DIPAMP is an organophosphorus compound that is used as a ligand

Ligand

In coordination chemistry, a ligand is an ion or molecule that binds to a central metal atom to form a coordination complex. The bonding between metal and ligand generally involves formal donation of one or more of the ligand's electron pairs. The nature of metal-ligand bonding can range from...

 in homogeneous catalysis

Homogeneous catalysis

In chemistry, homogeneous catalysis is a sequence of reactions that involve a catalyst in the same phase as the reactants. Most commonly, a homogeneous catalyst is codissolved in a solvent with the reactants.-Acid catalysis:...

. It is a white solid that dissolves in organic solvents. Work on this compound by W. S. Knowles was recognized with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Nobel Prize in Chemistry

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry is awarded annually by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences to scientists in the various fields of chemistry. It is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by the will of Alfred Nobel in 1895, awarded for outstanding contributions in chemistry, physics, literature,...

. DIPAMP was the basis for of the first practical asymmetric hydrogenation, the synthesis of the drug L-DOPA.

DIPAMP is a chelating diphosphine

Diphosphines

Diphosphines, sometimes called bisphosphanes are organophosphorus compounds that are used as ligands in inorganic and organometallic chemistry. They are identified by the presence of two phosphino groups linked by a backbone and are usually chelating...

. Each phosphorus

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is the chemical element that has the symbol P and atomic number 15. A multivalent nonmetal of the nitrogen group, phosphorus as a mineral is almost always present in its maximally oxidized state, as inorganic phosphate rocks...

centre, which is pyramidal, bears three different substituents - anisyl, phenyl, and the ethylene group. It therefore exists as the enantiomeric (R,R) and (S,S) pair, as well as the achiral meso isomer.

DIPAMP was originally prepared by an oxidative coupling reaction, starting from anisyl(phenyl)(methyl)phosphine.