The reaction of the diphospholyl anion, [1,3-P 2 C 3 Bu 3 t ] -(generated by reaction of the phosphaalkyne, P:CBu t , with sodium metal) with MgCl 2 has afforded the dimeric diphospholyl magnesium(II) chloride complex, [{Mg(g 5 -1,3-P 2 C 3 Bu 3 t )(THF)(l-Cl)} 2 ] 1. The cell parameters of compound 1Á(hexane) are: P-1, a = 10.792 (2) Å , b = 10.969(2) Å , c = 12.484(3) Å ; a = 64.38(3)°, b = 68.96(3)°, c = 83.10(3)°. The compound represents the first structurally characterized example of a group 2 metal diphospholyl.