Reaction between trioctylphosphine selenide (TOPSe), generated from an organo-selenium compound, i.e. octeno-1,2,3-selenadiazole in tri-octylphosphine (TOP), and lead acetate has resulted formation of PbSe nano-crystals (cubes), TOPSe generated from the current method is first of its kind approach and is a novel concept. Characteristic absorption bands between 1.8-2.1 mu m in near infra-red spectrum (NIR) are observed from sonicated PbSe crystals. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed rock-salt crystal structure of PbSe with crystallite size of less than 10 nm. Observations made by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed well-defined particles of the cubical crystals. XPS analysis showed that nano-crystals of PbSe were prone to air-oxidation due to "not-so-efficient' capping. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.