1,2-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane


1,2-Bisethane is an organophosphorus compound with the formula . It is a commonly used bidentate ligand in coordination chemistry. It is a white solid that is soluble in organic solvents.

Preparation

The preparation of dppe is by the alkylation of NaPPh:
NaP, which is readily air-oxidized, is treated with 1,2-dichloroethane to give dppe:

Reactions

The reduction of dppe by lithium to give PhHPPHPh has been reported.
Hydrolysis gives the bis:
Treatment of dppe with conventional oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide, aqueous bromine, etc., produces dppeO in low yield as a result of non-selective oxidation. Selective mono-oxidation of dppe can be achieved by reaction with PhCHBr to give dppeO.
Hydrogenation of dppe gives the ligand bisethane.

Coordination complexes

Many coordination complexes of dppe are known, and some are used as homogeneous catalysts. Dppe is almost invariably chelating, although there are examples of monodentate ) and of bridging behavior. The natural bite angle is 86°.

Related compounds