Bis(iodozincio)methane — preparation, structure, and reaction

Bis(iodozincio)methane was prepared from diiodomethane and zinc in the presence of a catalytic amount of lead. The compound showed a high potential as an organic synthetic reagent. The reaction with carbonyl compounds proceeded to give methylenated products. The reagent also reacted with a couple of electrophiles. A structural study was also examined.