Net hydrogenation of Pt-NHPh bond is catalyzed by elemental Pt

Synthesis and characterization of the monomeric complex ((t)bpy)Pt(Me)(NHPh) ((t)bpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-dipyridyl) has been accomplished. Mechanistic studies reveal that 1,2-addition of dihydrogen across the Pt-anilido bond to initially produce ((t)bpy)Pt(Me)(H) and free aniline is catalyzed by elemental Pt rather than through a pathway that involves direct activation of H(2) by Pt and 1,2-addition across the Pt-NHPh bond.