Metal complexes based on an upper-rim calix[4]arene phosphine ligand

A new upper-rim phosphacalix[4]arene 5,17-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxycalix[4]arene (4) has been prepared starting from commercially available tert-butyl calix[4]arene. Treatment of 4 with (COD)PdMeCl and (COD)PtCl2 gives polymeric phosphine-coordinated Pd(II) and Pt(II) species, respectively. 4 reacts with [(COD)RhCl]2 to give a di-rhodium complex that is an active catalyst for the hydroformylation of 1-octene and styrene.