Abstract A convenient three-step route to 1,5-dimethyl-1,3-benzazaphosphole via Cu- or Pd-catalyzed phosphonylation of 2-iodo-4-methylaniline, reduction to 2-phosphino-4-methylaniline, and disproportionative cyclization with excess formaldehyde is reported. N-Methylbenzazaphospholes can be functionalized in the 2-position via α-CH-lithiation with tBuLi and are π-acidic σ2P-ligands.