A non-carcinogenic process for the activation of zinc metal in a medium polarity solvent, wherein said zinc metal is activated by the reaction thereof with a halogen and a lithium compound selected from lithium halides and lithium pseudohalides, the use of said activated zinc metal for the preparation of an organozinc halide of formula R—ZnX, and a process for the preparation of compounds obtainable by the reaction of said organozinc halide of formula R—ZnX with compounds having functionality enabling them to react with said organozinc halide.