Negishi cross-coupling reactions are described. This method readily provides various enones from enol triflates and diorganozinc reagents with catalytic amounts of nickel(II) chloride–4,4′-dimethoxyl-2,2′-bipyridyl under carbonmonoxide atmosphere. The rate of carbonmonoxide insertion is increased by the addition of lithium or magnesium halides and the use of polar solvents. Alkenyl iodides can also