Benzo [1, 2-h: 5, 4-h′] diquinoline (1a) represents a new family of tridentate NCN pincer ligand. We report the synthesis of the parent ligand (1a) and its derivatives (1b R= Me, 1c R= t-Butyl, 1d R= Phenyl). The ligands were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, as well as mass spectral analysis, and X-ray structural determination. They readily undergo cyclometalation with LiPdCl4, Pd (OAc) 2, and K2PtCl4 to form the cyclometalated Pd ( ...