We report here the synthesis of alumina supported copper nanoparticles from copper(II) acetylacetonate and aluminum isopropoxide precursors using aerogel protocol. The nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, TEM, Al-27 MAS NMR, XPS and ICP-AES. Cu-Al2O3 nanoparticles are used for the preparation of 1,2,3-triazoles by the reaction of terminal alkynes, sodium azide and alkyl/allyl halides. The nanoparticles are recovered and reused for several cycles with consistent activity. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.