The reactivity of cobalt complexes supported by a PNP pincer ligand towards H₂ varies depending on whether the N-donor atom is protonated; the synthesis of [(HPNP)CoCl(H)₂] (2), [(PNP)CoH]₂ (4), and the trihydride species [(HPNP)CoH₃] (7) (HPNP = HN(CH₂CH₂PⁱPr₂)₂) are described.

Homogeneous catalyzed hydrogenation of furanic aldehydes to their corresponding alcohols using PNP complexes.

Efficient hydrogenations of neat alkyl levulinates to γ-valerolactone were achieved with low catalyst loadings of either PNP Ru or Ir complexes, respectively, in the presence of a small amount of a base at low temperature and H₂ pressure. Quantitative conversions and TONs reaching 9300 were achieved. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of the system to perform several cycles. Finally, deuterium labelling and NMR studies provide insight into the reaction mechanism.

A series of early transition metal corrole complexes has been prepared via salt metathesis with the corresponding lithium corrole. Their characterization by single crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR, and absorption spectroscopy is described. Organometallic derivatives of the titanium complex were obtained via treatment of 2 with NaCp* or ClMgCH₂SiMe₃.