The intramolecular Heck reaction of aromatic amines and ethers using palladium/imidazolium salts is described. The use of tetra-n-butylammonium halide salts facilitates the reactivity of aromatic chlorides. An unexpected and novel palladiummediated cyclisation is also described leading to the formation of a tricyclic adduct. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.