A phase-pure A(2)(II)B(IV)O(4)-typed complex oxide with spinel structure, Zn2SnO4 was synthesized via hydrothermal method under much milder conditions as compared to conventional solid-state reaction carried out at over 1000 degreesC. The influence of reaction conditions such as concentrations of mineralizer, reaction temperatures, and reaction times on the formation of Zn2SnO4 was described. The adoption of different inorganic zinc and/or tin sources still led to the almost same granular morphology of Zn2SnO4 particles.