The vinylation of 4-bromo-4’-hydroxybiphenyl and ethyl acrylate was studied using the catalyst NiCl2.H2O/PPh3 in the presence of inorganic base. Ethyl 4-(4’-hydroxyphenyl)cinnamate was formed as vinylation product with a selectivity as high as 98%. The effect of solvent, ligand and base for some halides was examined to show the applicability of the catalyst system.