Silica-bonded S-sulfonic acid nanoparticles (SBSSANPs) were easily synthesized from silica nanoparticles and showed to be an efficient catalyst in the synthesis the symmetrical N,N0-alkylidene bisamides. Reaction of aldehydes and amides in the presence of the catalyst afforded the corresponding bisamides in good to excellent yields. The extensive range of substrates suggests general applicability of the method. Reusability of the catalyst, simple workup procedure, and short reaction times are other advantages of this protocol.
