Synthesis of low-oxidation-state germanium clusters comprising a functional anchor group – synthesis and characterization of [(Ge0)5(Ge-R)3(Ge-(CH2)n-CHCH2)] with R = Si(SiMe3)3

Abstract

The first alkenyl-functionalized, uncharged deltahedral germanium clusters [{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃Ge₉(CH₂)_nCHCH₂] (n = 1 or 3) comprising five Ge⁰ atoms are presented. All compounds were NMR-spectroscopically and mass-spectrometrically characterized. [{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃Ge₉(CH₂)₃CHCH₂] was further characterized by X-ray structure analysis and Raman spectroscopy. Temperature-dependent NMR studies reveal dynamic behavior for both compounds in solution at room temperature. The propenyl derivative [{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃Ge₉CH₂CHCH₂] undergoes fast decomposition in solution. The possibility of the comparatively stable pentenyl-substituted Ge₉ cluster as a candidate for follow-up reactions is highlighted.