This study proposes a method to form ultrafine alpha-Al2O3 powders. Oleic acid is mixed with Al(OH)(3) gel. The gel is the precursor of the Al2O3. After it is mixed and aged, the mixture is calcined in a depleted oxygen atmosphere between 25degrees and 1100degreesC. Oleic acid evaporates and decomposes into carbon during the thermal process. Residual carbon prevents the growth of agglomerates during the formation of alpha-Al2O3. The phase transformation in this process is as follows: emulsion --> gamma-Al2O3 --> delta-Al2O3 --> theta-Al2O3 --> alpha-Al2O3. This process has no clear theta phase. Aging the mixed sample lowers the formation temperature of alpha-Al2O3 from 1100degrees to 1000degreesC. The average crystallite diameter is 60 rim, measured using Scherrer's equation, which is consistent with TEM observations.