A novel and efficient synthesis of pyrido[1,2-Mbenzimidazoles through direct intramolecular aromatic C-H amination of N-aryl-2-aminopyridines has been developed. The reaction, cocatalyzed by Cu(OAc)(2) and Fe(NO3)(3)center dot 9H(2)O, is carried out in DMF under a dioxygen atmosphere. Diversified pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles containing various substitution patterns are obtained in moderate to excellent yields by using this procedure. The results of mechanistic studies suggest that a Cu(III)-catalyzed electrophilic aromatic substitution (SEAr) pathway is operating in this process. The unique role of iron(III) is believed to lie in its ability to facilitate formation of the more electrophilic Cu(III) species. In the absence of iron(III), a much less efficient and reversible Cu(II)-mediated SEAr process takes place.