SnCl2 center dot H2O has been found to be useful and highly efficient for the preparation of beta-acetamido ketones and beta-acetamido ketoesters by a one-pot reaction of aryl aldehydes, enolisable ketones, acetyl chloride and acetonitrile in a solvent-free media at room temperature. The present methodology offers several advantages such as excellent yields, simple procedure, short reaction times (1-2.5 h) and milder conditions. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.