C-H bond activation is an important issue. The Pd-catalyzed and non-coordinating anion improved C-H bond activation was realized through the oxidative coupling reaction of anilides with olefins under non-acidic conditions. Additionally, the catalytic activity of palladium catalysts is enhanced by non-coordinating anions, further proving that non-coordinating anion can be used in palladium-involved reactions. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.