Cp2TiCl2 catalyzed one-pot synthesis of n-Bu3GeH from GeCl4

The reaction of GeCl₄ with n-BuMgCl in presence of a catalytic amount of Cp₂TiCl₂ gives n-Bu₃GeH and n-Bu₄Ge in ca. 70 and 25% yield, respectively. This method provides an industrially feasible one-pot synthesis for Bu₃GeH and Bu₄Ge. The reaction temperature and stoichiometry seem to be important in the distribution of the products. Apart from elemental analysis these compounds have been characterized by comparing their boiling points, NMR spectral data and GC assay with that of the authentic samples.