A simpler and greener protocol has been developed for the preparation of P-acetamido ketones by a one-pot reaction of aryl aldehydes, enolisable ketones, acetyl chloride and acetonitrile in the presence of potassium dodecatungstocobaltate trihydrate [K5CoW12O40-3H(2)O (0.01 mol%)] as a heterogeneous catalyst in a solvent-free media at room temperature. The present methodology offers several advantages such as excellent yields, simple procedure, short reaction times (1-2 h) and milder conditions and the catalyst exhibited remarkable reusable activity. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.