The a-keto stabilized ylides derived from bisphosphines like dppe, dppm, etc., viz., [PhPCHPPh]C(H)C(O)R and [PhPCHCHPPh]C(H)C(O)R (R = Me, Ph or OMe) constitute an important class of hybrid ligands containing both phosphine and ylide functionalities, and can exist in ylidic and enolate forms. These ligands can therefore be engaged in different kinds of bonding with metal ions like palladium and platinum.