Abstract14C‐Anthranilic acid has been prepared in a fast and efficient way in a two‐step reaction in 82% overall radiochemical yield. Thus, 2‐iodoaniline was transformed into 2‐amino‐[7‐14C]‐benzonitrile using a palladium catalyzed cyanation with zinc 14C‐cyanide. Subsequent basic hydrolysis of the cyano group afforded [7‐14C]‐anthranilic acid. The method was successfully applied to a benzophenone scaffold, 4‐iodophenol and 4‐iodobenzoic acid producing the corresponding carboxylic acids in good to excellent radiochemical yields (62–82%) and with high specific activity (1.94–1.98 GBq/mmol). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.