An efficient synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidinones or thiones (DHPMs) is described, using silica-supported heteropoly acid H3PW12O40/SiO2 (PW/SiO2) for the first time as the catalyst from an aldehyde, beta-keto ester and urea or thiourea in acetonitrile. Compared to the classical Biginelli reaction conditions, this method consistently has the advantage of excellent yields, mild reaction conditions, ease of workup, survival of different functional groups, and short reaction times. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.