The 3-pyrrolin-2-one moiety is contained in a variety of biologically active compounds including: COX-II inhibitors, indolocarbazole-based protein kinase C inhibitors (i.e., staurosporine), and oligopyrrole plant pigments.  A three-step approach to 4-aryl-3-phenyl-3-pyrrolin-2-ones from a readily available tetramic acid is described.  The introduction of different aryl groups to the 4-position of the ring system was accomplished utilizing Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of the corresponding tetramic acid sulfonate esters.  This strategy was successfully employed in the first synthesis of the N-H lactam analogue of rofecoxib.  Progress toward the synthesis of 3,4-diarylpyrroles and 2,3,4-triarylpyrroles from the corresponding 3,4-diaryl-3-pyrrolin-2-ones will also be presented.