title: A multiply functionalized base-coordinated Ge(II) compound and its reversible dimerization to the digermene.
abstract: Stable compounds with a GeGe bond are usually prepared under relatively harsh reaction conditions that are incompatible with many functional groups. In particular, unsaturated functionalities are not tolerated owing to their facile reaction with low-coordinate germanium compounds. We now report the synthesis of an imino-functionalized germanium(II) species, stabilized by coordination of an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC), by reaction of an isonitrile with a heavier NHC-coordinated vinylidene. Removal of the NHC by a Lewis acid results in dimerization to the corresponding digermene with a GeGe bond. The reversibility of this process is demonstrated by addition of two equivalents of NHC to the isolated digermene.
authors.affiliation: Krupp-Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine und Anorganische Chemie, Universität des Saarlandes, 66125 Saarbrücken (Germany) http://www.uni-saarland.de/fak8/scheschkewitz/index.html; New Address: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, 21, Brundavan Colony, Narsingi, Hyderabad-500075 (India).
authors.forename: Anukul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jana
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Huch
authors.forename: Henry S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Rzepa
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scheschkewitz
keywords: Lewis acid; digermene; germanium; insertion; low-valent compounds