Silica supported perchloric acid (HClO4-SiO2) is found to be a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for a rapid and efficient synthesis of various 14-aryl or alkyl-14-H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes with good to excellent yields under reflux and solvent free conditions. The catalyst is easily prepared, stable, reusable and efficient under the reaction conditions. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.