Bis(metalloidal)ketones

A number of bis(silyl)- and bis(germyl)-ketones have been prepared by the oxidation of the corresponding carbinol or by the hydrolysis of the dithiane precursor. The ketones are all highly colored and their spectral properties are consistent with inductive interaction of both metalloid atoms with the carbonyl group. The reactions of bis(triphenylgermyl)ketone under various conditions have been studied and the results obtained are consistent with the intermediacy of triphenylgermyl radicals.