A simple and efficient methodology for the synthesis of triphenylamine (TPA) in a single step has been demonstrated using copper catalyst with a ligand. The effect of parameters such as catalyst precursors, ligands, bases and solvents on activity and selectivity to triphenylamine were studied at 115degreesC. Best results were obtained using 2,6-diphenylpyridine as a ligand (94% yield of TPA). (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.