An efficient method for the N-arylation of phenylurea via copper catalyzed amidation

The coupling reaction of phenylurea with different functionalized aryl halides in the presence of air stable CuI, N,N-dimethylethylenediamine as a ligand, and K3PO4 as a base gives symmetrical and unsymmetrical diarylureas in relatively high yields. This method is milder than the palladium catalyzed arylation and avoids the use of toxic phosphine ligands.