sonogashira coupling of the bromo-substituent with (TIPS)CCH did not prove to be an efficient method of preparing the corresponding complexes with pendant alkynyl units. The reaction of 4′-ethynyl-2,2′:6’,2″-terpyridine with 5-bromo-2,2′-bithiophene under Sonogashira conditions yielded ligand 2, and the heteroleptic ruthenium(II) complex [Ru(2)(tpy)][PF₆]₂ has been prepared and characterized.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA binding studies and in vitro cytotoxicity of platinum(II)-dihalogenido complexes containing bidentate chelating N-donor ligands

Platinum(II) complexes, [Pt(L_x)X₂] (1–6), where X = Br or I and L_x = 2,2′-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives (5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (5-Mebpy), 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (4-Mebpy), and 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline (5-NH₂phen)) were prepared. The complexes were characterized by the elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, infrared, and multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹⁵Pt) 1-D and 2-D NMR spectroscopies, and by single-crystal X-ray analysis of [Pt(4-Mebpy)I₂] (4). All the platinum(II) complexes (1–6) were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines A2780 and A2780R, and against non-malignant MRC5 cell line. All the complexes were nontoxic up to the 50 μM concentration, although they were found to readily bind to calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA), as determined by spectrophotometric titration (K_b ≈ 10⁷ M^?1) and ethidium bromide displacement assay.     

Synthesis and characterization of lead(II) complexes with substituted 2,2′-bipyridines,trifluoroacetate, and furoyltrifluoroacetonate

Two substituted 2,2′-bipyridine lead(II) complexes, [Pb(5,5′-dm-2,2′-bpy)(tfac)₂] _n (1) (5,5′-dm-2,2′-bpy?=?5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine and tfac?=?trifluoroacetate) and [Pb₂(4,4′-dmo-2,2′-bpy)₂(ftfa)₄] (2) (4,4′-dmo-2,2′-bpy?=?4,4′-dimethoxy-2,2′-bipyridine and ftfa?=?furoyltrifluoroacetonate), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies, thermal behavior, and X-ray crystallography. Complexes 1 and 2 are 1D coordination polymer and dinuclear complex, respectively. The supramolecular features in these complexes are guided by weak directional intermolecular interactions.     

Investigation of the zinc(II) acetylacetonate/benzotriazole reaction system in the presence of bridging N,N′-ligands: Pentanuclear, enneanuclear and polymeric complexes

The reaction of Zn(acac)₂ with btaH (1,2,3-benzotriazole) in dmf yielded the pentanuclear complex [Zn₅(bta)₆(acac)₄(dmf)]·dmf (1·dmf). In the presence of pyrazine, the pentanuclear [Zn₅(bta)₆(acac)₄(dmf)]·3.7dmf (2·3.7dmf) and enneanuclear [Zn₉(bta)₁₂(acac)₆]·6dmf (3·6dmf) complexes were formed, whereas in the presence of 4,4′-bpy the 1D coordination polymer [Zn(acac)₂(4,4′-bpy)]_n (4) was isolated. The molecular structures of 1·dmf and 2·3.7dmf reveal that the [Zn₅] clusters consist of four Zn^II ions which span the corners of a tetrahedron and the fifth resides at its centre. The molecular structure of 3·6dmf reveals that the [Zn₉] clusters consist of two corner sharing tetrahedra and the structure can be described as the addition of two [Zn₅] clusters of 1·dmf and/or 2·3.7dmf followed by the simultaneous abstraction of [Zn(acac)₂] and dmf molecules; this alternative was accomplished by recrystallization of 1·dmf from dmf which yielded 3·6dmf. Each of the μ₃-κN:κN′:κN′′ benzotriazolate ligands in 1·dmf, 2·3.7dmf and 3·6dmf spans an edge of the tetrahedron. The molecular structure of 4 reveals mononuclear [Zn(acac)₂] units bridged via 4,4′-bpy molecules to 1D coordination polymer. Characteristic IR bands of the four complexes are discussed in terms of the coordination modes of the ligands and known structures.     

Synthesis, DNA-binding and photocleavage studies of [Ru(phen)2(pbtp)] and [Ru(bpy)2(pbtp)] (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; pbtp = 4,5,9,11,14-pentaaza-benzo[b]triphenylene)

Based on the ligand dppz (dppz = dipyrido-[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine), a new ligand pbtp (pbtp = 4,5,9,11,14-pentaaza-benzo[b]triphenylene) and its polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(phen)₂(pbtp)]²⁺ (1) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and [Ru(bpy)₂(pbtp)]²⁺ (2) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ES-MS and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The DNA-binding of these complexes were investigated by spectroscopic methods and viscosity measurements. The experimental results indicate that both complexes 1 and 2 bind to CT-DNA in classical intercalation mode, and can enantioselectively interact with CT-DNA. It is interesting to note that the pbtp ruthenium(II) complexes, in contrast to the analogous dppz complexes, do not show fluorescent behavior when intercalated into DNA. When irradiated at 365 nm, both complexes promote the photocleavage of pBR 322 DNA.     

The crystal and molecular structure of potassium aquapentachloroiridate(III) and the H, C, N NMR coordination shifts in iridium(III) chloride complexes with 2,2′-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline

The crystal and molecular structure of potassium aquapentachloroiridate(III) (K₂[Ir(H₂O)Cl₅]) was reported. The [Ir(H₂O)Cl₅]²⁻ anions are nearly octahedral, the axial Ir–Cl bond (2.322(2) Å) being shorter than the equatorial ones (2.346(2)–2.360(2) Å); the Ir–O bond length is 2.090(4) Å. Ir(III) chloride complexes with 2,2′-bipyridine (LL = bpy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (LL = phen), of the general formulae K[Ir(LL)Cl₄] and cis-[Ir(LL)₂Cl₂]Cl, were studied by far-IR and ¹H–¹³C, ¹H–¹⁵N HMBC/HMQC/HSQC–NMR. High-frequency ¹H NMR coordination shifts (Δ^1H_coord = δ^1H_complex − δ^1H_ligand; max. ca. +1 ppm) were noted for [Ir(LL)Cl₄]⁻ anions, while for cis-[Ir(LL)₂Cl₂]⁺ cations they had variable sign and magnitude (max. ca. ±1 ppm); they were dependent on the proton position, being mostly expressed for the nitrogen-adjacent hydrogens (H(6) for bpy, H(2) for phen). ¹³C NMR signals were high-frequency shifted (by max. ca. 8 ppm), whereas all ¹⁵N nuclei were shifted to the lower frequency (by ca. 105–120 ppm). The experimental ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N NMR chemical shifts were reproduced by semi-empirical quantum-chemical calculations (B3LYP/LanL2DZ+6-31G^**//B3LYP/LanL2DZ+6-31G*).     

Hydrothermal syntheses, crystal structures of three new organic–inorganic hybrids constructed from Keggin-type [BW12O40] clusters and transition metal complexes

Three new organic–inorganic hybrid compounds constructed from Keggin-type polyanions and transition metal complexes, [Mn(2,2′-bipy)₃]_1.5[BW₁₂O₄₀Mn(2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)]·0.25H₂O (1), [Fe(2,2′-bipy)₃]_1.5[BW₁₂O₄₀Fe(2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)]·0.5H₂O (2) and [Cu₂(phen)₂(OH)₂]₂H[Cu(H₂O)₂{BW₁₂O₄₀Cu_0.75(phen)(H₂O)}₂]·1.5H₂O (3), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, TGA and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and both exhibit monosupporting polyoxometalate cluster structure, each of which contains a [BW₁₂O₄₀]⁵⁻ cluster decorated by one transition metal complex. Compound 3 contains a bisupporting polyoxometalate cluster anion where two {Cu_0.75(phen)(H₂O)}^0.75+ fragments are supported on the polyoxometalate dimer {Cu(H₂O)₂(BW₁₂O₄₀)₂}⁸⁻, this represents the first bisupporting polyoxometalate cluster based on a Keggin-type polyoxometalate dimer, which are further packed together via π–π stacking contacts into an extended 1-D chain.     

Cu–Ni heterobimetallic compounds. Part 2: Study of the system Cu(II)–bpy–[Ni(CN)4] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine)

Two new complexes [Ni(bpy)₃][Cu(CN)₃]·4.5H₂O (1) and [Cu(bpy)₂(CN)]₂[Ni(CN)₄]·4H₂O (2) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized from aqueous-ethanolic solution. The crystal structures of both 1 and 2 are ionic. The crystal structure of 1 is built up of [Ni(bpy)₃]²⁺ and [Cu(CN)₃]²⁻ complex ions, and disordered solvated water molecules. While the Ni(II) atom is octahedrally coordinated by three chelate bonded bidentate bpy ligands with Ni–N bond 2.0851(1) Å (6×), the Cu(I) atom is in trigonal coordination with Cu–C bond 1.9440(1) Å (3×). Crystal structure of 2 consists of a rare [Cu(bpy)₂(CN)]⁺ complex cations, [Ni(CN)₄]²⁻ complex anions (ratio 2:1) and solvated water molecules; in the complex cation the Cu(II) atom is penta-coordinated with terminal cyanido ligand. In both crystal structures the not coordinated water molecules are involved in hydrogen bonding. Thermal study on air of both 1 and 2 did not indicate formation of a stable intermediate; the solid residues are formed of a mixture of CuO and NiO. Magnetic susceptibilities of both 1 and 2 are described by Curie–Weiss behavior with θ values of −1.37 K (1) and −0.54 K (2) due to the action of weak antiferromagnetic interactions in 1 and 2, respectively.     

Effect of 5-Me substituent(s) on the catalytic activity of palladium(II) 2,2-bipyridine complexes in CO/4-tert-butylstyrene copolymerization

The coordination of two 5-substituted-2,2^′-bipyridines L (L¹=5-methyl-2,2^′-bipyridine, L²=5,5^′-dimethyl-2,2^′-bipyridine) to palladium was studied. The neutral complexes [Pd(L)Cl₂] and [Pd(L)(Me)Cl], and the cationic complexes obtained after chlorine abstraction [Pd(L)₂][BAr^′₄]₂ and [Pd(L)(Me)(NCMe)][BAr^′₄] (Ar^′=3,5-(CF₃)₂-C₆H₃), respectively, were isolated and characterized by NMR and FAB mass spectroscopy. The complex [Pd(L²)(L³)][BAr^′₄]₂ (L³=2,2^′-bipyridine) bearing different ligands, was prepared for comparison purposes. The activity of the monocationic and dicationic complexes as catalytic precursors in the CO/4-tert-butylstyrene copolymerization was compared with that of related well-known catalysts containing the unsubstituted 2,2^′-bipyridine as nitrogen ligand, to evaluate the influence of the substituents in 5- and 5,5^′-position. The presence of one or two substituents on the nitrogen ligand has a positive effect on productivity using both types of precursors. No influence was observed on the polymer properties in terms of molecular weight and tacticity. Analysis of the reactivity of the methyl-palladium complexes towards carbon monoxide shows further differences depending on the nitrogen ligand.     

2-Benzothiazolylthioacetic acid and 4,4′-bipyridine as ligands in designing low-dimensional coordination polymers: Synthesis, architectures and magnetic properties

The combined use of 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy) and 2-benzothiazolylthioacetic acid (HBTTAA) as ligands with Mn(II), Cd(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) ions afforded six polymeric complexes, namely {[Mn₃(BTTAA)₄(4,4′-bipy)₄](ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O}_n (1), [Mn(BTTAA)₂(4,4′-bipy)₂]_n (2), [Cd(BTTAA)₂(4,4′-bipy)₂]_n (3), [Cd(BTTAA)(4,4′-bipy)(NO₃)(H₂O)]_n (4), [Co(BTTAA)₂(4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)₂]_n (5) and [Cu(BTTAA)₂(4,4′-bipy)]_n (6). All these complexes have been characterized by a combination of analytical, spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. Complex 1 is a novel 2D network formed by two different 4⁴ grid networks, whereas isomorphous complexes 2 and 3 exhibit a 2Dl coordination architecture formed by the same 4⁴ grid network. In 4–6, extended 1D chains are formed, with the 4,4′-bipy molecules acting as rigid rod-like links between adjacent metal centers. The carboxylato groups of BTTAA in these complexes exhibit four different coordination modes, namely monodentate, chelating, bridging and bridging-chelating modes. The magnetic properties of 1, 2, 5 and 6 were investigated in the temperature range 2.0–300.0 K. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements show weak antiferromagnetic interactions in these complexes.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of a new organic-inorganic hybrid Dawson-like polyoxotungstate [Co(2,2''''-bpy)3]2[Co(2,2''''-bpy)2Cl][Co(2,2''''-bpy)2]H2-[SbW18O60]·4H2O

A new organic-inorganic hybrid polyoxometalate based on Dawson-like polyoxotungstate anion [SbW18O60]9-, formulated [Co(2,2'-bpy)3]2[Co(2,2'-bpy)2Cl][Co(2,2'-bpy)2]H2[SbW18O60]·4H2O (2,2'-bpy= 2,2(-bipyridine) has been synthesized from Sb2O3, Na2WO4, CoCl2, and 2,2'-bipyridine materials by hydrothermal method, and which was characterized by elemental analyses, IR, XPS, EPR, TG, and X-ray single crystal diffraction. Structure analysis shows that the polyoxoanion self-assembled under hydrothermal conditions consists of a Dawson-like polyoxotungstate cluster anion [SbW18O60]9- encapsulating a pyramidal {SbO3} group within the {W18} cluster cage. EPR spectra show that the high-spin octahedral CoⅡ and low-spin CoⅡ ions coexist in the title compound. Magnetic properties indicate that the compound is antiferromagnetic.     

N^N^C platinum(II) and palladium(II) cyclometallates of 6,6′-diphenyl-2,2′-bipyridine, L: Crystal and molecular structure of [Pd(L-H)Cl]

Reaction of K₂[PtCl₄] or Na₂[PdCl₄] with 6,6′-diphenyl-2,2′-bipyridine, L, gives the cyclometallated species [Pt(L-H)Cl], 1, and [Pd(L-H)Cl], 2, respectively, where L-H is a terdentate N^N^C anionic ligand originated by direct activation of a C(sp²)-H bond. The crystal structure of 2 has been solved by X-ray diffraction and compared to that of the analogous complex [Pd(L′-H)Cl] L′ = 6-phenyl-2,2′-bipyridine. The second phenyl ring in 2 entails a considerable distortion of the coordination around the metal. A similar distortion is also to be expected in the analogous compound 1, due to the almost equal covalent radii of palladium(II) and platinum(II).From the complexes 1 and 2 the chloride can be displaced with AgBF₄ and substituted by CO or PPh₃ to give the corresponding cationic species. By reaction of 1 with Na[BH₄] substitution of H⁻ for Cl⁻ can be achieved: the rare hydrido complex [Pt(L-H)H], stabilized only by nitrogen ligands, was isolated in the solid state and fully characterized in solution. It is noteworthy that in the case of the 6-phenyl-2,2′-bipyridine the analogous terminal hydride [Pd(L′-H)H] is unstable. In platinum chemistry the reaction of 6-substituted 2,2′-bipyridines is known to give either N^N^C or N′^C(3) rollover cyclometallation, depending on the nature of the metal precursor. In the case of 6,6′-Ph₂-2,2′-bipy cyclometallation was also shown to undergo multiple C-H activation giving the C^N^C pincer complex [Pt(L-2H)(DMSO)]. The latter species can be related to complex 1: indeed its reaction with HCl produces complex 1 and [Pt(L-H)(DMSO)Cl], a rollover species with a pendant phenyl substituent.