An efficient method for the synthesis of N,N-bis(phenacyl)anilines was developed via smooth condensation of anilines with α-bromoacetophenones in the presence of sodium carbonate as acid acceptor and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) as catalyst at room temperature under solvent-free conditions by using 350 W ultrasound irradiation. In addition to experimental simplicity, the main advantages of the procedure are mild conditions, short reaction times (30–45 min), and high yields (73–83 %).Graphical Abstract