Germanium dichloride dioxane is a chemical compound with the formula is 1,4-dioxane. It is a white solid. The compound is notable as a source of Ge(II), which contrasts with the pervasiveness of Ge(IV) compounds. This dioxane complex represents a well-behaved form of germanium dichloride.
It is prepared by reduction of a dioxane solution of germanium tetrachloride with tributyltin hydride:
Hydrosilanes have also been used as reductants.
The complex has a polymeric structure. Germanium adopts an SF<sub>4</sub>-like shape with cis Cl ligands (Cl-Ge-Cl angle = 94.4ð) and axial positions occupied by oxygen provided by a bridging dioxane. The Ge-O and Ge-Cl distances are 2.40 and 2.277 A, respectively.
The complex is used in the preparation of organogermanium compounds. In organic synthesis, the complex is used as a Lewis acid with reducing properties.