The present invention is directed to a practical process for the preparation of an enamide (II) by palladium catalyzed coupling of a primary amide (IV) with a compound of structural formula (III), as shown below: As well as to crystalline forms of a compound produced by this process, in particular, an anhydrous crystal form, Form B, and crystalline solvates falling into three patterns, Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3, and crystalline intermediate compounds produced in the process. Still further, the present invention relates to the stereoselective reduction of the tetrasubstituted enamide (II) to the corresponding amide (I).