Singly bonded catenated germanes: eighty years of progress

Controlled Ring Opening of a Tetracyclic Tetraphosphane with Twofold Metallocene Bridging

A direct route to a doubly ferrocene bridged tetracyclic tetraphosphane 1 was developed via reductive coupling of Fe(CpPCl2)2 (2 a), where a chlorine terminated linear P4-compound 3 could be identified as an intermediate. Selective P-P bond activation was further achieved by reacting 1 with elemental selenium or [Cp*Al]4, where regioselective insertion of Se or Al atoms resulted in ferrocenylene bridged [P4Se] (4) or [P4Al] (7) moieties. Compound 7 can be transformed to a hydrogen terminated linear P4 species, 8, with protic solvents. Methylation of compound 1 with MeOTf, proceeds via intermediate formation of monomethylated species 5, which gradually produced Me2-terminated dicationic 6, again containing a linear P4-unit. Besides spectroscopic characterization, the structural details of compounds 1, 4, 6, and 8 could be determined by SC-XRD. Moreover, DFT calculations were used to rationalize the reactivity of 1, derived compounds and intermediates. As a key feature, 1 undergoes ring opening polymerization to a linear polyphosphane 9.

1,2-Bis(triazolyl)tetraphenyldigermanes: Synthesis, Structure and Properties

Using the [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of [HC≡C-GePh2 -]2 (1) and a number of RCH2 N3 , this work described the synthesis of a series of novel heterocyclic digermanes, bitriazoles [1,4-C2 HN3 (CH2 R)GePh2 -]2 , 2-12 (R=Ph, p-Tol, p-C6 H4 NMe2 , p-C6 H4 OMe, p-C6 H4 Br, m-C6 H4 NO2 , 2-Naphth, CH2 -p-OC6 H4 CHO, CH2 -p-OC6 H4 COOMe, CH2 P(O)(OEt)2 , COOEt), difficult to produce by other methods. The structural peculiarities of these compounds were studied in detail by NMR spectroscopy and by XRD analysis (for 6, 9 and 10). The properties of 1-12 were studied by UV/vis and luminescence emission spectroscopy, electrochemistry and DFT calculations, indicating an effective conjugation in their molecules.

Group IV heteroadamantanes: synthesis of Si6Sn4 and site-selective derivatization of Si6Ge4

The mixed heteroadamantanes Si₆Ge₄ and Si₆Sn₄ are readily accessible from Me₂ECl₂/Si₂Cl₆/cat. Cl^- (4 × EMe₂, 2 × SiCl₂, 4 × Si-SiCl₃ vertices; E = Ge, Sn). Different from Si₆Ge₄, two skeletal isomers are formed in the case of Si₆Sn₄. Site-selective SiCl₃-methylation of Si₆Ge₄ was achieved, leaving the SiCl₂ groups untouched.

Dope it with germanium: selective access to functionalized Si5Ge heterocycles

The Cl^- diadduct [nBu₄N]₂[A·2Cl] of the mixed cyclohexatetrelane (SiCl₂)₅(GeMe₂), A, is accessible from Me₂GeCl₂, 6 eq. Si₂Cl₆, and 2 eq. [nBu₄N]Cl in one step (96%). Free, tenfold functionalized A can be released from the primary product by decomplexation with AlCl₃ (78%). Insight into the assembly mechanism of [nBu₄N]₂[A·2Cl] and the reactivity of A is provided.

Advances in the application of named reactions in polymer synthesis

With the development of polymer science, more and more named reactions have been applied to synthesizing polymers. Introducing new reactions into polymer synthesis is undoubtedly an excellent expansion for monomer and polymer libraries. In this review, the named reactions employed in polymer-chain synthesis were divided into seven types: electrophilic reactions, nucleophilic reactions, transition metal-mediated cross-coupling reactions, free radical reactions, pericyclic reactions, multi-component reactions and rearrangement reactions. The discussion was mainly focused on the progress in the utilization of these named reactions in polymer synthesis, which could be a valuable reference for researchers in the polymer field.

Absorbance and emission studies in solution and the solid state and band gap determination of Pri3Ge(GePh2)4GePri3

The hexagermane Pri3Ge(GePh2)4GePr i3 (1) can adopt four different conformations by rotations about its germanium –germanium single bonds that differ in energy across an energy range of 31.63 kJ/mol, with the trans-coplanar arrangement having the lowest energy. Conformational changes can occur among these four structures resulting in the observation of thermochromic absorbance spectra both in solution and in the solid state. Bathochromic shifts of 5 nm and 15 nm were observed in solution and in the solid state with increasing temperature. Compound 1 is also luminescent both in solution and in the solid state. The solution emission spectra are solvent dependent and the solid state emission maxima were shown to be temperature dependent. When 1 is excited at 300 nm in the solid state at 80 K its emission spectrum contains a broad emission peak in the visible region and this emission can be observed with the naked eye. The indirect band gap of 1 was determined to be 3.25 eV, which is consistent with investigations on other related oligogermane systems.

Oligoorganogermanes: Interplay between Aryl and Trimethylsilyl Substituents

Derivatives of main group elements containing element-element bonds are characterized by unique properties due to σ-conjugation, which is an attractive subject for investigation. A novel series of digermanes, Ar₃Ge-Ge(SiMe₃)₃, containing aryl (Ar = p-C₆H₄Me (1), p-C₆H₄F (2), C₆F₅ (3)) and trimethylsilyl substituents, was synthesized by the reaction of germyl potassium salt, [(Me₃Si)₃GeK*THF], with triarylchlorogermanes, Ar₃GeCl. The optical and electronic properties of such substituted oligoorganogermanes were investigated spectroscopically by UV/vis absorption spectroscopy and theoretically by DFT calculations. The molecular structures of compounds 1 and 2 were studied by XRD analysis. Conjugation between all structural fragments (Ge-Ge, Ge-Si, Ge-Ar, where Ar is an electron-donating or withdrawing group) was found to affect the properties.

Subvalent mixed SixGey oligomers: (Cl3Si)4Ge and Cl2(Me2EtN)SiGe(SiCl3)2

(Cl₃Si)₄Ge (1; 91%) is accessible from GeCl₄, the Si₂Cl₆/[nBu₄N]Cl silylation system, and excess SiCl₄. A key intermediate step involves Cl^- sequestration with AlCl₃ in the course of the reaction between the first-formed germanide [(Cl₃Si)₃Ge]^- and SiCl₄. The related adduct Cl₂(Me₂EtN)SiGe(SiCl₃)₂ (2; quantitative conversion) was prepared either by amine-induced cleavage of 1 or by a bottom-up synthesis starting from GeCl₄ and Si₂Cl₆.

Controlling Catenation in Germanium(I) Chemistry through Hemilability

We present a novel approach for constructing chains of Group 14 metal atoms linked by unsupported metal-metal bonds that exploits hemilabile ligands to generate unsaturated metal sites. The formation/nature of catenated species (oligo-dimetallynes) can be controlled by the use of (acidic/basic) "protecting groups" and through variation of the ligand scaffold. Reduction of ArNiPr2 GeCl (ArNiPr2 =2,6-(i Pr2 NCH2 )2 C6 H3 )-featuring hemilabile Ni Pr2 donors-yields (ArNiPr2 Ge)4 (2), which contains a tetrameric Ge4 chain. 2 represents a novel type of a linear homo-catenated GeI compound featuring unsupported E-E bonds. Trapping experiments reveal that a key structural component is the central two-way Ge=Ge donor-acceptor bond: reactions with IMe4 and W(CO)5 (NMe3 ) give the base- or acid-stabilized digermynes (ArNiPr2 Ge(IMe4 ))2 (4) and (ArNiPr2 Ge{W(CO)5 })2 (5), respectively. The use of smaller N-donors leads to stronger Ge-N interactions and quenching of catenation behaviour: reduction of ArNEt2 GeCl gives the digermyne (ArNEt2 Ge)2 , while the unsymmetrical system ArNEt2 GeGeArNiPr2 dimerizes to give tetranuclear (ArNEt2 GeGeArNiPr2 )2 through aggregation at the Ni Pr2 -ligated GeI centres.

New Types of Ge2 and Ge4 Assemblies Stabilized by a Carbanionic Dicarborandiyl-Silylene Ligand

The first Ge(0)-Ge(II) germylone-germylene-paired Ge₂ complex (LSi)₂Ge₂ (4) and the molecular Ge₄ cluster (LSi)₂Ge₄ (5) supported by the chelating carbanionic ortho-C,C'-dicarborandiyl-silylene ligand LSi [L = C,C'-C₂B₁₀H₁₀, Si = PhC(tBuN)₂Si] have been synthesized and isolated via reduction of the corresponding precursors chlorogermyl-germyliumylidene chloride (2), [(LSi)₂Ge(Cl)Ge]⁺Cl^-, and (LSi)₂Ge₄Cl₄ (3) with C₈K, respectively. The latter precursors were obtained from the unexpected outcome of the reaction of the ortho-C,C'-dicarborandiyl phosphine-silylene ligand PLSi (1) {P = P[N(tBu)CH₂]₂} and GeCl₂·dioxane. Compound 2 is formed in higher yields (65% yields) by the salt metathesis reaction of the C-lithium dicarborandiyl-C'-silylene salt LiLSi (6) [Li = Li(OEt₂)₂] with GeCl₂·dioxane. The molecular structures of all these species (1-6) have been established and confirmed spectroscopically and crystallographically. The electronic structures of 4 and 5 were elucidated by density functional theory calculations. While 4 possesses a localized dative Ge(0)→Ge(II) bond, the Ge-Ge σ bonds in 5 are delocalized in the Ge₄ cluster core. Featuring a donor-acceptor interaction between two chelating silylenes and the Ge₄ core, compound 5 represents a unique molecular model for a Ge₄ cluster.

Complexes of Dichlorogermylene with Phosphine/Sulfoxide-Supported Carbone as Ligand

Due to their remarkable electronic features, recent years have witnessed the emergence of carbones L₂C, which consist in two donating L ligands coordinating a central carbon atom bearing two lone pairs. In this context, the phosphine/sulfoxide-supported carbone 4 exhibits a strong nucleophilic character, and here, we describe its ability to coordinate dichlorogermylene. Two original stable coordination complexes were obtained and fully characterized in solution and in the solid state by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis, respectively. At 60 °C, in the presence of 4, the Ge(II)-complex 5 undergoes a slow isomerization that transforms the bis-ylide ligand into an yldiide.

Effect of Conformation on Electron Localization and Delocalization in Infinite Helical Chains [X(CH3)2]∞ (X = Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb)

An intuitive explanation of the effects of conformation (backbone dihedral angle) on electron delocalization in infinite saturated regular helices [(CH₃)₂]_∞Si, [(CH₃)₂Ge]_∞, [(CH₃)₂Sn]_∞, and [(CH₃)₂Pb]_∞ is offered in terms of the simple Ladder C model and confirmed by density functional theory calculations. The effective hole mass, which ranges from near zero to infinity as a function of conformation, is used as a measure of the degree of delocalization and relates to the effects of chain length extension in finite systems. The position of the Fermi level in reciprocal space has a simple counterpart in systems of finite length and is used to characterize the dominant mechanism, σ conjugation (geminal interactions) or σ hyperconjugation (vicinal interactions, through-bond coupling). Constructive or destructive interference of the two mechanisms produces three different delocalization regimes as a function of the backbone dihedral angle and analogy is drawn to polycyclic π-electron systems consisting of fused Hückel or Möbius four-membered rings.

Stabilization of bis(chlorogermyliumylidene)s within bifunctional PNNP ligand frameworks and their reactivity studies

The diiminodiphosphine (L_im) and diaminodiphosphines (l-NH and l-NMe) with a bifunctional PNNP ligand framework have been employed to host two [GeCl]⁺ units leading to the formation of bis(chlorogermyliumylidene) 1-3, respectively. The synthetic route involves a 1 : 2 stoichiometric reaction between the PNNP ligand and GeCl₂·dioxane and the subsequent addition of two equivalents of chloride abstracting agent. Compound 1 is unstable towards coordinating solvents and Lewis bases, resulting in the displacement of the GeCl unit and the formation of rearranged products 4 and 5. However, the diaminodiphosphine coordinated Ge(ii) bis(monocation)s 2 and 3 proved to be stable and revealed their electrophilic behaviour towards the Lewis bases studied.

Hypercoordinated Oligosilanes Based on Aminotrisphenols

The hypercoordinated silicon chlorides ClSi[(o-OC₆H₄)₃N] (3) and ClSi[(OC₆H₂Me₂CH₂)₃N] (5) were used for the synthesis of catenated derivatives (Me₃Si)₃SiSi[(o-OC₆H₄)₃N] (9), (Me₃Si)₃SiSiMe₂SiMe₂Si(SiMe₃)₂Si[(o-OC₆H₄)₃N] (11), and (Me₃Si)₃SiSi[(OC₆H₂Me₂CH₂)₃N] (13) in reactions with (Me₃Si)₃SiK·THF (7) or (Me₃Si)₃SiK·[18-crown-6] (8). It was found that the nature of the (Me₃Si)₃SiK solvate determines the product of interaction, resulting in the formation of (Me₃Si)₃Si(CH₂)₄OSi[(OC₆H₂Me₂CH₂)₃N] (12) or 13. Compounds obtained were characterized using multinuclear NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The molecular structures of 3, 9, and 11-13 were investigated by single-crystal X-ray analysis, featuring hypercoordinated Si atoms in a trigonal-bipyramidal coordination environment with O atoms in the equatorial plane. The structure of the side product [N(CH₂C₆H₂Me₂O)₃Si]₂O (6) was also studied, indicating highly tetrahedrally distorted trigonal-bipyramidal environment at the Si atoms, which was confirmed by crystal density functional theory calculations indicating the very weak Si ← N interaction. The Si···N interatomic distances span a broad range (2.23-2.78 Å). The dependence of structural and NMR parameters for hypercoordinated catenated compounds from the type of the ligand was established.

Oligothienyl catenated germanes and silanes: synthesis, structure, and properties

The synthesis of two new groups of oligothienyl catenated silanes and germanes, Me5M2Thn (1a-b), Me5M2ThnM2Me5 (2a-c) (terminal), and ThnM2Me4Thn (3a-d) (internal) (M = Si, Ge; n = 2, 3; Th = 2- or 2,5-thienyl), is reported. The study of their structural parameters as well as of their spectral (NMR), electrochemical (CV) and optical (UV/vis absorbance, luminescence) properties has been performed in detail; in addition, the unexpected compound [Th2Si2Me4Th]2 (3a') is also studied. Theoretical investigations have been performed for model compounds in order to establish structure-property relationships. The molecular structures of 2a (Me5Si2Th2Si2Me5), 2b (Me5Ge2Th2Ge2Me5), 3a (Th2Si2Me4Th2) and 3b (Th2Ge2Me4Th2) have been investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis. An effective conjugation with flattening of both Th planes in terminal 2a and 2b was observed. The main trends in the dependence of the optical and electrochemical properties on the structural parameters have been established. All of the compounds studied exhibit a strong emission within the 378-563 nm range, and the maximal quantum yield (up to 77%) is observed for the Si derivative 3a'. For the majority of the compounds, the quantum yields (20-30%) are significantly larger than for 2,2'-bi- and 2,2':5',5''-terthiophenes. Due to their good emission properties, these compounds could be used to develop new materials with specific spectral properties.

Synthesis and Characterization of an Eclipsed Digermylene as a Building Block to Construct a Cyclic Octagermylene

The preparation of an unprecedented Ge^I -Ge^I bonded digermylene [K₂ {Ge₂ (μ-κ² :η² :η⁴ -2,6-(2,6-ⁱ Pr₂ C₆ H₃ -N)₂ -4-CH₃ C₅ H₂ N)₂ }] in an eclipsed conformation stabilized by two bridging diamidopyridyl ligands is presented. Although it exhibits an eclipsed conformation, the Ge-Ge bond length is 2.5168(6) Å, which is shorter than those in the trans-bent and gauche digermylenes. In combination with two pendant amido groups, the Ge^I₂ motif is employed as a building block to assemble the first example of octagermylene [Ge₄ (μ-κ² :κ¹ -2,6-(2,6-ⁱ Pr₂ C₆ H₃ -N)₂ -4-CH₃ C₅ H₂ N)₂ ]₂ showing a cyclic configuration and containing three distinct types of Ge^I -Ge^I bonds.

Main group mechanochemistry

Over the past decade, mechanochemistry has emerged as a powerful methodology in the search for sustainable alternatives to conventional solvent-based synthetic routes. Mechanochemistry has already been successfully applied to the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), organic compounds, metal oxides, coordination compounds and organometallic complexes. In the main group arena, examples of synthetic mechanochemical methodologies, whilst still relatively sporadic, are on the rise. This short review provides an overview of recent advances and achievements in this area that further validate mechanochemistry as a credible alternative to solution-based methods for the synthesis of main group compounds and frameworks.

Molecular Oligogermanes and Related Compounds: Structure, Optical and Semiconductor Properties

The optical (UV/Vis absorbance, fluorescence in the solid state and in solution) and semiconducting properties of a number of di- and trigermanes as well as related silicon- and tin-containing germanes, 1-6 ((p-Tol)₃ GeGeMe₃ (1), Ph₃ SnGe(SiMe₃ )₃ (2), (C₆ F₅ )₃ GeGePh₃ (3), (p-Tol)₃ GeSiMe₂ SiMe₃ (4), (p-Tol)₃ GeGeMe₂ Ge(p-Tol)₃ (5), (p-Tol)₃ GeSiMe₂ SiMe₂ Ge(p-Tol)₃ (6)) were investigated. Molecular structures of 5 and 6 were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. All compounds displayed luminescence properties. In addition, a band gap (of about 3.3 eV) was measured for compounds 1-6 showing that those molecules display semiconductor properties.

A chlorine-free protocol for processing germanium

Replacing molecular chlorine and hydrochloric acid with less energy- and risk-intensive reagents would markedly improve the environmental impact of metal manufacturing at a time when demand for metals is rapidly increasing. We describe a recyclable quinone/catechol redox platform that provides an innovative replacement for elemental chlorine and hydrochloric acid in the conversion of either germanium metal or germanium dioxide to a germanium tetrachloride substitute. Germanium is classified as a "critical" element based on its high dispersion in the environment, growing demand, and lack of suitable substitutes. Our approach replaces the oxidizing capacity of chlorine with molecular oxygen and replaces germanium tetrachloride with an air- and moisture-stable Ge(IV)-catecholate that is kinetically competent for conversion to high-purity germanes.

Tetraacylgermanes: Highly Efficient Photoinitiators for Visible-Light-Induced Free-Radical Polymerization

In this contribution a convenient synthetic method to obtain tetraacylgermanes Ge[C(O)R]₄ (R=mesityl (1 a), phenyl (1 b)), a previously unknown class of highly efficient Ge-based photoinitiators, is described. Tetraacylgermanes are easily accessible via a one-pot synthetic protocol in >85 % yield, as confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. The efficiency of 1 a,b as photoinitiators is demonstrated in photobleaching (UV/Vis), time-resolved EPR (CIDEP), and NMR/CIDNP investigations as well as by photo-DSC studies. Remarkably, the tetraacylgermanes exceed the performance of currently known long-wavelength visible-light photoinitiators for free-radical polymerization.

Theoretical studies on structure, formation and nature of bond in a Disila-, Digerma- and distannacyclobutene ring

A theoretical study on the structure, formation and nature of E–E and C–E bonds (E[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Si, Ge, Sn) in catenated compounds of the group 14 elements including disila-, digerma- and distannacyclobutene ring formed from the reaction of 1-thiacyclohept-4-yne and E(NR)2SiR2 molecules [E[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Si, Ge, Sn, R[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]t-Bu, H, F, Cl, Br] in 1:2 mole ratio has been investigated at the M06/def2-TZVPP level of theory. The results showed that the formation energy of the products of the reaction above with Si(NBr)2SiBr2 and Sn(NF)2SiF2 reactants has greatest and the smallest value, respectively. In agreement with the values of formation energies, both the calculated Wiberg bond indices (WBI) for E—E and C—E bonds and [Formula: see text](BCP) of E—E bond in the products of two above reactants have largest and smallest values, respectively. The nature of E—E bond in the products was also studied with atoms in molecules (AIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses. The data confirmed that the E—E bond is partly covalent. In addition, the nature of C—E bond was investigated with energy decomposition analysis (EDA) and it was shown that the covalent contribution is in the range 48–53% depending on the types of E atom and corresponding substituents.

The synthesis and structure of a dianionic species with a bond between pentacoordinated tin atoms: bonding properties of the tin–tin bond

The first dianionic compound bearing a bond between two pentacoordinated tin atoms, a distannate, was synthesized and crystallographically characterized.

Group 14 inorganic hydrocarbon analogues

This Review article deals with the synthesis and properties of inorganic hydrocarbon analogues: binary chemical species that contain heavier Group 14 elements (Si, Ge, Sn or Pb) and hydrogen as components. Rapid advances in our general knowledge of these species have enabled the development of industrially relevant processes such as the hydrosilylation of unsaturated substrates and the chemical vapor deposition of semi-conducting films.

Crystal structure of (tert-butyl-dimethyl-sil-yl)tri-phenyl-germane, Ph3Ge-SiMe2(t-Bu)

In the title compound, Ph3Ge-SiMe2(t-Bu) or C24H30GeSi, the Si and Ge atoms both possess a tetra-hedral coordination environment with C-E-C (E = Si, Ge) angles in the range 104.47 (5)-114.67 (5)°. The mol-ecule adopts an eclipsed conformation, with three torsion angles less than 29.5°. In the crystal, neighbouring mol-ecules are combined to dimers by six T-shaped C-H⋯π inter-actions, forming sixfold phenyl embraces (6PE).

Single-molecule conductance in atomically precise germanium wires

While the electrical conductivity of bulk-scale group 14 materials such as diamond carbon, silicon, and germanium is well understood, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the conductivity of these materials at the nano and molecular scales. Filling this gap is important because integrated circuits have shrunk so far that their active regions, which rely so heavily on silicon and germanium, begin to resemble ornate molecules rather than extended solids. Here we unveil a new approach for synthesizing atomically discrete wires of germanium and present the first conductance measurements of molecular germanium using a scanning tunneling microscope-based break-junction (STM-BJ) technique. Our findings show that germanium and silicon wires are nearly identical in conductivity at the molecular scale, and that both are much more conductive than aliphatic carbon. We demonstrate that the strong donor ability of C-Ge σ-bonds can be used to raise the energy of the anchor lone pair and increase conductance. Furthermore, the oligogermane wires behave as conductance switches that function through stereoelectronic logic. These devices can be trained to operate with a higher switching factor by repeatedly compressing and elongating the molecular junction.