Selective dimerization of α-methylstyrene by tunable bis(catecholato)germane Lewis acid catalysts.

The synthesis of a variety of bis(catecholato)germanes is reported. The Lewis acidity of the bis(catecholato)germanes was assessed using the experimental Gutmann-Beckett method and computational FIA and GEI methods. The oligomerization of alkenes using bis(catecholato)germanes demonstrates the use of these complexes in catalysis. The use of donor additives in the dimerization of α-methylstyrene resulted in selectivity control comparable to transition metal catalyst systems.