A method for base-promoted arylation of arenes and heterocycles by aryl halides and aryl triflates is described. Additionally, in situ electrophilic trapping of ArLi intermediates generated in the reaction of benzyne with deprotonated arenes or heterocycles has been developed, providing rapid and easy access to a wide range of highly functionalized polyaryls. Base-promoted arylation methodology complements transition-metal-catalyzed direct arylation and allows access to structures that are not easily accessible via other direct arylation methods. The reactions are highly functional-group tolerant, with alkene, ether, dimethylamino, trifluoromethyl, ester, cyano, halide, hydroxyl, and silyl functionalities compatible with reaction conditions.