Pd nanoparticles were prepared from PdCl2 by green method and were characterized with UV vis, XRD and TEM methods. Catalytic studies indicated that Pd nanoparticles exhibited high activity for ligand-, amine- and copper-free Sonogashira coupling between aryl iodides and terminal alkynes under mild and aerobic conditions. This method has the advantages of high yields, simple methodology and easy work up. More importantly, the catalyst exhibits high catalytic activity, superior cycling stability and excellent substrate applicability. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.