GeCl2-Mediated Ring Contraction toward Endofullerenes

Abstract

Germanium(II) dichloride dioxane complex (GeCl₂·dioxane) is often utilized as a source of molecular germylene, i.e., GeCl₂, which is known to undergo oxidative 1,4-addition to conjugated substrates. Inspired by this nature resembled to carbenes, we demonstrated a C═C bond formation from two carbonyl moieties engaged in an aromatic macrocycle. This germylene-mediated reaction enables us to realize efficient synthesis of endo[60]fullerenes through the consecutive ring contraction of open-[60]fullerenes.