The single crystal octahedra of tetragonal CdMoO4 were synthesized on large scale via a microemulsion-mediated hydrothermal route at 120 degrees C for 10 It. The structures, compositions and morphologies of the as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray power diffraction pattern, field emission scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electron microscopy. Further studies reveal that the octahedral CdMoO4 crystal has eight equivalent exposed crystal faces {101}. The possible growth mechanism of the CdMoO4 octahedral is based on the anisotropic growth habit of CdMoO4 crystals and the selective absorption of surfactant molecules CTAB on the faces of the prime crystals, and the reaction time, composition of the microemulsions and temperature have considerable effects on the final morphology of CdMoO4. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.