A new hybrid catalyst has been developed by incorporating nicotinic acid onto an organomodified silica. The catalyst was applied as a heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of benzoyl fumarate. The reactions work well in the presence of 20 wt % of the catalyst at room temperature to produce the desired products in high yield. The catalyst could be recovered and reused without appreciable change in activity. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.