Single-step and two-steps synthetic procedure for the synthesis of sulfated zirconia (SZ) was developed, which were calcined at 500, 600 and 700 degrees C and characterized by various physico-chemical methods such as PXRD, FTIR, surface area, microanalysis, NH3-TPD and DRIFT analysis. These SZ materials were then employed as solid acid catalysts for the aminolysis of different aliphatic/aromatic terminal, aryloxy and meso epoxides with aromatic and aliphatic amines under ambient conditions. Amongst the catalyst prepared, SZ-2-600 prepared in two-steps and 600 degrees C calcined was found to be the most efficient catalyst to give beta-amino alcohols in up to 98% yield and >99% regioselectivity. The SZ catalyst was successfully recycled and reused up to six catalytic runs with intact efficiency. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.