ZnO nano-rods is synthesized successfully by a new method employing Zn(OAc)(2)center dot 2H(2)O. NH3 and polyethylene glycol (PEG, M-w = 2000). X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and BET surface area measurement were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the catalyst. Nano-rods ZnO has been found highly effective and recyclable catalyst for synthesis of 3-indolyl-3-hydroxy oxindole derivatives by Friedel-Crafts reaction of indole with isatins in excellent yields, in water. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.