Synthetic processes and intermediates are disclosed for the preparation of N-arylacridancarboxylic acid derivatives. The derivatives are esters, thioesters, amides and sulfonimides. A key feature of the processes is the preparation of N-aryl substituted intermediates by formation of a bond between the nitrogen atom of the acridan ring and a carbon atom of another aromatic or heteroaromatic ring compound. The arylation reaction is catalyzed by a palladium catalyst. The N-arylacridancarboxylic acid derivatives are useful in methods for producing light and in assays for peroxidase enzymes and enzyme inhibitors and in assays employing enzyme-labeled specific binding pairs.