3-(N-Substituted) 4(1H)-quinolinones were synthesized using the copper-catalyzed Ullmann C–N bond forming strategy in moderate to quantitative yields. Starting from 3-halo-4(1H)-quinolones, various nucleophiles including amides, lactams, sulfonamides and NH-containing azoles have been used successfully. In all cases, the reactions take place rapidly in toluene and proceed by using copper powder as