Abstract Activated carbons catalysts from different raw materials as Orbignya phalerata , Cocus nucifera , ox bone and Elaies guineensis were tested on Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction to obtain chalcone. The activated carbons were used in both forms, raw and treated with NaOH and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, determination of specific surface area by adsorption/desorption of N 2 at 77 K method, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and basic sites by Boehm Method. Finally, the performance of catalysts was evaluated on the Claisen-Schmidt reaction between acetophenone and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde at atmospheric pressure and room temperature during 24 h.