A series of basic ionic liquids functionalized hydroxyapatite-encapsulated gamma-Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by XRD, XPS, HRTEM, IR and BET. These magnetic nanoparticles were used as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for aqueous Knoevenagel condensation under mild conditions and excellent results for extended substrates were obtained. In comparison with the control experiments, the high activity is ascribed to the cooperativity between the base sites generated by framework hydroxyapatite and supported basic ionic liquids. Separation of the catalyst from the reaction mixture was readily achieved by simple magnetic decantation and the catalyst could be easily recycled without appreciable loss of catalytic activity. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.