Iridium complex catalyzed germylative coupling reaction between alkynes and iodogermanes – a new route to alkynylgermanium and alkynylgermasilicon compounds

Abstract

The new reaction of terminal alkynes with iodogermanes proceeding in the presence of an Ir^I-complex [{Ir(μ-Cl)(CO)₂}₂] (I) and NEt(ⁱPr)₂, as a hydrogen iodide acceptor, leads to the formation of functionalized alkynylgermanes. This reaction occurs via direct activation of the C_sp–H bond in the starting alkyne. Detailed stoichiometric experiments using [Ir(cod)(CCPh)(PCy₃)] (IVa) and iodogermane were performed and resulted in a proposal of a reasonable mechanism for the germylative coupling reaction between alkynes and iodogermanes.