The Buchwald–Hartwig coupling/Michael addition sequence has been successfully applied to the synthesis of functionalized 1,2-disubstituted 4-quinolones using Pd(OAc)2 as a catalyst and PPh3 as a ligand. Under these conditions, the intermediate products first formed from chalcones and primaryamines underwent catalytic dehydrogenation to yield the 1,2-disubstituted 4-quinolones.