The efficacy of various supported heteropoly acids in synthesis of mandelates from mandelic acid and alcohols is investigated. Dode-catungestophosphoric acid (PW) supported on silica gives the best yield in short reaction times. The present procedure represents a clean, practical, simple, mild, time-saving, and eco-friendly method for synthesis of mandelates in short reaction times and excellent yields with 100% selectivity. The catalyst is found to be stable, highly efficient, reusable, and inexpensive during all runs. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.