Provided are methods for synthesizing metal nanowires in solution using an organic reducing agent. A reaction mixture can be provided in solution with a metal salt, the organic reducing agent, and a solvent, where the solvent includes a surface ligand or consists of a surface ligand. The organic reducing agent, such as benzoin, can be decomposed in the reaction mixture to form organic free radicals that reduce metal ions of the metal salt into metal. The surface ligand of the solvent can coordinate with the metal in a manner so that metal nanowires are formed in solution. The diameter and morphology of the nanowires, reaction speed, reaction yield, and other features may be tunable by adjusting parameters such as reaction temperature and chemistry of the reducing agent.