Abstract Efficient methods of coupling R 2 EHCl (R= Me, t-Bu; E= Si, Ge) to give R 2 HEEHR 2 have been developed. These dihydrides are readily halogenated with Br 2 or I 2 to give the corresponding 1, 2-dihalo-disilane or-digermane. High yields of Me 2 ClGeGeClMe 2 are obtained by treating hexamethyldigermane with conc. sulfuric acid and ammonium chloride. Conc. sulfuric acid exclusively cleaves methyl groups from [t-BuMe 2 Ge—] 2 to ...