A general method for the preparation of 伪-hydroxyacetophenones is presented. Functionalized arylmagnesium species are transmetalated to the corresponding arylzinc intermediates, which undergo Cu(I)-catalyzed reaction with acetoxyacetyl chloride. Acidic hydrolysis of the acetate group releases the target 伪-hydroxyacetophenones with minimal production of undesired polymeric degradates that are often observed under alternative conditions.