1,2-Bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane (dmpe) is a
diphosphine ligand in
coordination chemistry
A coordination complex is a chemical compound consisting of a central atom or ion, which is usually metallic and is called the ''coordination centre'', and a surrounding array of chemical bond, bound molecules or ions, that are in turn known as ' ...
. It is a colorless, air-sensitive liquid that is soluble in organic solvents. With the formula (CHPMe), dmpe is used as a compact strongly basic
spectator ligand (Me =
methyl
In organic chemistry, a methyl group is an alkyl derived from methane, containing one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms, having chemical formula (whereas normal methane has the formula ). In formulas, the group is often abbreviated as ...
), Representative complexes include V(dmpe)(BH), Mn(dmpe)(AlH), Tc(dmpe)(CO)Cl, and Ni(dmpe)Cl.
Synthesis
It is synthesised by the reaction of
methylmagnesium iodide with
1,2-bis(dichlorophosphino)ethane:
:ClPCHCHPCl + 4 MeMgI → MePCHCHPMe + 4 MgICl
Alternatively 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
*
Bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane, a bulkier analogue, which is also a solid.
*
1,2-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, more air-stable than dmpe, but less basic.
*
1,2-Bis(dimethylphosphino)benzene, a more rigid analogue of dmpe.
*
Tetramethylethylenediamine, the diamine analogue of dmpe.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane, 1, 2-
Chelating agents
Diphosphines
1,2-Ethanediyl compounds