Preferential carbene insertion into Ge-H vs. other heavier group 14 hydrides via samarium carbenoids

The relative reactivities of Zn, Al, and Sm carbenoids in the chemoselective carbene insertion reaction of heavier group 14 hydrides were studied. By variation of the reaction protocols using Sm carbenoids, insertion reaction can favour the Ge-H bonds to give Ge-alkylated derivatives in good to high yield.