Synthesis of α,ω-bis(diphenylphosphino)alkane and α,ω-bis(diphenylphosphino)(poly)ether ligands and complexes of rhodium(I)

α,ω-Bis(diphenylphosphino)alkane and α,ω-bis(diphenylphosphino)(poly)ether ligands can be prepared in very high yields via reaction of the appropriate dihalide with two equivalents of LiPPh₂. For the [Rh(COD)($\text{P P}$)][ClO₄] complexes of these ligands, the $\text{P P}$ ligands with five or less atoms in the alkane or ether bridge form monomeric complexes via η²-coordination. In general the ligands with eight or more atoms in the bridge give di- or polynuclear species. In addition the long chain diphosphino-polyethers form – to a small extent – monomeric species by η²-coordination.