Aryl iodides smoothly react with NaN₃ and CO in the presence of a Pd/Xantphos catalyst to give aroyl azides (ArCON₃) in 75-92 % yield. The reaction occurs under mild reaction conditions (1 atm, 20-50 °C) and exhibits high functional-group tolerance. (Xantphos=9,9-dimethyl-4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)xanthene).