Pure CoFe2O4 particles with an average size in the range 38-57 angstrom and a surface area of 60-67 m(2) g(-1) have been produced at a low temperature (450 degrees C) through thermal decomposition of polynuclear coordination compounds containing urea as ligand, with different metal:ligand molar ratios (Fe3+:Co2+:urea = 2:1:6 and 2:1:8), synthesized by two routes (a precipative and a solid state one). (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.