Synthesis of vinyl germylenes

Abstract

A disilylated germylene phosphine adduct was obtained by reaction of tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl potassium with PMe₃ and GeCl₂·dioxane. The adduct reacted with tolane to give a germacyclopropene, while reactions with phenylacetylene occurred by insertion into the Si–Ge bonds giving vinylgermylene adducts. Release of the mono- or divinylgermylenes by base abstraction led to insertion into Si–Si bonds and formation of silagermetes.