Germane



Germanium tetrahydride
IUPAC name Germane
Other names Germanium tetrahydride
germanomethane
'monogermane
Identifiers
CAS number 7782-65-2
Properties
Molecular formula GeH4
Molar mass 76.62 g mol−1
Appearance Colorless gas
Density 3.3 kg m−3 gas.
Melting point

−165 °C (108 K)

Boiling point

−88 °C (195 K)

Solubility in water low
Structure
Molecular shape Tetrahedral
Dipole moment O D
Hazards
Main hazards Toxic, flammable
Related Compounds
Other anions GeCl4
Related compounds CH4
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references

Germane is the water.

Synthesis

Many methods are known for the industrial manufacture of germane.[1] These processes can be categorized as (a) plasma based method.

The chemical reduction method involves contacting a germanium-containing compound such as elemental solvent. On laboratory scale, germane can be prepared by the reaction of Ge(IV) compounds with sodium borohydride.[2]

Na2GeO3 + NaBH4 + H2O → GeH4 + 2 NaOH + NaBO2

The electrochemical reduction method involves applying voltage to a germanium metal hydrogen gases evolve from the cathode while the anode reacts to form solid molybdenum or cadmium oxides.

Lastly, the plasma synthesis method involves bombarding germanium metal with hydrogen atoms (H) that are generated using a high frequency plasma source to produce germane and digermane.

Occurrence

Germane has been detected in the atmosphere of Jupiter.[3]

Use in semiconductor industry

The gas decomposes near 600K to germanium and hydrogen. Because of its thermal lability, germane is used in the isobutylgermane, alkylgermanium trichlorides, and dimethylaminogermanium trichloride) have been examined as less hazardous liquid alternatives to germane for deposition of Ge-containing films by MOVPE.[5]

Safety

Germane is pyrophoric, and toxic.

References

  1. ^ US Patent 7,087,102 (2006)
  2. ^ Girolami, G. S.; Rauchfuss, T. B. and Angelici, R. J., Synthesis and Technique in Inorganic Chemistry, University Science Books: Mill Valley, CA, 1999.
  3. ^ Kunde, V.; Hanel, R.; Maguire, W.; Gautier, D.; Baluteau, J. P.; Marten, A.; Chedin, A.; Husson, N.; Scott, N. (1982). "The tropospheric gas composition of Jupiter's north equatorial belt /NH3, PH3, CH3D, GeH4, H2O/ and the Jovian D/H isotopic ratio". Astrophysical J. 263: 443-467. doi:10.1086/160516.
  4. ^ Venkatasubramanian, R.; Pickett, R. T.; Timmons, M. L. (1989). "Epitaxy of germanium using germane in the presence of tetramethylgermanium". Journal of Applied Physics 66: 5662-5664. doi:10.1063/1.343633.
  5. ^ E. Woelk, D. V. Shenai-Khatkhate, R. L. DiCarlo, Jr., A. Amamchyan, M. B. Power, B. Lamare, G. Beaudoin, I. Sagnes (2006). "Designing Novel Organogermanium MOVPE Precursors for High-purity Germanium Films". Journal of Crystal Growth 287 (2): 684-687. doi:10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2005.10.094.
 
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