The preparation of new Ru(II) complexes incorporating fac-coordinated lutidine-derived CNC ligands is reported. These derivatives are selectively deprotonated by ^tBuOK at one of the methylene arms of the pincer, leading to catalytically active species in the hydrogenation of imines.

Ru-CNN(H) complexes are efficient precatalysts in the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of N-heterocycles. Under basic conditions, these derivatives lead to the formation of Ru(0) species that are observed under catalytic conditions.

Novel proton-responsive lutidine-derived CNP ligands having a flexible Py–CH₂–NHC linkage adopt mer and fac coordination modes.

Lutidine-derived CNP*–Ir complexes catalyze the hydroboration of CO₂ to methoxyborane and formoxyborane in the presence of small amounts of water.