In this study, we have presented a new catalytic system in which Pd(OAc)(2) has been used as a pre-catalyst and agarose as a degradable bioorganic ligand, support and reductant for carbon-carbon bond formation via homocoupling reaction of different aryl halides, beta-bromo styrene, phenylboronic acid and phenylacetylene as the substrates. The reactions proceeded smoothly with high yields at temperature <100 degrees C in water without using any organic co-solvent, phosphorus ligand or reducing agents. The catalyst is recyclable and has been recycled for four times with a tiny amount of leaching of Pd into the reaction media. The amount of leaching has been determined by ICP analysis. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.