Reduction of vinyltrichlorogermane with lithium aluminium hydride yields vinylgermane [b.p. −3·5° (extrap.)], a compound which polymerizes to a white solid in daylight, especially in the presence of mercury. Polymeric vinylgermane commences measurable decomposition above 275°, giving hydrogen with lesser amounts of ethylene and germane. Like polymeric vinylsilane, polyvinylgermane is insoluble in a