Sulfonic acid modified nanostructured CMK-5 is used as an alternative to conventional acid catalysts in the von Pechmann condensation of a neat mixture of substituted phenols with ethyl acetoacetate leading to the formation of coumarin derivatives at 130 degrees C. In comparison, CMK-5-SO3H showed a greater activity than some other homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. Additionally, the catalyst is reused repeatedly for 6 reaction cycles without any evidence of loss of activity, confirming the stability of the covalent bonding of acidic centers. The methodology presented offers reusable strategy for the efficient synthesis of coumarin, simplicity in operation, and green aspects by avoiding toxic conventional catalysts and solvents. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.