Germylene Mediated Reductive C-C and C-N Coupling of an Isocyanide and its Device Application

We have demonstrated a unique reductive coupling of 4-iodophenyl isocyanide, facilitated by a perimidine-based N-heterocyclic germylene (NHGe), which yields a bis-spirogerma compound featuring simultaneous C-C and C-N bond formation. This reaction, which leads to the oxidation of germanium from +2 to +4, represents a significant departure from previously documented isocyanide-germylene interactions. The product exhibits extensive conjugation across its bicyclic C₄Ge₂N₂ framework, conferring distinct photophysical properties, including prominent orange luminescence in both solution and solid states. The photophysical properties are supported by the TD-DFT calculations confirming an n→π* transition. The potential application of this compound in optoelectronic devices, particularly as a hole transport layer in PbS quantum dot solar cells, is also explored, with promising preliminary results.