The reaction of cobalt powder with tetraiodo{1,2-bis (dibenzylphosphino) ethane} to form 1,2-bis(dibenzylphosphino)ethane cobalt diiodide, Co(dBzP2)I2; and the X-ray crystal structure of the diphosphinodioxide complex, Co{dBzP2(O)2}I2

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0020-1693(98)00191-1

The interaction of 1,2-bis(dibenzylphosphino)ethane, (dBzP₂) with diiodine in a 1:2 molar ratio leads to the isolation of tetraiodo-{1,2-bis(dibenzylphosphino)ethane}, (dBzP₂I₄) which readily reacts with coarse-grain cobalt powder to yield sky blue 1,2-bis(dibenzylphosphino)ethane cobalt diiodide, Co(dBzP₂)I₂. Exposure of a diethyl ether solution of Co(dBzP₂)I₂ to air yields crystals of 1,2-bis(dibenzylphosphinoyl)ethane cobalt diiodide, Co{dBzP₂(O)₂}I₂. The X-ray crystal structure of Co{dBzP₂(O)₂}I₂ reveals an infinite ribbon of the diphosphinedioxide-bridged cobalt(II) complex.