Platinum(II) phosphonate complexes derived from endo-8-camphanylphosphonic acid

► Platinum(II) complexes of camphanylphosphonic acid (CamPO3H2) prepared by one-pot synthesis. ► NMR reveals inequivalent phosphines for PPh3 and dppe complexes, but equivalent for PPhMe2. ► X-ray structure on [Pt(O3PCam)(PPh3)2] shows Cam group pointing into pocket formed by PPh3 ligands. ► Differences in fluxional behaviour rationalised by theoretical study. ► X-ray structure of CamPO3H2 shows H-bonded hexamer, with organic sheath around hydrophilic core.