We report the preparation of CdS nanorods using a thiosemicarbazide complex of cadmium [Cd(NH2CSNHNH2)2Cl2]. The precursor was decomposed in tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) at 280 degrees C to give TOPO capped CdS nanoparticles; nano-dimensional rods of the material are clearly visible in transmission electron microscopy (TEM); the particles have been further characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and optical measurements.