The optical properties of 2D wurtzite ZnS nanosheets, ZnO dendrites, and their lamellar precursor ZnS . (NH2CH2CH2NH2)(0.5) were investigated. The lamellar precursor ZnS . (NH2CH2CH2NH2)(0.5), with highly confined quantum dots effect was produced by a mild solvothermal reaction using Zn(CH3COO)(2) . 2H(2)O or ZnCl2 with thiourea or sulfur in ethylenediamine at 120-180 degreesC. The following decomposition and oxidization of the precursor produced 2D ZnS nanosheets and ZnO dendrites, respectively. The 2D sheet-like ZnS . (NH2CH2CH2NH2)(0.5) with highly confined quantum dots effect and ZnS nanosheets could find applications in electronic nanodevices or biotechnology. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.