Palladium catalyzed C(sp2)-C(sp2) bond formation. A highly regio- and chemoselective oxidative Heck C-3 alkenylation of pyrones and pyridones

Palladium catalysed ligand free direct dehydrogenative C-3 alkenylation of pyrones and unprotected pyridones from unactivated alkenes is reported. The process is highly regio- and chemoselective. A wide variety of alkene partners reacted to broaden the substrate scope of the process. The effect of the C-3 substituent on the rate of reaction is also studied.