A small amount of crystalline carbon nitride x-C-N is synthesized under con
ditions of stepwise shock-wave compression to a pressure of similar to 14 G
Pa of amorphous carbon nitride obtained by pyrolysis of mercuric thiocyanat
e Hg(SCN)(2). The x-C-N structure is characterized by the following set of
reflections: 3.429 Angstrom (w), 3.147 Angstrom (s), 2.188 Angstrom (s), 2.
078 Angstrom (s), 1.919 Angstrom (w). 1.763 Angstrom (w), and 1.560 Angstro
m (w). The samples containing x-C-N have clearly defined abrasive propertie
s.