The alkylation of C-H bonds with alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds by a rhodium catalyzed reaction of aromtic amides containing an 8-aminoquinoline moiety is reported. The reaction is highly regioselective. The formation of C-C bonds occurs between the ortho C-H bonds in aromatic amides and the beta-position of the acyclic alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. The reaction is applicable to various acyclic-alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, such as acrylic esters, fumarate, meleate, and phenyl vinyl sulfone.