While numerous combustion methods have been explored for the synthesis of magnesium oxide (MgO), this study presents a unique approach that intentionally overcomes the inherent diffusion limitations associated with traditional combustion synthesis. This was achieved by forming a fuel and oxidizer complex from a 1:1 mol ratio of magnesium nitrate:glycine using the solvent evaporation method. Single crystal x-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) confirmed complex formation. DSC-TGA indicated that the complex reactivity is altered from a physical mixture and exothermically decomposes after partial dehydration. The resulting complex was then combusted to form MgO. The product morphology, as revealed by SEM, showed agglomerated foam-like structures with nanoscale particles on the order of 10 nm. This work demonstrates the potential for a host of metal nitrate-glycine complexes and opens possibilities for tailored applications from fertilizer delivery to catalyst formation.