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

Synthesis and characterization of the monomeric complex (tbpy)Pt(Me)(NHPh) (tbpy = 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 (tbpy)Pt(Me)(H) and free aniline is catalyzed by elemental Pt rather than through a pathway that involves direct activation of H2 by Pt and 1,2-addition across the Pt−NHPh bond.