Direct C-H Dehydrogenative Germylation of Terminal Alkynes with Hydrogermanes.

A direct C(sp)-H germylation of terminal alkynes with triethyl germanium hydride is reported. The method is operationally simple and makes use of B(C 6 F 5 ) 3 catalysis in combination with 2,6-lutidine as an organic base. Exclusive selectivity for dehydrogenative germylation of the alkyne over the competing hydrogermylation is observed.