Germanes
Germanes are the class of chemical compounds formed between germanium and hydrogen. The best known member is germane, GeH4, but the term also covers higher hydrides such as digermane Ge2H6, as well as related organogermanes and polymeric germanes with Ge–Ge backbones or Ge–C bonds. Collectively, germanes are the hydrogen-containing germanium compounds studied for their structural diversity and potential in materials chemistry.
In terms of structure, GeH4 is a tetrahedral molecule with Ge–H bonds. Ge2H6 consists of two germanium
Preparation of germanes typically involves reduction of germanium halides or oxides, or hydrogermylation and related methods
Reactions and properties vary across the class. Germane is a colorless, highly flammable gas that hydrolyzes
Applications of germanes include precursors for chemical vapor deposition of germanium-containing films and materials, syntheses of