Synthesis of substituted vinylgermanes and germylsilylethenes via ruthenium complex catalyzed germylation of olefins

A series of substituted vinylgermanes and divinylgermanes have been synthesized in moderate or high yield via two reactions of olefins and dienes catalyzed by [RuHCl(CO) (PCy₃)₂], i.e. germylative coupling with vinylgermanes and dehydrogenative germylation with hydrogermanes. While the former reaction can be a versatile way of regioselective synthesis of products (particularly useful for the stereoselective synthesis of germylsilylethenes), the latter could be used as a complement, especially in synthesis of germylate dioxol ethene and vinyl ethers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.