The Role of Bis(diphenylphosphine) Ethane as a Ligand

The Role of Bis(diphenylphosphine) Ethane as a Ligand

Ligands can be molecules that attach to central atoms, creating a coordination complex. One example of a ligand is bis(diphenylphosphine) ethane, which is commonly abbreviated as Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2. This molecule can act as a binding agent for many types of metalions. It is possible to understand how this molecule acts as a “ligand” and gain insights into interactions between metalions and other molecules. (Gaunt (2018) Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2’s structure is simple. It has two C6H5 phenyl groups connected to two Phosphine groups. The structure of Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2 allows it to be a bidentate-ligand. It can therefore bind to up to two metalions simultaneously. Because it is strong and can bond to both metal ions, it makes it an ideal ligand for the formation of coordination complexes. Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2 also acts as a terminal binding ligand. This means it can only bind to one metal ion. The phosphine group can also act as a donor and give electrons to the metal, thus creating a bond. Unique ligand, Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2, can serve as both terminal ligand and bidentate. Because it can bind to one or two metal ions, this ligand is useful for creating coordination complexes. This is a great example of how metal ions interact with other molecules. Farmer and Gaunt (1999 )…).