Abstract
The pincer ligand on embracing the metal in its rigid coordination sphere, creates a sheltered environment that imparts the catalytic system a set of distinctive benefits. The pincer backbone exhibits large scope of permutation in its design and physical attributes, thus turning the balance against conventional catalysts. In this review, we highlight the remarkable features of pincer-ligated metal complexes and their growing capacity to act as catalysts in C-H activation chemistry. The review summarizes the diversity in choice of ligand-metal duo, the advantage of a robust yet flexible pincer skeleton, the harmonious relation of the metal centre and a non-innocent pincer ligand, and the evolving needs of utilizing earthabundant metal catalysts.