Synthesis, characterisation and ligand properties of a new amphiphilic triphenylphosphine analogue †

{4-[Bis(2-diethylaminoethyl)aminomethyl]diphenyl}phosphine, N3P, an analogue of triphenylphosphine (TPP) with amphiphilic character, was synthesized and characterised. Its metal complexes [Rh(CO)(N3P)(acac)] and cis-[PtCl2(N3P)2] have been prepared and the crystal structure of the former determined. The feasibility of catalysts formed in situ from [Rh(CO)2(acac)] and N3P in the hydroformylation of 1-hexene under homogeneous and biphasic conditions is also demonstrated.