Late transition metal complexes for industrially relevant catalysis

A variety of new metal complexes of tridentate pincer ligands are reported. An emphasis on combinations of strong donor and mild acceptor substituents with unusual steric properties is shown. Applications of the pincer complexes to industrially relevant catalytic reactions such as transfer hydrogenation of alkanes and alcs. are demonstrated. Addnl., an alternative to the predominant industrial synthesis of ethylene glycol is shown in a one- pot, two- step procedure starting from formaldehyde. N- heterocyclic carbene catalyzed condensation of formaldehyde to form a C2 compd., glycolaldehyde, followed by homogeneous transition metal catalyzed transfer hydrogenation using methanol as reductant gives ethylene glycol. Attempted optimization of both steps is described.