Second sphere ligand modifications enable a recyclable catalyst for oxidant-free alcohol oxidation to carboxylates.

Modification of the classic terpyridine pincer ligand with pendent NHR (R = mesityl) groups provides enhanced activity and stability in Ru-catalyzed dehydrogenation catalysis. These second sphere modifications furnish highly active catalysts for the oxidant-free dehydrogenative oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxylates and facilitate catalyst recycling.