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A series of iridium and rhodium complexes M(COD)((PNP)-P-Ph-P-H)]Cl {M = Ir (1), Rh (2)}, MH2Cl((PNP)-P-Ph-P-H)] {M = Ir (3), Rh (4)} and IrH3((PNP)-P-Ph-P-H)] (6) supported by pincer ligand HeN(CH2CH2PPh2)(2) {(PNP)-P-Ph-P-H} have been synthesized and characterized. All complexes were isolated in good yields. The iridium trihydride complex IrH3((PNP)-P-Ph-P-H)] (6) was found to be an active catalyst for the hydrogenation of CO2 in 1 M aqueous KOH solution. It also acts as a catalyst for the base-free hydrogenation of carbonyl and imine substrates in MeOH. Under similar hydrogenation conditions, 2-cyclohexen-1-one undergoes solvent assisted tandem Michael addition-reduction mediated by bifunctional Lewis-acid-catalyst IrH3((PNP)-P-Ph-P-H)] in ROH (R = Me, Et) at room temperature. The complexes 1, 3, 4, and 6 were characterized by X-ray crystallography. Extensive hydrogen bonding interactions N-H center dot center dot center dot H-Ir (2.15 angstrom), N-H center dot center dot center dot center dot Cl (2.370 angstrom) were noted in the crystal structures of these complexes. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.