A solventothermal reaction route has been developed to prepare chalcopyrite phase CuFeS2 nanowires with a diameter of about 50 nm and a length up to several micrometers at 150-220 degrees C. The phase, morphology, composition and purity of the products have been investigated using X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectra methods, respectively. The Fe-57 Mossbauer spectrum exhibits a six-peak hyperfine magnetic spectrum and a like-splitted line non-magnetic peak. Ethylenediamine played an important role in the formation of the ternary sulfides. A mechanism is proposed to explain the chemical reactions. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.