[science2000]

Can magnesium or zinc dissolve in a solution of chloroform or iodoform, or would the extra halogens prevent a metal-carbon bond?

[HP]

I know about reaction tetrachloromethane(CCl4) with magnesium at room temp and dichlorocarbene is generated:
CCl4 + Mg--> MgCl2 + :CCl2
Its interesting and for me what could be the possible product reaction chlorophorm with Mg  

[Alberto_Kravina]

I know about reaction tetrachloromethane(CCl4) with magnesium at room temp and dichlorocarbene is generated:
CCl4 + Mg--> MgCl2 + :CCl2

Doesn't Dichlorocarbene dimerize to tetrachloroethene? 2 :CCl₂ -> Cl₂C=CCl₂ ?

[HP]

Yes thats most possible recombination if theres no aceptor for this very active carbene like amines to form the ilide r to alkenes..you know the Hoffman isonitrile chimie and the related carbene methodologies
In fact may be this reaction not so fast because when using Phase transfer catalyst and biphasic reaction media then the formed dichlorocarbene very efficiently move to the amine phase before this tetrachlorethylene formation...

[HP]

Also what do you think about further :CCl2 addition to tetrachloroethyle forming hexachloro cyclopropane?