Synthesis of new (−)-menthylgermanium derivatives and its use in heterogeneous bimetallic catalysis

Abstract The syntheses and physical properties of tri-(−)-menthylgermanium chloride ( 2 ), tri-(−)-menthylmethylgermanium ( 5 ), and tri-(−)-menthylgermanium hydride ( 6 ) are reported. The preparation of a bimetallic catalyst derived from 5 and Pt supported on SiO 2 and its use in the enantioselective catalytic hydrogenation of acetophenone is also reported.