Based on chemical solution-process method, red, green, and blue-luminescent CdSe/ZnS semiconductor core/shell quantum dots were successfully prepared by utilizing ethylxanthates as precursors of shell layers. Green-luminescent (542nm) and blue-luminescent (483nm) core/shell quantum dots were synthesized by capping the CdSe core quantum dots with ZnS shell layers from zinc ethylxanthate precursors and manipulating reaction temperature with the presence of oxygen. The red color (612nm) CdSe/CdS/ZnS core/multishelled quantum dots were prepared by capping of CdS and ZnS shell layers from cadmium ethylxanthate and zinc ethylxanthate precursors. Results from UV-vis absorption spectra, photoluminescence spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the emission red-shifted if the ZnS capping of CdSe dots is processed at a lower temperature (about 230 ℃ ), while blue-shifted at a higher temperature (about 260 ℃ ). Trichromatic white light was obtained via mixing of red, green, and blue-luminescent quantum dots.