The multicomponent Strecker reaction using trimethylsilyle cyanide or potassium cyanide was performed in very short reaction times and alpha-aminonitriles were prepared in excellent yields in the presence of a catalytic amount of silica supported dodecatungstophosphoric acid. The simple experimental and product isolation procedure combined with easy recovery and reusability of the catalyst are expected to contribute to the development of clean and environmentally friendly strategy for the synthesis of alpha-aminonitriles. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.