A simple and green protocol, developed utilizing an efficient, heterogeneous and recyclable catalyst, i.e. zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs)-mediated synthesis of N-arylhomophthalimides and benzannelated isoquinolinones, is reported. The structures of the desired products were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS techniques. The ZnO NPs exhibited excellent catalytic activity and the proposed methodology is capable of providing the desired products in good yield and purity. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012.