The coordination chemistry of 6,6-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine-N,N',P,P-tetra oxide with Eu(NO,), is described. The ligand forms a 2:1 complex in which both ligands bind in a tetradentate fashion to the metal. The liquid-liquid extraction of Am(III) in HNO3, solutions by the ligand in CHCl3, is also outlined. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.