Diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine is a sought after ligand for its ability to relay protons to transition metals such as palladium(II) in homogeneous catalysis.

[2] Diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine is prepared from 2-lithiopyridine with chlorodiphenylphosphine:[3] Diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine is an integral ligand in the Pd(II) catalyzed carbonylation of alkynes.

The pi-donor ability of one bidentate P,N-coordinated ligand is highly stabilizing to the metal center.

[4] The role of the pyridyl group in this catalytic cycle is evident when the ligand is replaced by triphenyl phosphine, and rates of catalysis a greatly decreased.

This catalytic process is an important step in the production of polymers, and other fine chemicals.