Recent advances in the synthesis of organogermanium compounds using Ge–H as a radical precursor

Organogermanium compounds are widely used in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and materials science, attracting significant attention from organic chemists. As a result, the development of novel and efficient synthetic methods for organogermanium compounds has garnered significant attention. In recent years, radical reactions have emerged as an important strategy for the synthesis of organogermanium compounds, owing to their mild conditions, good functional-group tolerance, and operational simplicity. Among these, germyl hydride (Ge-H) compounds serve as crucial precursors for germanium-centered radicals. This review summarizes the latest advances in the synthesis of organogermanium compounds using Ge-centered radicals generated from Ge-H bonds, providing a foundation for developing novel approaches.