Single-step conversion of silathiogermylene to germaacid anhydrides: unusual reactivity

Abstract

A novel silathiogermylene [Buⁱ₂(ATI)GeSSiMe₃] (2) containing a reactive Ge(II)-SSiMe₃ moiety showed an unusual reaction when treated with elemental selenium and sulfur to afford the germaacid anhydrides [{Buⁱ₂(ATI)Ge(Se)}₂Se] (3) and [{Buⁱ₂(ATI)Ge(S)}₂S] (4) in excellent yields, respectively. This single-step conversion of compound 2 to compounds 3 and 4 involves condensation along with insertion and oxidative addition reactions and such reactivity of a germylene with elemental chalcogens is observed for the first time.