A series of N-arylanthranilic acid derivatives were synthesised by amination of 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzoic acid with various arylamine in superheated water with potassium carbonate as base. Good yields were achieved within 2-3 h at 150-190 °C. The results indicated that this metal catalyst-free method is a simple, environmentally-friendly and efficient synthesis of N-phenylanthranilic acid derivatives. Furthermore, it will work with an alkylamine and phenol.