Synthesis and asymmetric hydrogermylation reactions of dithiogermanium hydrides derived from C2-symmetric dithiols

Two members of a new class of dithiogermanium hydrides have been prepared i n racemic and enantiopure form. Reaction of 2,2'-dithiobinap and 3,3'-bis-t rimethylsilyl-2,2'-dithiobinap with (BuGeCl3)-Bu-t, followed by reduction p rovides the corresponding germanium hydrides. Hydrogermylation of methyl me thacrylate occurs with low selectivity (<3/1) for the former substrate but high selectivity (>10/1) for the latter.