Sn exchanged HBeta zeolite was prepared and characterized by PXRD, surface area, TPD and TEM analysis. The Sn exchanged zeolite was found to be highly efficient catalyst for the direct synthesis of alpha-amino nitrite from various ketones and aldehydes with amine and trimethyl silylcyanide (TMSCN) under solvent-free condition. Excellent yield of alpha-amino nitrile (up to 96%) was achieved within 10-120 min at room temperature. The Sn exchanged HBeta zeolite was recovered and reused several times without the loss of its catalytic performance. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.