The directed zincation of tropolone derivatives was achieved using TMPZnCl·LiCl. Various functionalizations of the zincated intermediates by halogenation, acylation, allylation, and Negishicross-coupling were successfully performed. Additionally, 1,8-conjugate addition–elimination reactions with a variety of arylmagnesium and secondary alkylzinc reagents were carried out to further elaborate the tropolone