CONVENIENT SYNTHESIS OF 1,2-BIS(DICHLOROPHOSPHINO)ETHANE, 1,2-BIS(DIMETHYLPHOSPHINO)ETHANE AND 1,2-BIS(DIETHYLPHOSPHINO)ETHANE

A simple synthesis of 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane, 1,2-bis(diethyl-phosphino)ethane, and 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane is reported. The method involves the synthesis of 1,2-bis(dichlorophosphino)ethane using a procedure patented by Toy and Uhing; the halide is allowed to react with the appropriate Grignard reagent to give the required tetraalkyldiphosphine. The phosphines produced in this way are moderately sensitive to air but not spontaneously inflammable as previously reported. © 1979.