1, 8-Diazabicyclo [5.4. 0] undec-7ene (DBU) facilitated the oxidative cyclization of phenacyl amide in the presence of atmospheric oxygen under environmentally friendly conditions. The reaction has been studied under various conditions and a plausible mechanism is proposed. This 'green'reaction proceeds via intramolecular ring closure of the amide followed by subsequent reaction with molecular oxygen where DBU played a crucial role. ...