Abstract: SnO2 nanocrystal with different crystalline sizes were prepared with SnCl2 2H2O and H2O2 raw materials by a hydrothermal process. The synthesized powders at different reaction temperatures were characterized by means of powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope， specific surface area and gas sensitivity measurements. The results revealed that the pure SnO2 nanocrystallites synthesized at 120 ℃ have high specific surface area （210.3 m2/g）, and show a high sensitivity to C2H5OH gas. Both traits are beneficial in gas-sensitive detection application.