1,2-Bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane (dmpe) is a diphosphine ligand in coordination chemistry.

It is a colorless, air-sensitive liquid that is soluble in organic solvents.

With the formula (CH2PMe2)2, dmpe is used as a compact strongly basic spectator ligand (Me = methyl), Representative complexes include V(dmpe)2(BH4)2, Mn(dmpe)2(AlH4)2, Tc(dmpe)2(CO)2Cl, and Ni(dmpe)Cl2.

[2] It is synthesised by the reaction of methylmagnesium iodide with 1,2-bis(dichlorophosphino)ethane:[3] 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.