The reaction between the nitrile complex trans-[PtCl4(EtCN)(2)] and benzohydroxamic acids RC6H4C(=O)NHOH (R = p-MeO, p-Me, H, p-Cl, o-HO) proceeds smoothly in CH2Cl2 at similar to45degreesC for 2-3 h (sealed tube) or under focused 300 W microwave irradiation for similar to15 min at 50degreesC giving, after workup, good yields of the imino complexes [PtCl4 {NH=C(Et)ON=C(OH)(C6H4R)}(2)] which derived from a novel metalla-Pinner reaction. The complexes [PtCl4{NH=C(Et)oN=C(OH)(C6H4R)}(2)] were characterized by elemental analyses (C, H, N), FAB mass spectrometry, and IR and H-1 and C-13{H-1} spectroscopies, and [PtCl4{NH=C(Et)ON=C(OH)(Ph)}(2)] (as the bis-dimethyl sulfoxide solvate), by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The latter disclosed its overall trans-configuration with the iminoacyl species in the hydroximic tautomeric form in E-configuration which is held by N-H...N hydrogen bond between the imine =NH atom and the hydroximic N atom.