Access to germasiloxanes and alkynylgermanes mediated by earth-abundant species.

The reactions between silanols or terminal acetylenes with alkynylgermanes have been accomplished using potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide as the catalyst. This strategy has provided an entry point into various organogermanes including germasiloxanes and alkynylgermanes. Remarkably, not only KHMDS but also simple bases such as KOH can serve as efficient catalysts in this process.