MCM-41-supported metal bis[(perfluoroalkyl)sulfonyl]imides were synthesized and characterized by FTIR, pyridine-FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGDTA and N-2-adsorption techniques. The heterogeneous catalysts were employed for nitration of aromatic compounds with 1 eq. of 65 wt% nitric acid in the liquid phase. The results showed that MCM-41-supported metal bis[(perfluoroalkyl)sulfonyl]imides were highly effective and could be recycled at least five times without substantial loss of catalytic activity. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.