Synthesis of cerium oxide nanocrystallites via precipitation using triethanolamine is reported. The molecular water associated with the cerium nitrate precursor is exploited to generate hydroxyl ions with the help of triethanolamine, facilitating precipitation. The small crystallite diameter (3 nm) in the as prepared powder is believed to result from the limited amount of water present. Solvent type has no effect on the final crystallite size or structure; however, it plays an important role in the dispersion of the nanoparticles with dispersity of the particles increasing with increasing carbon chain length of the solvent alcohol used.