Lewis base induced tuning of the Ge–Ge bond order in a “digermyne”

Abstract

The reaction of the “digermyne” Ar′GeGeAr′ (Ar′ = C₆H₃–2,6(C₆H₃–2,6-Prⁱ₂)₂; Ge–Ge = 2.2850(6) Å) with mesityl isocyanide affords the bis adduct [Ar′GeGeAr′(CNMes)₂] which results in the conversion of a Ge–Ge multiple bond to a long Ge–Ge single bond (= 2.6626(8) Å).