Bromopyridine 4 was converted into aminopyridine 5 under Cu2O catalysis with an ethylene glycol solution of ammonia in excellent yield (90%). The amination reaction features low (0.5 mol%) catalyst loading, mild reaction temperature (80 degreesC) and low reaction pressure (50 psi). This protocol is further studied in the amination of a variety of aryl halides. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All tights reserved.