Attempted proof of procedure for the preparation of cyclic perarylated oligogermanes (GeAr2)4 with various aryl groups

Abstract

The focus of this study was the proof of procedure for the preparation of 2,5-xylyl (C6H3(CH3)2-) substituted tri-Ar3GeCl, di-Ar2GeCl2 and mono-aryl ArGeCl3 germanes as well as slightly modifying the synthesis to produce 2,4-xylyl substituted tri-, di- and mono-aryl germanes first reported by Komanduri. These substituted germanes could then further be used for preparing perarylated cyclic oligogermanes. These cyclic oligogermanes would then have the potential to be ring-opened, thus synthesizing a new series of discrete linear oligomers containing extended Ge-Ge chains. The production of relatively pure arylgermanes was successful, though provided significant challenges in purification. Difficulty in the long work up procedures gave way to product loss and thus was difficult to reproduce. The generalization of this process with other xylene aryl groups was shown to be possible, but further investigation is needed to confirm. The use of the di-arylgermanes in the cyclization reactions involving sodium have not yet been reproducible.