The chemistry of ternary nitrides is reviewed with special focus on de
velopments of the last two years (1996 and 1997). In particular, struc
tures and properties of ternary and higher transition metal nitrides,
main group nitrides, subnitrides, and nitride halides are compared, an
d a section on thermodynamics of ternary nitrides is included. Finally
, methods for the preparation of gallium nitride single crystals are s
ummarized.