Abstract 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,N′-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