We report on the synthesis of CdSe/ZnX (X = S, Se) core/shell quantum dots from the CdO presursor through a convenient, one-pot approach. The defocusing stage (i.e.. Oswald Ripening) can be finely controlled to prepare nearly monodispersive core/shell quantum dots. The resulting particles have been characterized by their corresponding optical properties. energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and powder XRD. This method is highly reproducible, and quantum efficiencies as high as 0.7 can be achieved. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.