The present invention relates to fluorescent and/or targeting lipophilic compounds having the general formula (R1O) (R2O) P (O) - R3 - R4 - R5 wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C2-C24 alkyl, or a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C2-C24 monoalkenyl or polyalkenyl, the polyalkenyl having from 2 to 4 double bonds, or a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C2-C24 monoalkinyl or polyalkinyl, the polyalkinyl having from 2 to 4 triple bonds; R3 is selected from 0, S, -C(R6)2-, -CH(R7)-, -C(S) -N(R6) -, - CH ( SR7 ) - S - S - or -N(R6)- wherein R6 is a hydrogen atom or a C1 - C4 alkyl, and R7 is a C1 - C4 alkyl; R4 comprises at least one junction function and at least one linker; and R5 is at least one chemical fluorescent group or at least one targeting group. Methods for preparing said lipophilic compounds are also disclosed.