Diphosphatricyclo[4.4.4.0]tetradecanediium ditriflate, prepared by the reaction of 1,6-diphosphabicyclo[4.4.O]decane with 1,4-bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy)butane, is stable in acidic aqueous solutions and reaction with nuclesphiles (X = F-, MeO-, H-) gives products with X-P-P+ bonding, hydroxide ion giving the diphosphine monoxide but even this retains partial P-P bonding; the hydride adduct reacts with BunLi to give 1,4-bis(phospholan-l -yl)butane rather than the expected 1, 6-diphosphabicyclo[4.4.4]tetradecane.