In situ Ge-Ge bond formation under ambient conditions: synthesis, characterization and reactivity of organo-functionalized telluridogermanate complexes

Unprecedented noradamantane-type compounds [((RGe)-Ge-2,3)(4)Te-5] (R-2 = CH2CH2COOH, R-3 = CH(CH2COOH)(2)), containing a Ge-Ge bond, yield from reactions of (RGeCl3)-Ge-2,3 with Na2Te or Li2Te in THF, while reactions with (RGeCl3)-Ge-1 (R-1 = CMe2CH2COMe) afford a double-decker-type cage [((RGe)-Ge-3)(4)Te-6]; by reaction with hydrazine, the latter reacts to the hydrazone functionalized, monomeric anion [((RGe)-Ge-4)Te-2](-) (R-4 = CMe2CH2CNNH2Me).