Thermal transformations of phenyltrichlorogermane in the gas phase

Pyrolysis of PhGeCl3 and its mixtures with allyl chloride and isoprene in t he temperature range 500-680 degrees C was investigated. PhGeCl3 vigorously decomposes at temperatures higher 600 degrees C, and its decomposition inv olves both dichlorogermylenes and trichlorogermyl radical. Pyrolysis of mix tures of PhGeCl3 with isoprene or allyl chloride yields respectively trichl oro(1,2-dimethyl-2-propenyl)german isopentyltrichlorogermanes, and 1,1- dic hloro-3'-methyl-1-germacyclo-3-pentene or allyltrichlorogermane. A mechanis m of formation of these products is proposed.