We describe a simple and efficient procedure for the preparation of sulfuric acid ([3-(3-silicapropyl)sulfanyl]propyl)ester (3) by the reaction of 3- (thio(propy-3-yl)silica)-propanol (2) and chlorosulfonic acid in chloroform. 3- (Thio(propy-3-yl)silica)-propanol was prepared by the reaction of 3-mercaptopropylsilica (MPS) with 3-chloropropanol in refluxing toluene. This solid sulfuric acid ([3-(3-silicapropyl)sulfanyl]propyl)ester is employed as a new catalyst for the formylation of alcohols with ethyl formate under mild and heterogeneous conditions at room temperature with good to excellent yields. Also, 3 can catalyze the acetylation of various alcohols by the reaction of alcohols with ethyl acetate under reflux conditions or with acetic anhydride at room temperature. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.