Synthesis of sulfated mono- and ditertiary phosphines, complex chemistry and catalysis

Cyclic and bicyclic sulfates have been prepared from commonly available alc ohols. Nucleophilic cleavage of the cyclic sulfates affords a new type of w ater-soluble mono- and ditertiary phophines bearing -OSO3Li groups in disti nguished positions in the molecular framework. Both phosphines have amphiph ilic character. Reactions of the chiral 2 and the dppp analogue 5 with [Rh( COD)Cl](2) and Pt(PhCN)(2)Cl-2 provide novel zwitterionic complexes. Rhodiu m complexes of 2 and 5 have been successfully applied in liquid biphasic hy droformylation of styrene and octene-1. When the rhodium complex of 5 was u sed as catalyst in hydroformylation of styrene, less then 4 ppm rhodium cou ld be detected in the organic phase.