A variety of terminal alkynes were added to Mes 2 GedCHCH 2 t-Bu, a naturally polarized germene. Three different modes of reactivity were observed: cycloaddition to give germacyclobutenes, ene-addition to give vinylgermanes, and addition across the acetylenic CÀH bond to give germylacetylenes. Mechanisms for the formation of the products are proposed. The reactivity of the naturally polarized germene toward terminal alkynes is compared to that of the analogous silene.