Reactions of ortho-esters of germanium: Part IV Reactions of alkyl orthogermanates with acetyl chloride

Reacting alkyl orthogermanates with acetyl chloride in different stoichiometric ratios results in almost quantitative yields of compounds of the type (RO)xGeCl4-X, where x is 2 or 3 and R=C2H5-, iso-C3H7- or n-C4H9-. Monoalkoxy trichloro derivatives, (RO)GeCl3 can be conveniently prepared by refluxing appropriate alkyl orthogermanates with excess germanium tetrachloride.