Direct C3-alkenylation of pyridin-4(1H)-one via oxidative Heck coupling

Oxidative Heck coupling of pyridin-4(1H)-one via palladium(II)-catalyzed C-H bond activation has been achieved in moderate to good yields. The coupling occurred selectively at C3 position. Pivalic acid was found to be an effective additive to promote this alkenylation.