New (8-methoxy-1-naphthyl)arylgermanes
1a−c are synthesized. The crystal
structure
of 1b (aryl = mesityl), determined by X-ray diffraction,
shows that an intramolecular
interaction occurs between the oxygen and germanium atoms, the
Ge- - -O distance being
2.75 Å. The corresponding (diarylgermyl)lithiums
R2HGeLi are prepared in high yield by
hydrogermolysis of tert-butyllithium in THF and are
susprisingly stable. Their characterization by 1H, 13C, and 7Li NMR
spectroscopy is reported. Dimetalation of the initial
arylgermanes depends upon steric hindrance around the germanium atom
and the nature
of the organolithium compound RLi. The reaction of 1a
or 1c with n-BuLi followed by MeI
affords the expected dialkylation product, whereas 1b gives
the unexpected iodide 5b due
to steric hindrance around the germanium atom.