Abstract A series of neutral and cationic methylplatinum (II) complexes with bidentate NN and tridentate NNO ligands has been prepared. The complexes involving tridentate NNO ligands were expected to be easier to handle than those with NN ligands, which has indeed been confirmed by the experiments. Nevertheless, the neutral [Pt (Me)(NNO)] and ionic [Pt (Me)(NNO)]+ BF 4-complexes retain their (non-selective) reactivity to hydrocarbon CH ...