Abstract A racemic bisphenolato (OSSO)-type ligand that contains a trans-1, 2- cyclohexanediyl backbone can be obtained in two steps from commercially available starting materials. In situ combination of this ligand with Ti (NMe 2) 4 or Zr (NMe 2) 4 results in the formation of bis (phenolato) complexes that catalyze hydroaminations of alkynes and alkenes.