1,2-Bis(dichlorophosphino)ethane explained

1,2-Bis(dichlorophosphino)ethane is an organophosphorus compound with the formula (CH₂PCl₂)₂. This colorless liquid is a precursor to chelating diphosphines.

Synthesis and reactions

It is prepared by the reaction of ethylene, white phosphorus, and phosphorus trichloride:^[1]

3 C₂H₄ + 0.5 P₄ + 4 PCl₃ → 3 (CH₂PCl₂)₂The compound reacts with Grignard reagents and secondary amines to give chelating ligands.^[2] An often practiced use of this compound is the synthesis of 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane.

Related compounds

• 1,2-Bis(dichlorophosphino)benzene

Notes and References

1. 10.1016/S0022-328X(00)94383-3. A convenient synthesis of 1,2-bis(dichlorophosphino)ethane, 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane and 1,2-bis(diethylphosphino)ethane. Journal of Organometallic Chemistry. 182. 203–206. 1979. Burt. Roger J.. Chatt. Joseph. Hussain. Wasif. Leigh. G.Jeffery. 2 .
2. 10.1021/ja00134a014. N-Pyrrolyl Phosphines: An Unexploited Class of Phosphine Ligands with Exceptional .pi.-Acceptor Character. Journal of the American Chemical Society. 117. 7696–7710. 1995. Moloy. Kenneth G.. Petersen. Jeffrey L.. 29 .