SrAl2O4 and SrAl12O19 were prepared via ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid precursor route. A molecular-level, homogenously mixed gel was prepared and transferred into porous resin intermediate through charring. DTA, TG and XRD were used to characterize the precursors and the derived oxide powders. XRD analysis showed that single-phase SrAl2O4 and SrAl12O19 were obtained from pulverized resin at a temperature of 1200 degrees C and 1400 degrees C for 2 h, respectively. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.