The first reversible thermal dissociation of digermanes R3Ge–GeR3 giving germyl radicals R3Ge·, and of disilanes R3Si–SiR3 giving silyl radicals R3Si·
Abstract
The Ge–Ge bond in hexamesityldigermane dissociates reversibly between –12 and +53°C (ΔHMdiss. 87 ± 8 kJ/mol), and the Si–Si bond in hexamesityldisilane behaves analogously between –60 and –20 °C; above these temperatures, irreversible reactions of the radicals occur.