In this manuscript, not only hexagonal CdS nanostructural materials could be prepared using facile solution chemistry, but cubic sphalerite CdS phase was found as well. In addition, both zero-dimensional nanospheres and one-dimensional CdS nanorods could be selectively grown through a use of amine. The present of organic amine plays a crucial role in the growth of CdS nanocrystals. Fascinatingly, a much low-temperature (60 degrees C) synthesis of CdS nanorods were achieved via a sub-solvothemral route, this is the lowest temperature to synthesize well crystalline CdS nanorods from ethylenediamine (en) medium so far. Optical properties indicate the physical features are greatly dependent on the chemical synthesis procedures. With the use of en solvent, the green photoluminescence at about 550 nm is significantly enhanced and a blue shift was observed. (c) 2006 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.