Active-copper-promoted mild and expeditious N-arylations of amines, amides, imides, and β-lactams with aryl halides under microwave irradiation conditions are reported. These reactions can be performed at 85-90 °C in aqueous media as well as under solvent-free conditions to give good yields. However, under solvent-free conditions, lower yields are obtained.
aqueous media - active copper - β-lactams - microwave - N-arylation - solvent-free