The development of a simple and highly selective method for the preparation of substituted U-shaped terpyridines is described. The treatment of imine 5 with ternary iminium salts 2 leads to the terpyridines 4. A possible mechanism is discussed. The terpyridine derivatives are used for the preparation of several platinum(II) complexes 14. Complex 14e is characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis.