Mechanochemical Activation of Zinc and Application to Negishi Cross-Coupling

A form independent activation of zinc, concomitant generation of organozinc species and engagement in a Negishi cross-coupling reaction via mechanochemical methods is reported. The reported method exhibits a broad substrate scope for both C(sp(3))-C(sp(2)) and C(sp(2))-C(sp(2)) couplings and is tolerant to many important functional groups. The method may offer broad reaching opportunities for the insitu generation organometallic compounds from base metals and their concomitant engagement in synthetic reactions via mechanochemical methods.