Synthesis and asymmetric hydrogermylation reactions of dithiogermanium hydrides derived from C2-symmetric dithiols

Abstract

Two members of a new class of dithiogermanium hydrides have been prepared in racemic and enantiopure form. Reaction of 2,2′-dithiobinap and 3,3′-bis-trimethylsilyl-2,2′-dithiobinap with tBuGeCl3 followed by reduction provides the corresponding germanium hydrides. Hydrogermylation of methyl methacrylate occurs with low selectivity (<3/1) for the former substrate but high selectivity (>10/1) for the latter.