An efficient protocol for the preparation of α-aminoamides was developed via the Ru(II)-dm-Pheox catalyzed N–H insertion reaction of various diazoacetamides with several amines, including aniline. This catalytic N–H insertion reaction was also applied to the synthesis of 2-(2-methylquinolin-4-ylamino)-N-phenylacetamide, a potential antileishmanial agent.