Anatase phase TiO2- nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) used as a heterogeneous and highly efficient catalyst for the synthesis of formamides and acetamides by reacting the structurally diverse amines with formic acid and acetic anhydride or acetic acid, respectively, under solvent-free conditions at room temperature. Chemoselectivity, mild and heterogeneous conditions, clean work-up and high reaction yields make this method practical for organic transformations.