A process of making metal nanoparticles comprising the steps of: providing a precursor composition comprising at least one metallic compound and at least one organic compound; wherein the organic compound is selected from the group consisting of an ethynyl compound, a metal-ethynyl complex, and combinations thereof, wherein the precursor composition is a liquid or solid at room temperature; and heating the precursor composition under conditions effective to produce metal nanoparticles. A metal nanoparticle composition comprising metal nanoparticles dispersed homogenously in a matrix selected from the group consisting of ethynyl polymer, crosslinked ethynyl polymer, amorphous carbon, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanoparticles, graphite, and combinations thereof.