A straightforward and general method has been developed for the synthesis of alpha-aminonitriles from the reaction of aldehydes or ketones with amines and trimethylsilyl cyanides in the presence of a catalytic amount of promoted zirconia solid acid catalyst at room temperature. This simple experimental and product isolation procedure combined with easy recovery and reusability of the catalyst are expected to contribute to the development of clean and environmental friendly strategy for the synthesis of alpha-aminonitriles. A plausible reaction mechanism has been proposed for this multicomponent reaction. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.