Sr3Al2O6 was synthesized via citric acid precursor. The effects of the molar ratio of citric acid to total metal cations concentration (CA/M) on the formation of Sr3Al2O6 were investigated. Increasing the CA/M promoted the formation of Sr3Al2O6. Single-phase and well-crystallized was obtained from the CA/M = 1, CA/M = 2 and CA/M = 4 precursor at temperature 1200 degrees C, 1100 degrees C and 900 degrees C, respectively. Differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric (DTA/TG), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used to characterize the precursors and the derived oxide powders. Sr3Al2O6 nanoparticles with a diameter of about 50-70 nm were obtained. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.