A copper-incorporated mesoporous silica catalyst was synthesized and characterized by N2 adsorption analysis, HRTEM, EDX-elemental analysis, and XRD studies. The silica material possesses mesopores of dimension 3-5 nm. Incorporation of copper within the silica network produces enhanced surface acidity in comparison to pure silica, which is reflected in the sonication-assisted rapid reaction between dimedone, formaldehyde, and amines. Sonication-mediated room temperature synthesis was proved to be more convenient and rapid than ordinary stirring. A standard leaching experiment proved that the reaction was heterogeneous with this recyclable catalyst. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2015 Springer-Verlag Wien.