Phosphotungstic acid (PW) catalysts supported on amino-functionalized Zr and La incorporated SBA-15 mesoporous materials (PW/H2N-ZLS) were prepared by an impregnation procedure and their physicochemical properties were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, TEM, TG and N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherm techniques. It was found that the modified materials still preserved a desirable ordered two-dimensional P6mm hexagonal structure and possessed high specific surface area, large pore volume and narrow pore size distribution and meanwhile the Keggin structure of heteopolyaniona could be retained. Moreover, these catalysts were found to be efficient heterogeneous catalysts for acetylation of anisole with acetic anhydride under microwave irradiation. High yields, short reaction times, easy work-up, easy availability and handling, eco-friendliness and reusability of the catalysts were the main aspects of the present method. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V.