The new reaction of terminal alkynes with iodogermanes proceeding in the presence of an IrI-complex [{Ir(μ-Cl)(CO)2}2] (I) and NEt(iPr)2, as a hydrogen iodide acceptor, leads to the formation of functionalized alkynylgermanes. This reaction occurs via direct activation of the Csp–H bond in the starting alkyne. Detailed stoichiometric experiments using [Ir(cod)(CCPh)(PCy3)] (IVa) and iodogermane were performed and resulted in a proposal of a reasonable mechanism for the germylative coupling reaction between alkynes and iodogermanes.
