Ni(0)/NHC-based catalyst system can promote the amination of N-heteroaryl methyl ethers via the cleavage of normally unreactive carbon oxygen bonds. Electron-deficient N-heteroarenes including pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline, and quinoxaline undergo amination to afford aminopyridine and related heteroarenes, which constitute an important class of compounds. (C)2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.