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Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Synthesis of Nine-atom Deltahedral Zintl Ions of Germanium and their Functionalization with Organic Groups
Published on: February 11, 2012
Recent Advances in Germanium-Based Photoinitiator Chemistry
Michael Haas1, Judith Radebner1, Anna Eibel2
1Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Technische Universität Graz, Stremayrgasse 9/IV, 8010, Graz, Austria.
Abstract:
Acylgermanes provide an outstanding photoinduced reactivity at very useful absorption wavelengths. This encouraged multidisciplinary research groups to utilize them as highly effective and non-toxic photoinitiators particularly for medical applications. In this Minireview, we present the most recent breakthroughs to synthesize acylgermanes. We also outline mechanistic aspects of photoinduced reactions of several acylgermane derivatives based on fundamental spectroscopic insights. These studies may aid future developments for tailor-made photoinitiators.
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