Arrhenius parameters for H+(CH3)3GeH and (CH3)2GeH2

Abstract

Rate constants for the reactions of H atoms with the methylgermanes, (CH₃)₃GeH and (CH₃)₂GeH₂, have been measured by flash photolysis in the temperature range 298–510 K. H atoms were generated by the mercury-sensitized photolysis of H₂ and monitored by Lyman-α absorption. The values obtained are given by, respectively, The results indicate that the reactivity of the Ge–H bond towards H atom attack is increased by methyl substitution, the relative magnitude of the effect being the same as that observed for attack on the Si–H bond in the methylsilanes.