Lead sulphide and lead selenide have been prepared for the first time, by in situ reduction of elemental S or Se by using aqueous DMF or aqueous SFS as reducing agents and their reaction with lead acetate. The grayish-black powder has been characterized by powder XRD measurement, XPS and SEM/EDAX analysis. Powder X-ray diffraction pattern revealed that cubic PbE (E = S, Se) is formed with a little impurities of lead in case of PbSe. Slightly broader peaks in XRD measurement suggest small particles diameter in the powder. The particle size by using Scheffer's formula is found to be about 100 nm. Peaks due to free lead particles are observed in XPS and EDS (in case of PbSe) analysis and SEM analysis indicates agglomerated particles. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.