The synthesis and crystal structure of 1,2-bis[2-(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl)phosphanediylmethyl]benzene, L, are reported as well as the preparation and conformation of the novel seven-membered ring complex [PdLCl2]; this complex reacts with alcohols (MeOH, EtOH) to give a chiral cyclometallated complex [rac(R)P, (R)C; (S)P, (S)C] where the metal is bound to both a phosphaalkene and a phosphite phosphorus atom.