Ultranarrow (1.8 nm) PbS nanowires are synthesized in a single step, under benchtop conditions at relatively low temperature (90
C). Thenanowires exhibit a nearly perfect crystal lattice, high width uniformity, and tight side-by-side registry. Two-dimensional (2D) assembly overlarge areas (>15
m
2) is achieved using the Langmuir Blodgett method. The wire width can be readily controlled in the range 1.8-10 nm bya surface pressure-induced coalescence reaction, as monitored by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The fluorescenceof the 2D assembly shows strong polarization dependence along the long axis of the wires, making the system potentially suitable for orientation-sensitive devices.