[nielsgeode]

For some mechanistic study I need ¹³C labeled dimethylzinc which you cannot buy. This means I have to synthesize it.

My first idea was the following:

1) MeI + Li(s) => MeLi + LiI
2) 2MeLi + ZnCl₂ => ZnMe₂ + 2LiCl

However, the byproduct (LiI) formed in the first reaction cannot be seperated from the methyllithium. This gives troubles in the second reaction where you make MeZnI instead of ZnMe₂

Commercially "halide free" methyllithium is produced from MeCl which is a gas so difficult to handle and probably extremey expensive to buy as ¹³C labeled.

A literature search gave me two possible routes:

Zn + 8% Cu + MeI => ZnMe₂ in 85% yield
The reaction conditions are troublesome (high temperature and pressure) and seperating ZnMe₂ from MeI is a reall pain in the ass because the boiling points differ by only a few degrees

Second route is from AlMe₂Cl and Zn but also not convenient for in the lab.

Anyone any ideas how to get ¹³C labeled ZnMe₂

[alphahydroxy]

Perhaps you could examine the procedures of Rieke et al. and adapt them?

A google and a lit search should get you on the way...

[nielsgeode]

Perhaps you could examine the procedures of Rieke et al. and adapt them?

A google and a lit search should get you on the way...

Could you please give me a little bit more information? I've been searching for quite some time and I don't get any further than the name of the author: R. D. Rieke

[alphahydroxy]

Have a look here:

http://www.riekemetals.com/literature.html

Hopefully that will be a useful starting point...

[nielsgeode]

Have a look here:

http://www.riekemetals.com/literature.html

Hopefully that will be a useful starting point...

Thanx 
let's give it a try