In this research, Co/Ca-Al2O3 composite as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst was synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The effect of Ca addition on the textural properties and the catalytic activity was investigated. The results show that the specific surface area and the particle size of the catalyst were influenced by the addition of Ca as well as the catalytic activity of the Co/Al2O3 oxide catalyst was increased. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM and BET surface area analysis. The catalytic activity of Co/Ca-Al2O3 was investigated in the synthesis of 4H-pyrans. The Co/Ca-Al2O3 showed better catalytic activity than Al2O3 and Co/Al2O3. The catalyst can be recycled and reused without a significant structural change or considerable decrease in its activity. Graphic abstract