1,2-Bis(dichlorophosphino)ethane is an organophosphorus compound with the formula (CH2PCl2)2.

This colorless liquid is a precursor to chelating diphosphines.

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