Hypercoordinate germanium complexes with phenanthrene-9,10-diolate ligands: synthesis, structure, and electronic properties

The synthesis, molecular structure, and electronic properties of sodium tris(phenanthrene-9,10-diolato)germanate(iv) are described. The germanate complex is readily oxidized in air to produce 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, and the resulting quinones and the ligands reveal intermolecular π-stacking interaction in the polymeric association in the solid state. Addition of phenanthroline to the germanate complex leads to a monomeric structure.