Spontaneous resolution of a bis(η1-methylcyclopentadienyl)zinc complex

► The first crystal structures of bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)zinc complexes are reported. ► Bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)zinc forms chiral molecules with η1 coordination of the ligands to zinc. ► The first optical resolution of bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)zinc complexes is reported. ► Bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)zinc complexes were found to enantiomerise rapidly in solution.