Photocatalytic Generation\nof Germyl Radicals from\nDigermanes Enabling the Hydro/Deuteriogermylation of Alkenes

We have developed a visible-light-induced method to photolyze\ndigermanes\nthrough single-electron oxidation using a photocatalyst, in contrast\nto direct excitation, to generate germyl radicals and achieve the\nhydro/deuteriogermylation of alkenes. This protocol allows the previously\nelusive incorporation of the small trimethylgermyl group and deuterium,\nmetabolically stable bioisosteres of <i>tert</i>-butyl and\nhydrogen, respectively, making this approach attractive in not only\norganic synthesis but also medicinal chemistry.