We have developed a practical and efficient synthesis of 2-phenyl-4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazine-4-one derivatives through copper catalyzed tandem reaction of 2-iodobenzoic acid with arylmethanamines under aerobic conditions. Compared to the literature methods toward the synthesis of 2-phenyl-4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazine-4-one, the synthetic method reported in this Letter has broad substrate scope, mild reaction condition, and uses an inexpensive catalyst. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.