Organozinc Generation via the Titanium-Catalyzed Activation of Alkyl Halides

A protocol for the generation of organozinc reagents via catalytic activation of alkyl halides is described herein. Subsequent nucleophilic addition to carbonyl derivatives provided the desired products in good to excellent yields (76-99%). Evidence suggests that titanocene dichloride catalyzes the formation of an organozinc species. This discovery will have wide ranging applicability in the generation of highly reactive organometallic reagents.