The preparation of complex polyfunctional organometallic reagents is of pivotal interest in organic synthesis.[1] Recently, functionalized organomagnesium reagents have become accessible through a halogen/magnesium exchange[2] or a directed metalation.[3] During these studies it became apparent that aryl magnesium halides are compatible with important functional groups, such as cyano, nitro, ester, or even keto groups.[4] This observation prompted us to reinvestigate the direct insertion of magnesium metal into aromatic and heterocyclic halides pioneered by Grignard.[5]