The production of P-acetamido ketones from aldehydes, ketones and acetyl chloride in acetonitrile over supported heteropoly acids has been examined. This study reports the use of heteropoly acids (HPAs) supported on metal oxides (SiO2, Al2O3, K 10 and KSF montmorillonite) and activated carbon as efficient and reusable catalysts, and their comparison with other catalysts in Dakin-West reaction. Dodecatungstophosphoric acid supported on KSF and gamma-Al2O3 shows the best results and reusability. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.