The first general intermolecular C-N bond-forming reactions between aryl ha
lides and amides were realized using a palladium catalyst with Xantphos as
the ligand, Aryl triflates, carbamates, and sulfonamides are also viable su
bstrates for the amidations, which proceed at 45-110 degrees C with 1-4 mol
% of Pd catalyst in 66-99% yields and exhibit good functional group compat
ibility.