AbstractCeO2 nanoparticles as an efficientcatalyst have been used for the preparation of 2-amino-4,6-diarylbenzene-1,3-dicarbonitriles by the multi-component condensation reaction of aldehydes, acetophenones, and malononitrile in good to excellent yields, short reaction times, mild reaction conditions, and the employment of a cost-effective catalyst. Graphical abstract