1,2-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane is a bidendate ligand used in coordination chemistry to prepare metal complexes. It is involved in the metal-catalyzed allylic alkylation and decarboxylation of allylic esters. It is also used in 1,3-diene synthesis. Further, it is used in cycloaddition reactions and carbonylation reactions. In addition to this, it is used to prepare bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane by hydrogenation.