Heteropoly acid H3PW12O40 (PW) supported on silica (PW/SiO2) has been used as an effective catalytic system for a four-component coupling process for the synthesis of beta-acetamido ketones by Dakin-West reaction. The present methodology offers several advantages, such as high yields, short reaction times, mild condition and a recyclable catalyst with a very easy work up. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.