Novel polynuclear organometallic complexes useful as catalysts for the reversible
deshydrogenation of alkanes and alkane group are disclosed. The novel compounds
comprise a first transition, a second transition metal p-bonded to an ?5-aromatic
ligand, and a pincer ligand. The pincer ligand comprises a 6p-electron aromatic
ring having at least 2 ring atoms in an 1, 3 relationship bonded each to a neutral
Lewis base through a bridge, the bridge being a diradical. The pincer ligand binds
the first transition metal through each of the Lewis bases and through the ring
atom adjacent to both Lewis bases and p-coordinates the second transition metal
through all aromatic ring atoms. The first transition metal may also bond to 2
or 4 hydrogen atoms.
