Enamides derived from o-iodobenzoic acid and Z-3-bromoacrylic acid undergo regiospecific palladiumcatalysed exo-trig cyclisation onto a proximate alkene to give spirocyclic products in good to excellent yield. Double bond isomerisation in the product is not usually observed and is retarded by the addition of tetraethylammonium chloride which also allows the reaction to be carried out under milder