The rate constant of the oxidative addition of the benzoic anhydride (PhCO) 2 O to [Pd 0 (PPh 3 ) 4 ] has been determined in DMF and compared to that of phenyl halides and phenyl triflate. The following reactivity order has been established: PhI ϾϾ (PhCO) 2 O Ͼ PhOTf Ͼ PhBr. The oxidative addition of (PhCO) 2 O proceeds by activation of one C−O bond. Two