Direct zincation of functionalized aromatics and heterocycles by using a magnesium base in the presence of ZnCl₂

A wide range of polyfunctional aryl and heteroaryl zinc reagents were efficiently prepared in THF by using (TMP)₂:Mg·2LiCl (TMP = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperamidyl) in the presence of ZnCl₂. The possible pathways of this metalation procedure as well as possible reactive intermediates are discussed. This experimental protocol expands the tolerance of functional groups and allows an efficient zincation of sensitive heterocycles such as quinoxaline or pyrazine. The zincated arenes and heteroarenes react with various electrophiles providing the expected products in 60-95 % yield.