Homogeneous catalytic transfer dehydrogenation of alkanes with a group 10 metal center.

Unambiguous catalytic homogeneous alkane transfer dehydrogenation was observed with a group 10 metal complex catalyst, LPt(II)(cyclo-C6H10)H, supported by a lipophilic dimethyl-di(4-tert-butyl-2-pyridyl)borate anionic ligand and tert-butylethene as the sacrificial hydrogen acceptor.