Anti-Markovnikov Hydrogermylation of Alkenes via Lewis Acid Catalysis

Abstract The direct hydrogermylation of alkenes under Lewis acid catalysis is reported. The use of borane B(C6F5)3 as a catalyst allows for a mild, metal-free hydrogermylation of alkenes and concomitant reduction of ketones and aldehydes. Regardless of electronic biases, anti-Markovnikov hydrogermylation is observed in high yields. Moreover, the process is scalable and proceeds under mild conditions at room temperature.