A water-soluble phosphonate-functionalized phosphine ligand Na2 [Ph2P (CH2) 12PO3](8), was prepared in eight steps from cyclododecanone. Phosphine 8 reacts with [Rh (COD) Cl] 2 in methanol to give the new complex Na2 [Rh (COD)(Ph2P (CH2) 12PO3) Cl](9). Complex 9 is inactive in the catalytic hydrogenation of 1-hexene and cyclohexene due to the decomposition of 9 to rhodium metal in the presence of hydrogen gas. Hydrogenation of ...