New synthetic routes to transition metal ternary nitrides and sulfides

Three new synthetic methods for the synthesis of ternary transition metal n itrides and sulfides, respectively, are described. The reactions of metals dissolved in liquid zinc with nitrogen gas are shown to produce both binary and ternary nitrides. The reactions of the Group 2 binary nitrides with tr ansition metal foils has led to the formation of ternary nitrides as single crystals. The new nitrides Ca0Mo2N10 and Ca33Mo6N33 are briefly discussed and the preparation and structure of the first nitride chloride containing chromium. Ba4CrN4Cl2, is described. The method of separated reactants has b een shown to give several Group 1-transition metal-sulfides also in the for m of single crystals. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.