jats:pA method for the formal β-functionalization of aliphatic ketones via a palladium-catalyzed sp3 C–H activation pathway is reported. An N,O-ketal directs an aliphatic C–H carbonylation to form γ-lactams which upon hydrolysis generate γ-keto carboxylic acids. This C–C bond-forming reaction is tolerant of a range of functional groups, enabling the synthesis of a range of synthetically important building blocks. Furthermore, the concepts underlying this transformation have also enabled the development of a related C–H alkenylation process to highly functionalised heterocycles.</jats:p>