| Formula C6H16P2 Molar mass 150.14 g/mol | Boiling point 180 °C Density 900 kg/m³ | |
 | ||
1,2-Bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane (dmpe) is a diphosphine ligand in coordination chemistry. It is a colorless, air-sensitive liquid that is soluble in organic solvents. With the formula (CH2PMe2)2 is used as a compact strongly basic spectator ligand (Me = methyl), Representative complexes include V(dmpe)2(BH4)2, Mn(dmpe)2(AlH4)2, Tc(dmpe)2(CO)2Cl, and Ni(dmpe)Cl2.
Contents
Synthesis
It is synthesised by the reaction of methylmagnesium iodide with 1,2-bis(dichlorophosphino)ethane:
Cl2PCH2CH2PCl2 + 4 MeMgI → Me2PCH2CH2PMe2 + 4 MgIClAlternatively but it can be generated by alkylation of sodium dimethylphosphide.
The synthesis of dmpe from thiophosphoryl chloride has led to serious accidents and has been abandoned.
Related ligands
Tetramethylethylenediamine is the diamine analogue of dmpe. Bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane is a bulky analogue of dmpe, which offers the advantage of being a solid.