1,3-Dicarbonyl compounds undergo smooth allylation, benzylation, propargylation, and acylation with halides using metallic zinc in DMF at 60 degrees C to afford the corresponding allyl, benzyl, 2-propynyl, and acylated 1,3-diesters in good yields. In the case of cyclic 1,3-diketones, the corresponding enol ethers are obtained as sole products instead of C-alkylation.