The reaction of 2-arylpyridines with ethylene and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalytic amount of Rh4(CO)12 results in selective carbonylation at the ortho CH bond. The reaction is heavily dependent on the solvents used, with DMA (N,N-dimethylacetamide) being the solvent of choice. Steric factors are also important determinants of the efficiency of the reaction.Key words: CH bond activation, carbonylation, chelation, rhodium, carbon monoxide.