A fast method utilizing in situ generated CO for the synthesis of phthalides has been developed. DMF and Mo (CO) 6 were applied as two alternative CO-sources in these microwave promoted carbonylation–lactone formation reactions. Mo (CO) 6 was found to be the more generally applicable CO-source and provided phthalides as well as dihydroisocoumarin, dihydroisoindone, and phthalimide from the corresponding aryl ...