A new method for the preparation of a nanophased ternary selenide is described. The synthesis employs microwave heating for the preparation of Cd1-xZnxSe. The reaction was carried out in basic ethylene glycol, which serves both as a solvent and reducing agent. The resulting compound was composed of monodispersed nanoparticles with an average diameter of 6 nm. The particles were characterized using TEM, HR-TEM, XRD, and photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS). (CH3COO)(2)Cd.2H(2)O + (CH3COO)(2),Zn.2H(2)O + Se --> (Microwave) CdZnSe.