Catalytic carbonylative C-H cyclization of 2-arylphenols can be achieved in the presence of a ruthenium-based catalytic system. The process proceeds efficiently under balloon pressure of CO and produces variously substituted 6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one compounds, typically in good to high yields. Functional groups such as the alkoxycarbonyl and acetyl groups as well as halogen atoms (F, Cl, and Br) are well tolerated during the reaction.