LAUSR

The novel 4-(bis((diphenylphosphino)methyl)amino)diethyl-benzylphosphonate (L, ligand) and its Pd(II), Cu(II), Ru(II) and oxo-V(IV) complexes were synthesized under nitrogen atmosphere using Schlenk technique. The ligand and the complexes were characterized with (1H)-31P-NMR, FT-IR, TG/DTA, elemental analysis (C, H, N %), ICP-OES (Metal %), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and photoluminescence techniques. Whereas proton decoupled 31P resonance peak of bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)amine group was seen at − 8.12 ppm, 31P resonance peak were shifted to 26.82–23.85 ppm in the complexes. It was the confirmation of the coordination of the ligand to the metal centers. Besides, FT-IR stretches and elemental analyses data supported the syntheses of the ligand and its complexes. [Pd(L)Cl2] and [VO(L)(H2O)2]SO4 complexes showed the best catalytic activities with high selectivities in the oxidation of 2-methylnaphthalene (2MN) to 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (vitamin K3, 2MNQ). Selectivity and conversions were around 55–60% with of 95–99% and respectively for [Pd(L)Cl2] and [VO(L)(H2O)2]SO4 complexes.