Used as a reducing agent in organic synthesis, particularly for the reduction of nitro compounds to amines and halogenated hydrocarbons to hydrocarbons. Effective in dehalogenation reactions and promotes coupling reactions such as the formation of alkenes from vicinal dihalides. Also applied in the preparation of organozinc reagents for use in Reformatsky and other zinc-mediated reactions. Its mild reactivity allows selective reductions in the presence of other functional groups.