Synthesis and spectroscopic characterisation of some neutral tetracoordinated germanium (IV) alkoxyalkanolates

Compounds of the type, [Ge(OPri)(4-n)(OCH2CH2OR)(n)], (where R = Me, Et, n-Bu and n = 1-4) have been synthesised in high yields by the interactions of germanium tetra isopropoxide with alkoxyalkanols (HOCH2CH2OR) in different stoichiometries in refluxing anhydrous benzene, and are monomeric in refluxing benzene. All these compounds can be purified by distillation under reduced pressure. IR and NMR (H-1 and C-13) spectral studies indicate a tetrahedral geometry around the germanium atom.