Cadmium hydroxide, Cd(OH)(2), nanowires were synthesized by a microwave-assisted chemical route. The morphology and microstructure of the synthesized material has been investigated by SEM, TEM, XRD, FT-IR and TG-DSC. Electron microscopy studies showed the formation of nanowires with length in the range from 0.3 up to several micron and 5-30 nm in diameter. X-ray diffraction pattern revealed the typical interplanar spacings corresponding to the pure hexagonal phase of Cd(OH)(2). UV-Vis measurements were also carried out to investigate the optical properties and the results obtained were interpreted on the basis of confinement effects due to the one-dimensional nature of the material synthesized. Electrical characteristics were also recognized, finalized to a possible use of cadmium-based nanostructures in the field of gas sensors.