The first general intermolecular C-N bond-forming reactions between aryl halides and amides were realized using a palladium catalyst with Xantphos as the ligand, Aryl triflates, carbamates, and sulfonamides are also viable substrates 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 compatibility.