The invention relates to zinc amide bases of general formula (R1R2N)2-Zn • aMgX12 • bLiX2, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, alkinyl or silyl derivatives thereof, and substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl. R1and R2 can form together a ring structure, or R1 and/or R2 can be part of a polymer structure; X12 is a divalent anion or two monovalent anions that are independent from each other; X2 is a monovalent anion; a > 0; and b > 0. Said zinc- amide bases can be used, amongst other things, for deprotonation and for the metallization of aromates.