Fe (0) was investigated as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to Cr (II) for the olefination of carbonyls by activated polyhalides. In many instances, Fe (0) was equivalent or superior to Cr (II). Notably, Fe (0), but not Cr (II), proved compatible with a wide range of functionality, inter alia, unprotected phenol, aryl nitro, carboxylic acid, and alkyl nitrile. A surprising reversal of stereoselectivity for aldehydes versus ketones was ...