Synthesis of perfluoropropyl and perfluorobutyl germanium by direct fluorination: a potential general synthesis for perfluorinated metal alkyls

We wish to report a new high-yield synthesis of perfluorotetra-n-propyl and perfluorotetra-n-butyl germanes from their hydrocarbon analogues. This technique will likely develop into a new general synthesis for perfluorinated organometallic compounds.