Selective copper catalysed aromatic N-arylation in water

4,7-Dipyrrolidinyl-1,10-phenanthroline (DPPhen) was identified as an efficient ligand for copper catalysed selective aromatic N-arylation in water. N-Arylation of indoles, imidazoles and purines proceeds with moderate to excellent yields and complete selectivity over aliphatic amines. Aqueous medium and the possibility for low metal and ligand loadings give the process a benign environmental profile.