N-arylation of a wide variety of nitrogen heterocycles with aryl iodides catalyzed by copper iodide under mild ligand and additive free conditions ((Bu4NBr)-Bu-11, PhMe, NaOH, reflux, 22 h) was accomplished in good to excellent yields (up to 95%) and substrate conversions (up to 99%). (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.