A novel approach for additive free synthesis of nanocrystalline magnesium hydroxide (MH) and magnesium oxide (MgO) using microwave technique is herein reported. Use of 13-propanediol as a solvent played multiple roles circumventing the additional requirement of any extraneous species such as base and other capping agents. The prepared nanomaterials were well characterised using TEM, XRD, EDAX, Raman spectroscopy and FT-IR analysis. A novel approach for additive free synthesis of nanocrystalline magnesium hydroxide (MH) and magnesium oxide (MgO) using microwave technique is reported. Use of 13-propanediol as a solvent played multiple roles circumventing the additional requirement of any extraneous species such as base and Other capping agents. The prepared nanomaterials were well characterized using TEM, XRD, EDAX, Raman spectroscopy and FT-IR analysis.