A novel palladium-mediated carbon-carbon bond forming reaction has been discovered using DNA-templated chemistry. The inventive reaction involves the palladium-mediated coupling of a terminal alkyne with an alkene to form an enone. A catalytic amount of palladium may be used in the reaction if an oxidant is present. The reactions is also compatible with a variety of organic solvent as well as aqueous solution. Both intermolecular and intramolecular reactions have been demonstrated. This novel carbon-carbon bond forming reaction is particularly useful in the synthesis of macrocycles. Kits, reagents, catalysts, solvents, oxidants, salts, acids, instructions, and other materials useful in the practice of the inventive reaction are also provided.