An efficient, one-pot, four-component condensation of aldehydes, acetophenone (or propiophenone), acetyl chloride and acetonitrile in the presence of catalytic amounts of L-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-4-hydrogen sulphate (supported on silica gel), a green and non-toxic catalyst, is described for the preparation of beta-acetamido ketones in good to excellent yields.
