Abstract The Heck reaction of β-arylacrylamides with aryl iodides afforded the corresponding vinylic substitution products usually in high yields. The nature of β-substituents, aryl iodides and substituents at the nitrogen atom influences the stereochemical outcome. N, N-Dimethyl- β-arylacrylamides gave vinylic substitution products with higher stereoselectivity than the corresponding N-unsubstituted β-arylacrylamides. β-Arylacrylamides containing ortho- ...