Propyl-sulfonic acid-functionalized FSM-16 mesoporous silica (SO3H-FSM) is prepared by a conventional post-modification method. For the acetalization of carbonyl compounds with ethylene glycol, SO3H-FSM shows a higher rate and 1, 3-dioxolane yield than conventional heterogeneous solid acids such as zeolites, montmorillonite K10 clay, silica-alumina, and the sulfonic resin. SO3H-FSM is stable during the reaction, with no leaching and ...