Lower- and upper-rim-modified derivatives of 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane: Coordination chemistry and applications in catalytic reactions in water

In this article, a brief review of the recent functionalizations of the cage-like water soluble phosphine 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA), involving N-quaternization (lower rim) and introduction of a side arm in C-6 position (upper rim) will be presented, highlighting selected examples in their use as ligands for ruthenium(II), iridium(I), and rhodium(I) moieties together with applications of the related complexes in homogeneous catalysis.