Liquid phase benzoylation of benzene by benzoylchloride over In2O3, Ga2O3 and ZnO supported on high silica mesoporous MCM-41 at 80 degreesC has been investigated. The supported In2O3, Ga2O3 and ZnO catalysts showed high activity for the benzoylation of benzene. The redox function and activation of aromatic substrate by the supported basic In, 03 and amphoteric Ga2O3 or ZnO seem to play a very important role in the benzoylation process. Among the catalysts, the In2O3/Si-MCM-41 showed the highest activity for the benzoylation of benzene. The activity of this catalyst for the benzoylation of benzene and substituted benzenes is in the following order: anisole > mesitylene > p-xylene > toluene > benzene. The In2O3 (or Ga2O3)/Si-MCM-41 showed high benzoylation activity of benzene even in the presence of appreciable amounts of moisture in the reaction mixture. Solvent and its nature (polar or non-polar) also play important role in the benzoylation over the supported In2O3 catalyst. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.