The multicomponent condensation of an aryl aldehyde, acetyl chloride, acetonitrile, and enolizable ketone as one-pot synthesis of ?-
acetamido ketones in high yields was investigated using commercial, non-corrosive, and environmentally benign Keggin and WellsDawson
heteropolyacid catalysts. The best catalyst was H 5PW10 V 2O 40. The methodology used simple experimental conditions,
and the short reaction times and high yields indicate it is a useful strategy for the large scale synthesis of ?-acetamido ketones.