GeII–H/SiIV–H dehydrocoupling and cycloaddition chemistry of a Ni0 bis(hydridogermylene) complex

Abstract

We report the high-yielding synthesis of a bis(hydridogermylene) complex of Ni⁰ (2). In contrast to known hydridotetrylene chemistry, this complex demonstrates a unique Ge^II–H/Si^IV–H dehydrocoupling reaction, resulting in the formation of an η³-[Ge₂Si]–Ni complex. Upon reaction with ethylene, a formal [2+2] cycloaddition across the non-bonded [Ge₂] unit in 2 is observed, forming a heavier metallacylopentane derivative. These results provide new insights into novel E–E bond-forming processes and the effect of metal coordination on the reactivity of E^II–H bonds (E = Si–Pb).