The effect of substituents in the aniline donor and the type of heterocyclic acceptor/donor moieties on the yields of 1,2-trans- and 1,1-isomer ethylene D-π-A chromophores in Pd-catalyzed Heck reaction has been studied. Various D-π-A chromophores – derivatives of quinoline, quinoxaline, benzothiazole, carbazole and indolizine – were synthesized.