Unexpected Hydrolithiation of M=M'Double Bond (M, M'=Si, Ge) with ^tBuLi
The reduction of 2- and 1-disilagermirenes 1 and 2 with 'BuLi proceeded regio- and stereospecifically to produce germyllithium derivative the product of the formal addition of LiH across the M=M' bond (M, M' = Si, Ge) through single electron transfer steps. Reduction of 1,2-disila-3-germacyclopenta-2,4-diene derivative 3 with 'BuLi also proceeded specifically, but with an opposite regioselectivity to form silyllithium derivative 7.