What is "dimethylzinc"

n. (context organic compound English) The organometallic compound of zinc (CH₃)₂Zn that is used in organic synthesis

Dimethylzinc, also known as Zinc methyl, DMZ, or DMZn is a colorless mobile liquid Zn(CH), formed by the action of methyl iodide on zinc at elevated temperature or on zinc sodium alloy.

The sodium assists the reaction of the zinc with the methyl iodide. Zinc iodide is formed as a byproduct.

It has a disagreeable odor, and is pyrophoric. It has been of great importance in the synthesis of organic compounds. It is soluble in alkanes and often sold as a solution in hexanes. It belongs to the large series of similar compounds such as diethylzinc.