Compounds having the formula are disclosed. M1 and M2 are the same or different and are transition metal atoms or ions; Z2 and Z3, independently, are the atoms necessary to complete a 3-12 membered heterocyclic ring; Z1 is an alkylene or arylene group; Q1 and Q2 are the same or different and are electron withdrawing groups; L1 and L3, taken together, represent —O—CR13—O—; L2 and L4, taken together, represent —O—CR14—O—; and R13 and R14 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups and aryl groups or R13 and R14 represent alkylene or arylene groups that are directly or indirectly bonded to one another. Methods for making such compounds are also disclosed, as are intermediates which can be used in their preparation. Also disclosed are methods for carrying out C—H insertion reactions using bis-transition metal catalysts, such as the above compounds. Procedures for preparing d-threo methylphenidate, tolterodine, CDP-840, nominfensine, and sertraline, are described.