Homogeneous (Bi4Ti3O12 (BTO)) single-phase nanoscaled powders at temperatures as low as 550degreesC method have been prepared using the metalorganic decomposition. The thermal decomposition/oxidation of the precalcined precursor. as investigated by X-ray diffraction and environment scanning electron microscope, led to the formation of a well-defined orthorhombic BTO compound. Reaction formation takes place through an intermediate phase with a stoichiometry close to Bi2Ti2O7, which forms between 300degreesC and 350degreesC. The metalorganic precursor synthesis method allows the control of the Bi/Ti stoichiometric ratio leading to the rapid formation of the nanoscaled BTO powders, at temperatures much lower than Usually needed in the conventional route. Dielectric and Raman studies show that oxygen vacancy relaxation or internal stress contributes to the permittivity. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.