High quality zinc-blende CdSe quantum dots (QDs) have been synthesized through a novel two-pot solvothermal route employing non toxic and low cost materials without the use of inert atmosphere. The temperature is varied by maintaining the precursor amount a constant in all experiments. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) measurements indicate the occurrence of zinc-blende CdSe quantum dots (QDs) with the size ranging from 3.5 to 7 nm. The absorption spectra of the CdSe nanoparticles exhibit a blue shift, as an indication of the quantum confinement effect. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the CdSe nanoparticles confirm that the particles are monodisperse, size-tunable and possess enhanced luminescent property. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.