A nonaqueous, solvent- and template-free, and straightforward route is described for the synthesis of inorganic WC nanotubes (see figure). The thermal decomposition Of W(CO)6 in the presence of Mg powder is carried out at 900 degrees C under the autogenic pressure of the precursors in a closed Swagelok reactor to yield WC nanotubes for the first time. The reaction mechanism is supported by experimental data.