Abstract Acyclic and cyclic unsymmetrical ketones 1 are regioselectively acylated via their corresponding metalated dimethyl-hydrazones 3 by using acid chlorides or anhydrides, arylnitriles, ethyl formate, carbon disulfide/methyl iodide, alkyl chloroformates, dialkyl carbonates, phenyl isocyanate, or phenyl isothiocyanate as acylating agents. Subsequent acidic hydrolysis leads to the 1, 3-diketones 6 in acceptable to excellent overall yields. ...