Using solid complex molecular precursor [bis(salicylaldehyde)ethylenediiminecobalt(II)], [Co(salen)], a simple and surfactant-free method to synthesize Co₃O₄ nanoparticles was proposed. Cubic-phase Co₃O₄ nanoparticles of size 30–50-nm could be produced by thermal treatment of the Co(salen) in the air at 500°C for 5h. The as-prepared samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The optical absorption spectrum indicates that the direct band gaps of Co₃O₄ nanoparticles are 1.53 and 2.02eV. The optical property test indicates that the absorption peak of the nanoparticles shifts towards short wavelengths, and the blue shift phenomenon might be ascribed to the quantum effect. The hysteresis loops of the obtained samples reveal their ferromagnetic behavior, an enhanced coercivity (H_c) and a decreased saturation magnetization (M_s) as compared to their respective bulk materials.