We developed a new method for Pd (II)-catalyzed direct aromatic carbonylation in a phosphine-free catalytic system using Pd (OAc) 2 and Cu (OAc) 2 in an atmosphere of CO gas containing air. The carbonylation proceeded with ortho-palladation, inducing a remarkable site selectivity to afford a variety of five-or six-membered benzolactams from secondary ω-arylalkylamines, such as N-alkylbenzylamines or N-alkylphenethylamines.