A novel dicationic phenoxaphosphino-modified xantphos-type ligand--a unique ligand specifically designed for a high activity, selectivity and recyclability.

A novel phenoxaphosphino-modified ligand has been prepared and successfully employed in the rhodium catalysed hydroformylation of 1-octene in ionic liquids showing unprecedented high selectivity and activity without detectable rhodium or phosphorus leaching during recycling experiments.