Abstract2‐(3,3‐Diphenylprop‐2‐enyloxy)phenyllead triacetate, an arylating reagent containing an internal free radical trap, was synthesised and its behaviour studied in base‐catalysed C‐arylation reactions and in copper‐catalysed N‐arylation reactions. The absence of benzofuran derivatives among the products of C‐ and N‐arylation reactions excludes the involvement of radical species in these two processes. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)