A simple protocol is reported for the preparation of primary aryl amides under Pd-catalyzed carbonylation chemistry applying a two-chamber system with crystalline and nontransition metal based sources of carbon monoxide and ammonia. The method is suitable for the synthesis of a number of primary amides with good functional group tolerance. Incorporation of up>13up>CO into the primary amide group was also found to be effective making this approach useful for accessing carbon isotope labeled derivatives.