The ethylmagnesiation of terminal alkenes catalysed by (R,R)-ethylene-1,2-bis(eta(5)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-indenyl) zirconium (R)-1,1'-binaphth-2,2'-diolate gave low turnovers and enantioexcesses. A novel C-i symmetric zirconocene dichloride CpCp'ZrCl2 (Cp = C5H5, CP' = 1-neomenthyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl) was prepared which gave better enantioselectivity, is cheaper to make, catalytically more active, and recoverable. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd