Pd nanoparticles supported in functionalized mesoporous silica were prepared. Mesoporous silica support was modified with [3-(2-aminoethyl aminopropyl)] trimethoxysilane. Palladium ions were grafted onto the functionalized mesoporous silica and reduced with hydrazine hydrate to obtain the Pd nanoparticles supported on functionalized mesoporous silica. The Pd loading in the nanocomposite of Pd supported on the functionalized mesoporous silica is 4.30 wt%. CO chemisorption analysis on the nanocomposite shows a Pd dispersion as high as 35% and a Pd surface area of 156 m(2) /g. The surface area, pore size, and pore volume decrease slightly with the incorporation of the Pd nanoparticles into the functionalized mesoporous silica. Pd supported on the functionalized mesoporous silica with controlled molar ratio of amino groups to palladium exhibits an excellent catalytic activity and low Pd leaching for the Heck carbon-carbon coupling reaction. The catalyst can be reused for at least six recycles in air with only a minor loss of activity. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.