zincation

Zincation is a term used in chemistry to describe the introduction of zinc into a substrate, generating zinc-containing species that can act as reagents in further transformations. In organometallic and synthetic chemistry, zincation most commonly refers to the formation of organozinc compounds (R–ZnX) by direct insertion of zinc metal into carbon–halogen bonds, or by transmetalation from other metal reagents. These organozinc reagents are typically milder and more chemoselective than organomagnesium or organolithium reagents, and they can serve as nucleophiles in cross-coupling reactions, most notably Negishi cross-couplings, as well as in nucleophilic additions to carbonyl compounds.

Zincation can also describe directed metallation of C–H bonds to give zincated intermediates, which can be further functionalized. In practice, direct C–H zincation is less common than halide insertion but has been reported with specialized directing groups and zincating agents.

In biochemistry, zincation may refer to the binding or incorporation of zinc ions into biological macromolecules or the active sites of zinc-dependent enzymes, a process essential for catalysis and structural stabilization.

In materials science and surface chemistry, zincation can describe surface treatment with zinc to form zinc-containing coatings or to modify reactivity, including applications in corrosion protection and battery materials.

Safety and handling: Organozinc reagents are generally air- and moisture-sensitive and are prepared and handled under inert atmospheres in dry solvents.