The Mn2O3 nanorods have been prepared using [Mn(sal)(2)] complex as a novel precursor in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as surfactant. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Manganese oxide nanocrystals have been prepared under different condition. The controlled experimental results showed that the ultrasonic irradiation and the use of SDS as the surfactant in the chemical process play important role in the formation of the final products. (C) 2014 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.